Unique Vintage 10k Multi-gemstone Eastern Star Masonic Ring Jeweler Error Rarity

Description: Like a postage stamp printed upside down, a twice struck coin, or a baseball card with the player's name misspelled, this otherwise pretty little 10k multi gemstone OES ring featuring (what should be) the classic Star of Bethlehem insignia symbol should never have been released to be seen in the light of day. When enamels were applied, the blue belonging with the sword & veil and the red of the chalice were reversed. Likewise, the sheaf of barley should be mated to the color yellow, and the broken column should appear to be resting upon a green background. Those latter colors, too, were with this ring accidentally reversed. Those familiar with the Order of the Eastern Star ritual meetings understand immediately why this error sets it apart from all other Masonic appendant jewelry. The maker who bears responsibility for this unintended rarity was (the late) Joseph Gladstone, whose IWI maker's mark (shown in my photos) was first trademarked in 1917. The Imperial Company (a.k.a. Imperial Worldwide, Inc.) continued under that name until 1941 when it became the Imperial Pearl Syndicate. For more than 100 years the company has been famous for the quality of its fine gold, silver, and costume jewelry. Thus it is all the more surprising that this rings exists today at all. I bought the ring recently at an estate sale in Springfield, Missouri, and was puzzled when I noticed the colors of the Star of Bethlehem insignia did not match a tiny Star of Bethlehem pin (which accompanied the ring in the auction lot, but is not part of this sale.) This leaves unanswered, too, how the owner of the ring would not have noticed and returned the ring, demanding one properly made to correctly represent the very specific rituals of the Order. Otherwise, the ring is a very pretty size 8, weighing 3.58 grams. The white diamond tests for me as real, although this and the other gemstones of citrine, emerald, ruby (possibly garnet?), and sapphire have inclusions (further evidence they are not rhinestones), and therefore what I consider pretty adornments, but lacking significant value by themselves. My jeweler noted the tiny tip of one prong holding the citrine securely in place is missing, but he gave the ring a light cleaning for me and said in his opinion it could be safely worn. At the time, neither of us noticed the color reversals, so now I believe wearing the ring would be equivalent to spending a rare coin to buy candy. The IWI maker's mark safely dates the ring between 1917 and 1941, according to my research. I find no others of this design or by this reputable maker, so will leave it to collectors of Masonic/OES jewelry to decide whether it might be a custom piece, or one which was of a limited line. Were it without the reversals, a vintage 10k multi gemstone ring of this type, quality, and condition would probably sell within the $150-$200 range. In one sense, it might be considered of no value beyond the weight of the gold, as incapable of properly representing the very specific rituals of the Eastern Star order. I am led to believe, however, that among collectors of Masonic/OES and fraternal jewelry (and collectors of rarities in gold, silver, and gemstones generally) this item may have considerable appeal. I am therefore pricing it accordingly, with no need to make a quick sale. eBay policy will require the ring to pass through its Authenticity Guarantee process. Should that fail in any regard to match my description, I will assume both the buyer and I will be informed of any discrepancies. Also please note, as this item will be stored in my safety deposit box, processing to ship might take more than one day, but under no circumstances more than 3 days, unless vacation notice is given. Check out my 100% satisfaction rating, and thanks for taking a look!

Price: 7995 USD

Location: Blue Eye, Missouri

End Time: 2025-01-26T19:48:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD