Uranium Glass Ring Value Guide

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Uranium Glass Ring
Estimated Value
$85 – $95
Period
1900-1920
Origin
Uncertain, but widespread in Europe and North America
Materials
Uranium glass, gold

Dating from the peak popularity era of 1880-1920, these rings feature uranium oxide-infused glass that produces a signature neon glow. They are highly collectible for their historical transition from Victorian novelty to a wartime-restricted material.

What Is Uranium Glass Ring Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Ring is $85 - $95 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The intensity of the glow under ultraviolet light significantly impacts the market price.
  • The purity and karat weight of the gold band setting compared to gold-filled alternatives.
  • The physical condition of the glass gemstone, specifically the absence of chips or surface abrasions.
  • Historical provenance and the presence of original early 20th-century design motifs.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Ring?

  • Verify the signature vibrant green or yellow-green luminescence under a UV or blacklight source.
  • Check for a gold hallmark on the inner band consistent with early 20th-century European or North American jewelry.
  • Look for the 'Vaseline glass' oily sheen or transparency characteristic of pre-WWII glass production.
  • Examine the setting for period-correct craftsmanship typical of the 1900-1920 era.

History of Uranium Glass Ring

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, experienced its peak popularity from the 1880s through the 1920s. It was favored for its unique glow under ultraviolet light, a result of the uranium oxide incorporated into the glass mixture. Though its production ceased almost entirely during World War II due to uranium's strategic importance, it remains a captivating collectible for its historical significance and distinctive luminescence.

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