Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Vintage Black Alaska Hematite from the 1950's




As a young child, I remember admiring the huge Black Alaska Diamond ring my mother would wear whenever she and dad were going out to enjoy an evening away from us children. She would get dressed up and just before leaving the house, she would slip that stunning ring onto her right hand. We didn't see it any other time, it remained safely tucked inside her jewelry box where we couldn't reach it.

More than 15 years later, my mother and I decided to take a drive and stop by some yard sales in her neighborhood. Attending yard sales had not been one of our usual activities but on this Saturday morning, we were looking for an excuse to go out and enjoy the sunshine. About three miles down the road, we happened upon a yard sale and there on the table was a huge Black Alaska Hematite ring (it is the one pictured in the navy blue ring case).  I tried it on and it was a perfect fit!  What made that find so special was that I had been looking for one like my mothers but the jewelry stores in the 1980's were carrying smaller versions, not nearly as elegant and beautiful as the 1950's originals.  I purchased that ring for $15 and as anyone who knows me can confirm, it has hardly left my right hand.  I have worn it almost every day; all day, in the shower, doing dishes, housework, and to the office. Contrary to what most people believe, these stones can take a lot of wear and tear. This ring is just as beautiful today (20 years later) as it was when I purchased it.

Over the years, I have picked up two more of these elegant rings (I have to have at least two spares!) from antique shops for excellent prices.  The one in the green case is identical to mom's and the one in the blue case is the same only done in white gold which is more rare than the yellow gold. 

The pretty drop earrings were found in a full Buxton jewelry box that mom and I purchased at an auction for $5 during the early 1980's.  They had originally been screw backs, however, I had a jeweler convert them to pierced so I could enjoy wearing them.  They are done in 10kt gold, just like the rings.

My mother purchased the large pendant and clip earrings about five years ago among other costume jewelry and although they are not genuine gold, they compliment my many rings perfectly.

During the 1950's, these large marquise-shaped hematite rings were all the rage, as popular then as the Mood rings of the 1970's or Slave rings of the 1980's. I have had more compliments on my Black Alaska ring than any other. If you have the opportunity to pick up one of the 1950's originals, go for it!  They make your hand look graceful and elegant and believe me, no one who sees you wearing it will be looking past it to check your manicure!

PS:  To My Mom:  Thank you for introducing me to these gorgeous Black Alaska Hematite stones and for sharing my love of vintage jewelry and most of all, "Happy Birthday, I Love You"!!!!



25 comments:

Carmine said...

Deb, that is a beautiful story. The reason I came upon your website is because I was researching the price for insurance replacement for these babies are no longer available in stores. Instead a got a gift reading your story. I too have many stories with my Mom. She is gone now and those precious moments with her are priceless.

Love & Peace.

Josie

Carmine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Those are absolutely gorgeous! I am looking for a a ring kinda like the one in the mint green box. My mom wore one for years and unfortunately someone broke into her home and stole it and I have been trying to find one similar to give her. The one she owned though was full encased setting with a heart cut out of the gold on either side. Any suggestions or are you willing to part with some of those beautiful pieces! lannymv@hotmail.com

tamms31 said...

Hi,
The rings you have are exactly what I am looking for, and you are right they are very hard to find. I work with a gal who lost both her parents in a car accident a few years ago...She mentioned that the one thing she wanted most was her mom's Black Alaskan ring...but somewhere along the way it went missing and she never did find it. She described almost exactly as your mom's. I've been checking garage sales, and have had my parents searching auctions for me, but still nothing. I'd love to find one for her, do you have any for sale, or perhaps know where I could track one down?

Menopausal New Mom said...

Hi Tamms31, Yes they are hard to find but not impossible. If you email me directly at menonewmom@yahoo.ca I will find out exactly what you are looking for and see if I can help. At this time, I don't have any for sale but I do find them occassionally and pass up those that are duplicates of what I already have. Email me and we can "chat"

Deb

Anonymous said...

If any of you know where I can purchase a ring like the one on the far left is is an exactly like the one my mother had when I was little. I used to play dress up with it and wore it as a teenager.

Unfortuately when my mother passed away a lot of her jewlry ended up going missing. I would love to fine one like my mom's.

If you have any points in the right direction my e-mail address is staceyavery37727@comcast.net.

Bonnie said...

Dear Deb, I have my mother's old ring .The stone has been badly broken .Any idea where I can get a stone to replace it ? Or do I have to buy a whole new ring & how do I find out prices?E-mail me at bar_5@hotmail.com thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi Deb, beautiful story....I cama to your site by accidentas I was looking to find someone interested in mens cufflinks and tie pin. These are also from the 50's and would like to know if you might have someone of interest? email is debwhitelaw@rogers.com
Thank you for reading
Debbie

arlene said...

i had a very large ring that unfortunetly broke while on my finger and fell off without me noticing, i would really love another one

arlene said...

i had a very large one which broke on my finger without my noticing it and i lost it, i would really love another one

Delmarie said...

What a beautiful story Deb. I have recently lost my mother to Alzheimer's and remember all the times we spent together too. She loved going to garage and yard sales. Those moments I spent with my mom were priceless. I had a Black Alaska ring in the 60's but not quite as big as the ones you have. I would love to find one for myself as they are very elegant and beautiful.

Anonymous said...

hello, my grandmother recently gave me her ring that is very similar to the ones shown. I have admired it since I was a child. She believes that it was in the 1930's when her husband gave it to her. Out of curiousty do you have any idea what they would be worth?

Anonymous said...

Deb do you sell any of these beautiful rings? I am truly interested in purchasing for my mom.

Leanne
lannymv@hotmail.com

Cindy said...

I have been looking everywhere for one of these rings. My mother owned one which was lost/stolen in the 80's. I would love to replace it for her. Any ideas where I can buy one.

Erin M. said...

I HAVE one I am looking to sell, any idea of value?? It is identical to the first one in the first pic (green box). I can send pictures if anyone is interested! I am in Canada but am willing to ship!

Erin M. said...

My email address, by the way (oops!) is pink_sox@telus.net

Anonymous said...

My husband started a jewellery store in Windsor, ont. in 1955 and after 6 yrs. closed it down and ran his business from home. He had a lot of stock left over which he took home and stored on a shelf in the basement. After he passed away 3 years ago, as I was going thru some of the things, I found a big box of rings - among them 15 Black 10K gold Alaska Diamond rings which I still have and don't know what to do with them. Has anyone got any suggestions?? I would like to sell them but have no idea of the price. Some of the rings still have price tags on them -- up to $27.50 which was a lot for a ring in the fifties.
I could send you my e-mail address if you so desire......... Josephine.

Menopausal New Mom said...

Yes Josephine, please send me your email address at menonewmom@yahoo.ca Would love to "chat" and see if we can do something together. Deb

Anonymous said...

Josephine, I live in Leamington and am interested in your rings. May I see them? Would like to purchase one for my mother in law and maybe another one for me... My e mail is stephtremblayrvt@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I have a black alaskan ring too.My husband bought it for my birthday,it is 27 yrs old/I was thinking on selling it but I've changed my mind after reading your stories.I think I will keep it.You don't see them in the store with that kind of settings anymore.thanks

Bob G. said...

My wife passed away Jan of 2012. I found a box containg a necklace and earrings. They were hand made by Astor. Using Alaska black diamonds. I assume, She bought these years ago. We were married 46years. Not sure as to when they were made. I did notice while typing this that the earrings are the screw on type. Can anyone give me any info of these items. They are 1/20 of 12 kt. gold filled.

debbie said...

JOSEPHINE..I WOULD LOVE TO PURCHASE SOME OF YOUR BLACK ALASKAN RINGS SEND ME AN EMAIL...DEBBIE

Anonymous said...

wHi Debbie;
I just noticed your comment.
If you are interested in Black Diamond Hematite rings please drop me a line. Thank you... Josephine

Anonymous said...

Debbie:

I forgot to include my e-mail address in your comment that you are interested in Black Alaska Diamond Rings. My e-mail address is: ebacic@cogeco.ca
I live in Windsor, Ont.

Anonymous said...

I have a ring as one in the blue box which I have worn for over 50 years..Got when I was 16 yrs old and am now 68, Mother gave it to me and I will never part with it..Sure would like to know value of it though as am passing on within family.. Shirl [shirlfranm@yahoo.com] Edmonton AB