Determining a ring's worth

[Steve in PR]

That's close enough but that only reflects the value of the metals. Pappy is absolutely right, you can get a lot more for it.

[MinelabMan]

Cool ring, let us know how you make out!

[don716]

You should take it to a well known jewerly store and have them check it out for you free of charge.I did that last weekend.I had 3 rings that I found and took them to a local jewerly store to have them looked at.The main one I wanted to be real wasn't but that was ok.They cleaned them free and priced them too.Not worth as much as I wanted but they are great finds for me.
Donny

[Captain]

all my finds, I use this rule.

what is it worth to me.
{ The Item may not be worth much, but I like it.}
what is worth to jeweler.
{ They look at to values, Mint and melted down.}
what is the possible value to someone else.
{someone may want it for their collection; great auction spot on this site}
what is worth of the metal.
{ usually melted down value }
If I cant liquidate it; then its worthless for the most part to me.

Additionally,
be careful with Jewelers, they all claim they don't pay full value of gold due the loss after the melt down. this is true to some degree; mostly anything below 24K. This is only true if they trying to separate the metal added to the gold. If the jeweler; like most-
group the gold together per type. they the loss isn't near as bad as they claim. They know you don't much of an outlet of scrap gold - other than them.
My suggestion is work the melt process yourself. If not, I would make very friendly with one peculiar jeweler. Odds are you wont come up with more than 1/2 oz. of any gold by means of jewelry per year anyways.
Gems are a different Story all together, just as dangerous; when it comes to pricing.
Rings found with diamonds or other gems. if in mint condition or can be polished up to look like mint or in excellent condition are worth more because of the setting and workmanship. will you get full value, no..only if you sell it to someone that wants the ring.
It my thinking you need to be, OK with turning down the greed meter. Then sell your finds to whom ever you trust or like.
Me personally I will melt down most of my gold into 1/2 OZ bars... if I ever get a 1/2 of one type of gold. { 18-24k }
In any event; save your gold into groups. As soon as you find your outlets for your finds, you like in; like flin.

Just a Swinging-
Savvy