one of the options that were used during the depression era to deal with the money shortage and likely gold shortage as well was to make class rings out of something called Goldflex, like this one. i have found descriptions of goldflex being a 50/50 combination of gold and silver, and also gold plate over silver, which i believe this one is. it is marked Balfour, for the maker, and goldflex. it's a wonderful old class ring with the number 19 on the left side, 45 on the right. whatever was spelled out in the center is long worn off for the most part, but wonderful design details remain. the original owner's initials are engraved on the shops inside: JJG. there is some patina, mostly on the inside, that i have not attempted to clean off, and some wear to the gold. band is a bit out of round. fairly sizable ring.
size: 10.75
height of face: just over 11/16"
width of inner band: 1/8"
Product code: Vintage 1945 Goldflex class ring, size shops 10.75