1965 Texas Western 10K Gold Class Ring, UTEP History View Watchlist >
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Pickup
$0.00
Signature Confirmed Shipping
$12.00
($3.00 as additional item)
Lot # JE111
System ID # 22277712
Start Date
End Date
6 Watching
1965 Texas Western 10K Gold Class Ring, UTEP History
Step into a landmark era of collegiate pride and sports history with this authentic 1965 Texas Western College (now UTEP) class ring, crafted in solid 10K yellow gold. Featuring a striking black onyx centerpiece, this substantial and detailed ring captures the spirit of Texas Western just before its groundbreaking 1966 NCAA basketball championship — a historic moment in American athletics.
Details & Specifications
- Material: Solid 10K yellow gold, verified by the clear interior hallmark “STAR ENG. CO 10K ©.”
- Stone: A polished 11.4 mm black onyx cabochon, bezel-set and smoothly domed, providing a striking visual contrast to the warm gold.
- Design Details: The ring’s shoulders are richly decorated with raised engravings, including:
- The Texas Western College seal, featuring the star and laurel emblem.
- The Miners mascot with a pickaxe, honoring El Paso’s mining heritage.
- The graduation year “1965” in bold numerals, prominently displayed.
- Personal Engraving: Inside, the engraved initials “JWD” connect this piece directly to its original owner.
Historical Context & Provenance
Texas Western College, renamed the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1967, made national headlines in 1966 when its basketball team won the NCAA Championship with the first all-Black starting lineup, breaking racial barriers in sports. This ring, from the class of 1965, comes from the pivotal year leading up to that historic victory, making it a meaningful artifact for collectors of sports memorabilia and civil rights history.
Condition
Overall good vintage condition, consistent with age and gentle use:
- Some minor surface wear, especially on the left side where certain letters show light softening, typical for a ring of this age.
- The black onyx stone is securely set and remains in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks.
- The gold surface has retained its original patina; polishing is left to the buyer’s preference to preserve vintage integrity.
Dimensions & Weight
- Dimensions: 1.18" x 1.02" x 1" (30 mm x 26 mm x 25 mm)
- Stone: Black Onyx, 11.4 mm diameter
- Ring Size: 10.5 (US)
- Weight: 24 grams
This 1965 Texas Western College class ring is a rare and evocative collectible — perfect for UTEP alumni, sports historians, or collectors of vintage collegiate jewelry. With its authentic connection to a transformative period in American sports, its finely crafted gold-and-onyx design, and its distinctive maker’s hallmark, this piece offers both historical significance and enduring beauty.
Our Commitment to You:
Customer Guarantee
At Mesilla Valley Estate Sales, we take pride in the authenticity and quality of each item we offer. Here's our commitment to you:
- Authenticity Assurance: We guarantee this item to be authentic, handpicked from pre-owned estate collections.
- Accurate Description: We guarantee that the type of metal, weight, and maker of each item are described accurately on our website. We ensure thorough verification of these specifics before listing.
- Review at Pickup: You will have the opportunity to review your item during the designated pickup time. We encourage you to inspect your purchase to confirm that it matches the description provided. Please note, once you leave the property with the item, it is considered yours.
Please Note:
- Diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades are approximate and determined while mounted.
- Treatment of colored stones, pearls, and other gemstones to enhance their appearance is common; these treatments may or may not be noted.
In the rare event of a typographical error in our listings, including gem descriptions and pricing, we reserve the right to correct such errors. If an item is sold based on incorrect information, we will provide a full refund to the buyer and adjust the product information accordingly.
Our guarantee aligns with our pickup policy, ensuring you have the opportunity to review your purchase at the designated pickup time and location. It's important to understand that once the item is picked up, the sale is final, and the item cannot be returned.
We believe that the jewelry you purchase will become cherished heirlooms, admired for generations.
Your satisfaction and trust in our offerings are paramount to us.
