Crossword Genius

Proper gold ring, original (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

primordial

'original' is the definition.
('primordial' can be a synonym of 'original')

'proper gold ring' is the wordplay.
'proper' becomes 'prim' ('prim' can be similar in meaning to 'proper').
'gold' becomes 'or' ('or' is the heraldic name for gold).
'ring' becomes 'dial' (I've seen this before).
'prim'+'or'+'dial'='PRIMORDIAL'

(Other definitions for primordial that I've seen before include "from the first" , "From the beginning of time" , "Having existed from the very start - limp or arid (anag)" , "Existing from the start of time" , "Original" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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