Is Your 18K HGE Ring Real? Identifying Gold Plating & Retailer

Question
I was given a ring. It is stamped 18k H.G.E and a symbol which looks like an A. There are a lot of small stones and one big one which is 3-4 carats. I would like to know if any part of this ring can be real? And who is the retailer with a symbol A?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sally

Answer
Hi Sally,

H.G.E. stands for heavy gold electroplate, a common use in cotume jewelry. I cannot tell you if the stones are real but more than likely they are not since the ring is plated. I do not know who uses the "A" for their makers mark. Thanks for asking and Good Luck,

Peter