Decoding Your Gold Ring Stamp: G&P 10K with Crown - Is It Plated?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a ring marked G %26 P 10K with a tiny crown hallmark with 3 bumps on the top. Does this mean it's gold plated?

ANSWER: Hi Terri,

This is an unusual stamp, G%26P could mean 26% gold which is the percentage of pure gold in 10 karat gold. The P could stand for 'plumb' or plated. If the ring tarnishes easily or if the gold is flaking off it would be plated. You could have the ring tested to verify if it is plated. The  crown is the mfg. hallmark and an indication of quality.

Peter

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, sorry but the machine translated the ampersand sign funny. It reads g & p 10k or g ampersand p 10k and the crown mark. Sorry for the confusion.

Answer
Hi Terri,

I think that the ring is '10K' Gold and the 'g&p' is the hallmark for the company name. Testing however would confirm if it is plated but I think it is not necessary. The confusing stamp was what gave me the suspicion it might be plated. Not now though.

thanks
Peter