Understanding 18K HGE Gold Ring: What Does It Mean?

Question
QUESTION: hi, i have a ring, it is very nice, i got it so many yeas ago, and still to this day do not know if it is real? it says on the inside of the ring 18ktHGE what does the HGE stand for?  please let me know, thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Liz and thank you for your inquiry. Your ring is 18K Hard Gold Electroplate. Meaning the ring is a base metal construction plated with 18K gold. Enjoy !

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QUESTION: ok, thank you for letting me know that, now how do i know if the gems in the ring are real? there are 19 small gems in the ring and i dont know if they are real they are kindove small, so i dont know how i could do the "scratch" test? let me know?

Answer
Hello Liz. The only way to identify or tell whether the stones are genuine is to have a gemologist or estate appraiser check them. I'm not a believer in the "scratch" test and it would be especially difficult with small stones. Hope this helps ! Enjoy your ring !