by Jesús Zabala - 4 min read

Does Gold Plated Jewelry Have a Stamp?

Gold has long been a luxury and wealth symbol with bright appeal. Yet, not everyone can afford to invest in solid gold jewelry. That is why another affordable option allows you to enjoy the beauty of gold: gold plating. But how will you recognize it? Does gold plated jewelry have a stamp?

Gold plating is made by applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal, typically brass and copper, offering a luxurious look. Gold-plated jewelry’s popularity comes from its durability and versatility. So, we will discuss gold plating and its stamps, as well as their symbols and factors affecting them.

Stay tuned to discover how to tell if jewelry is gold plated!

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Lea Rae

Understanding Gold Plating

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is electrochemically bonded to the surface of a base metal, usually brass, copper, or stainless steel. The jewelry is submerged in a solution that contains gold, and an electric current is applied, causing gold particles to adhere to the metal surface. The thickness of the gold layer can vary, but it is usually around 0.5 to 2.5 microns thick.

The base metal provides durability and structure, while the gold coating gives the piece a shiny look. Since the gold layer is thin, it can wear off over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to harsh conditions like water or chemicals.

To extend the life of gold-plated jewelry, we recommend handling it with care, avoiding moisture, and storing it properly. Gold-plated items offer an affordable alternative to solid gold while maintaining an elegant appearance. If you want to get a new piece of jewelry, our collection includes gold-plated necklaces, rings, and pendant necklaces.

Does Gold Plated Jewelry Have a Stamp?

Gold-plated jewelry may have a stamp, but it is different from the stamps found on solid gold jewelry. Solid gold jewelry is usually stamped with karat stamps that indicate the gold’s purity, such as “10K,” “14K,” “18K,” or “24K.” These numbers represent the karat weight of the gold, with higher numbers indicating a higher percentage of pure gold in the piece.

On the other hand, gold-plated jewelry is stamped to indicate that it is not solid gold but plated. Common gold plated jewelry markings include “GP” (gold plated), “GEP” (gold electroplated), or “HGE” (heavy gold electroplate). These stamps indicate the piece has a thin gold layer over a base metal.

Sometimes, the thickness of the gold layer may also be indicated, such as “1 micron” or “2.5 microns”. The key difference is that solid gold jewelry is stamped to verify its gold content and value, while the stamp on gold-plated jewelry discloses that only the outer layer is gold.

Is all gold stamped?

While not all gold jewelry must be stamped, it is common in many countries. For instance, gold jewelry over 10K or higher is usually stamped in the US.

Common Stamps and Symbols Found on Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is often stamped with specific marks to indicate its metal composition. Let’s see what are the markings of gold-plated:

GP (gold-plated), which is a common stamp.
HGE (heavy gold electroplate) is a thicker gold plating, usually 100 millionths of an inch or more.
RGP (rolled gold plate) refers to a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal.

Gold-filled stamps

GF (gold-filled) means that gold-filled items have a thicker layer of gold than gold-plated items, usually at least 5% of the item’s weight. Common markings include 1/20 12K GF, indicating 1/20th of the item’s weight is 12-karat gold.
1/20 14K GF is a specific gold-filled stamp indicating that 1/20 of the piece is 14K gold.

Vermeil stamps

925: Vermeil jewelry is usually sterling silver coated with gold. It often has a “925” stamp, indicating sterling silver, with additional gold plating.

Other symbols

GEP or Gold electroplate, meaning the gold is applied using an electroplating process.
Karat marks (K) indicate the purity of the gold layer, such as 14K or 18K.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Lea Rae

Factors Affecting Stamps on Gold-plated Jewelry

Stamping on gold-plated jewelry is influenced by several factors, including variations in stamping practices and regulatory requirements. Stamps, such as GP or GEP, help indicate the type of plating and the underlying metal.

However, these stamps can vary by country, as different regions have specific hallmarking regulations. In some places, stamps must meet legal standards for disclosing the amount of gold content to ensure transparency.

In others, regulations are looser, leading to inconsistencies in marking. A lack of regulation may result in misleading marks, especially on low-quality pieces.

Conclusion

So, does gold plated jewelry have a stamp? Knowing this helps you make informed purchasing decisions. To sum up, gold-plated jewelry may have a stamp.

For example, engravings such as GP, GEP, or HGE indicate that the piece has a thin gold layer over the base metal. Other stamps and symbols, such as vermeil or gold-filled stamps, indicate different things.

If you like to wear jewelry, we recommend informing yourself about its characteristics to make an informed purchasing decision. Keep in mind that gold-plating pieces are an affordable option if you like wearing gold jewelry.