legal marking for gold plating?

[sassyspinster]

Hi. I wanted to know if you have 14 karat gold jewelry, is there any markings you can put on it to show that its gold plated?
Or is it illegal to say that it''s "14 karat" when it''s only gold plating, is that legal?
Like can, and can''t you label it as?
thanks

 

[jewelerman]

You have asked a big question.It is not legal to stamp gold plated jewelry with gold hallmark stamps,but it has been done.The stamp for 14 karat gold is 14kt. or .585... in many cases gold plate will have H.G.E for HEAVY GOLD ELECTOPLATE commonly after a 18kt stamp or nothing at all.Remember that some gold rings have been sized and the karat stamp has been cut out or if they were made before 1908 then they may not have a purity stamp...the american stamp act of 1908 made it manditory that all gold be stamped with gold purity and in some states they have to put manufactor initials. This also applies with other pieces like chains ect.When a piece is imported then you will usually see a stamp of origin...made in Italy,mexico ect.Hope this info helps.