* gold-plated hallmark
The GEP hallmark: meaning, purity & value
Gold electroplated. Plating applied via electrolysis. Per FTC, requires minimum thickness equivalent to 7 millionths of an inch of fine gold. Often paired with karat: '14K GEP'.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- gold-plated
- Common regions
- United States
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: GEP / GOLD ELECTROPLATED / G.E.P.. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What GEP tells you
Gold electroplated. Plating applied via electrolysis. Per FTC, requires minimum thickness equivalent to 7 millionths of an inch of fine gold. Often paired with karat: '14K GEP'.
How to check it yourself
- Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
- Confirm the mark reads GEP or an equivalent such as GOLD ELECTROPLATED.
- Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
- For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.
Sources
- FTC Jewelry Guide 16 CFR Part 23.5
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is GEP the same as GOLD ELECTROPLATED?
- A. Yes. GEP, GOLD ELECTROPLATED, G.E.P. all denote the same material — gold-plated. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How do I confirm a GEP stamp is genuine?
- A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density, scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.
* Try it
Identify the jewelry in your hand, right now.
Just take a photo — AI reads the metal, gemstone, hallmark, era, and an estimated value range in seconds. First two scans free, no account required.
Download on the App Store* Related
Keep exploring
GP hallmark
What the GP hallmark means: gold-plated, how to read it on rings and necklaces, its scrap value formula, and how to tell it apart from look-alike stamps.
HGE hallmark
What the HGE hallmark means: gold-plated, how to read it on rings and necklaces, its scrap value formula, and how to tell it apart from look-alike stamps.