* gold-plated hallmark
The PLATED hallmark: meaning, purity & value
Abbreviated 'plated' mark, indicating surface plating. Often paired with karat (e.g., '18K PLATED'). Surface coating only; low intrinsic value.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- gold-plated
- Common regions
- international
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: PLATED / PLATE / PL. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What PLATED tells you
Abbreviated 'plated' mark, indicating surface plating. Often paired with karat (e.g., '18K PLATED'). Surface coating only; low intrinsic value.
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 PLATED or an equivalent such as PLATE.
- 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.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is PLATED the same as PLATE?
- A. Yes. PLATED, PLATE, PL 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 PLATED 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.
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