Read the stamp
What does HGE mean on jewelry
HGE means heavy gold electroplate, a gold coating applied by electroplating. A number without the suffix gives a different material reading.
HGE is a construction suffix
The letters may follow a karat number, as in 18K HGE. In that combination 18K describes the gold alloy used for the coating, while HGE describes the coating process. A number without the suffix gives a different material reading.
What to check next
Compare GF and RGP, which describe mechanically applied layers, with GP and HGE, which describe plating. Look at the entire coating stamp before interpreting a karat number. At worn edges the base metal may be visible; a maker signature beside the construction mark identifies the company.