Large men's gold plated (?) ring-- how to clean?

[jvaughan]

We spent the day today at a lake in north georgia. We found a large ring about 4 inches deep in a "throwing area" in a park.

It is engraved on the inside of the band with 14 kt T.G.E. ESPO

I have no idea what this means, but we thought it may be gold plated. It has turned blackish on almost all of it, almost like a thick rust or tarnish. I tried cleaning it with toothpaste and soap, but it won't come off.

Any suggestions on cleaning? The tarnish and discoloration seem to indicate it's not actually gold all the way through.


I will try to post pictures of our lake finds later on, but they were mostly just clad and pop tops. :/

[Coin_Master]

TGE means Triple Gold Electroplate. Espo may be a valuable brand. Take it to the jewelers, they will clean it for you, sometimes for free.

[jvaughan]

Thanks! I have tried the whole aluminum foil and baking soda in hot water trick since I posted last, and it helped only slightly.

So does that mean it is gold plated? I wonder how much, if anything, it would be worth.

It was my very first ring find.

[Coin_Master]

it is gold plated. It if cleans up well, it may be worth money. Don't use anything abrasive as it could take the plating.

Send pic.