Question on an old ring stamped 18K

[redbeardrelics]

In December I went back to an old homestead spot in a soybean field owned by my friends family. One of the things I found was what looked to be a plain copper band ring. Once I rinsed it off I found that on the inside it was stamped " 18K ", and also had the remains of an engraved name that was partially worn away. My first thought was that at one time it might have been gold colored or plated, and thus maybe a fake gold ring, but there really was no trace of any gold coloring on it. Any ideas why a copper ring would be stamped 18K? Sorry no pictures available right now, I gave it to my friend because we think it was his Mom's family name engraved on the inside. Thanks for any input.

 

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[G.A.P.metal]

I have found the same kind of ring around here...must have been a lot of crooks selling fake gold rings a one time .
Gary

 

[SusanMN]

Two possibilities. Sometimes the HGE on a plated ring is stamped so lightly that it is nearly invisible, so that it looks like the ring only says 18k. Or it was just marked with the 18k but is really just played. I've found both kinds, there is more out there than you would think.

 

[Jason in Enid]

I have a big, fat, copper ring stamped 18K. I'm guess it was a fake and a poorly plated fake at that. Nothing of the gold plate is remaining. Probably the same thing with yours.

 

[cudamark]

An acid test will remove any doubt you may have.

 

[reednc]

Last year I found a large, heavy brass ring with a gold stamp on it, so it appears that these were fairly common at some point.