what does this symbol mean?
The mark 1/40 12K RGP stamped in a small rectangle

RGP (rolled gold plate)

A layer of karat gold bonded to another metal, thinner than gold filled; the mark gives its share of the weight.

Easily confused with

How to read it

The FTC’s jewelry guides reserve rolled gold plate, like gold filled, for a gold alloy layer applied by a mechanical process. Rolled gold plate and gold overlay are marked with a fraction giving the layer’s share of the metal’s weight before the karat: the guides’ own example is 1/40 12 Kt. R.G.P. The Stamping Act names rolled gold plate among the plated goods its rules cover.

Also searched as: gold overlay, R.G.P., RGP, rolled gold.

A stamp is a claim about the metal, made by whoever struck it. This page says what each mark means under the rules that define it; it doesn’t test or value anything.

Rolled gold plate or gold filled?

The same process with less gold: gold filled needs at least 1/20th of the weight, and a rolled gold plate mark such as 1/40 states a smaller share.

More jewellery marks

Sources

Last reviewed September 27, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research

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