I found an 18k gold plated ring with stones. The lettering inside is H.G.E.. I know it's gold plated but is it worth anything at all?

HGE stands for "High Grade Electroplate," "18K HGE" meand the item is electroplated with 18 karat gold.

No. Not even if you had pounds of it. It is such a minimal amount if any that refining it would cost more than its worth. You can go ask him though. Its also worth noting the likelihood that stones of significant value would be set in a cheap setting is minimal, but you never really know unless you try.