Pure gold is too soft as a material for jewelry production. Gold alloys are used instead. An alloy is a mixture of different metals that are melted together.
333 gold is the lowest of the common finenesses and is used in jewelry for necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and other low-grade jewelry. In carats, 333 gold corresponds to 8 carats.
However, only 33.3% of a piece of 333 gold jewelry consists of pure gold; the remaining 66.6% consists of other metals, such as copper, silver, zinc or tin. These are added to make the gold more dimensionally stable and scratch-resistant, but also to make the jewelry cheaper.
The color of the gold can also be determined by the ratio of the added metals. For a classic yellow gold coloration, silver and copper are balanced in such a way that the yellow color of the gold is retained, for white gold the proportion of white metals in the alloy is increased and for red gold more copper is added.
However, the low fine gold content also means that 333 jewelry tarnishes and discolours quickly. To ensure that these pale gold colors still appeal to buyers, they are regilded with a finer gold color.
333: Gold or gold-bearing metal?
In order to be sold as "gold jewelry" in Austria, pieces of jewelry must have a minimum fineness of 585 thousandths (=14carat / 585 gold). A piece of jewelry made of 333 "gold" therefore does not count as gold jewelry in Austria.
In Switzerland, too, pieces with a fineness of less than 375 parts per thousand (9 carats) may no longer be sold as gold jewelry, but only as "guaranteed metal" or "gold-bearing metal".
In Germany, on the other hand, 333 gold jewelry is widespread. Due to its lower price, it is often referred to as the "gold of the poor". However, because the alloy is also comparatively hard, many people have their wedding rings, which are worn day in, day out, made from the robust 333 gold.
Check fineness: 333 gold = 8 carat
The fineness of gold jewelry is usually embossed in the form of a hallmark. Both the carat number, for example "8 kt." or more rarely "8k" or "8c", and the fineness in parts per thousand, in the case of 333 gold for example "333", can be hallmarked. Such a hallmark can be found on the inside of rings and usually on the clasp of chains or pendants.
In order to check the correctness of hallmarks, the acid test, also known as a line test, is usually used when buying gold.
The piece of gold to be tested is rubbed on a test stone, a slate, in such a way that a clear line remains. Various test acids are then applied to this test mark one after the other. Each alloy has its own test acid, which consists of a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid (aqua regia).
If the abrasion on the test stone becomes twisted or discolored, the alloy is below the tested fineness; if the line remains unchanged under the influence of acid, the gold content corresponds to the respective carat activity.
Gold price 333 / gram: How much is 8 carat gold worth?
Current purchase price per gram for 333 gold jewelry
Current purchase price per gram for 333 gold jewelry
Preise zuletzt aktualisiert am 01. May 2025, 06:28 Uhr
Our purchase prices for jewelry, gold, silver and co. are based on the current gold price.
The value of your pieces is determined by the fineness of your gold, the weight of your pieces in grams and the general gold price.
Our prices for 333 gold jewelry
If you want to sell old gold made of colored gold alloys, you will generally get the same price for 8 carat white gold or red gold as for 8 carat yellow gold. The 333 gold price is identical for all these alloys.
The relevant factor when buying gold is the proportion of gold it contains - the fineness - and this is the same for 8 carat yellow gold as for 8 carat red or white gold, namely 33.3%. The difference in color is only due to the mixture of different metals (alloy).
Purchase of 333 gold at Gold&Co.
Even if 333 gold is an alloy with a very low gold content, we buy it. You can sell all gold items with us, as well as all silver, platinum and palladium items.
1. free valuation of all your pieces
No matter whether you come to one of our stores in 1090, 1030 or 1220 Vienna with a single ring or several pieces of jewelry: We will value both your gold and your silver free of charge and without any obligation. If you wish to sell your valuables, you will receive the money in cash immediately.
2. detailed examination by experts
We check each piece individually and determine how many carats they have. The higher the fineness, the higher the value of your pieces. In Austria, jewelry is usually made of 585 gold, i.e. an alloy with 58.5% pure gold. In France, Italy and the Balkans, on the other hand, jewelry made of 18-karat gold, i.e. a 750 alloy, is more common. In Germany, 333 gold jewelry is also widespread.
If you want to sell different pieces, your items will be separated individually according to carat or fineness. We also check jewelry made of silver, palladium and platinum and pieces with diamonds or brilliant-cut diamonds.
3. comprehensive personal advice
We take time for you and explain the process of buying gold in Vienna step by step. We will be happy to answer all your questions about your items. Good advice is very important to us!
4. 100% transparency
With us, you are present when your items are weighed and can see the scales. Anything else would be dubious.
5. best prices when buying gold in Vienna
In addition to free and accurate valuations and detailed advice, we offer you top prices for your items. You can find all current purchase prices on our price overview page on Gold&Co.
You can't come to one of our branches in Vienna ? For such cases, there is Gold&Co. gold purchase by post from all over Austria. Send us your gold, we will value your items free of charge and without obligation and make you a fair offer. If you accept our offer, you will receive your money immediately - if not, we will send your gold back to you free of charge.
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