The price of gold has surged to record-breaking levels. At the time of writing, gold is trading at 97,73€ per gram, raising an important question: what does the future of solid gold jewelry look like? One clear trend is the growing interest in lower carat gold jewelry, particularly 8K and 9K pieces. While we are actively working on the launch of our 9K gold collection, we have made a conscious decision not to include 8K gold. Here is why.
Gold price in EUR 2006-2025. Graph source
What is 8K Gold?
8K gold, also referred to as 333 gold, is the lowest recognized gold alloy available on the market. The term “8K” refers to its purity: out of 24 parts, only 8 are pure gold. In practice, this means that just 33.3% of the metal is actual gold, with the remaining 66.7% made up of other metals such as silver, zinc, and sometimes copper. These additional metals give 8K its hardness and distinctive color, which is typically paler than higher carat golds. Because of its composition, 8K gold is not legally considered “gold” in some countries, but in others, such as Germany, it is widely sold and recognized.
The Benefits
For buyers who want jewelry that will outlast gold-plated or vermeil pieces, 8K gold can be an attractive option. Unlike plated jewelry, which relies on a thin outer layer of gold that can eventually wear off, 8K is solid throughout. Even if the surface becomes scratched or tarnished, the piece will still be gold-colored all the way through. This makes it a more durable investment than plated or vermeil jewelry.
Another advantage is affordability. Because it contains less gold, 8K is significantly less expensive than 14K, 18K, or 22K jewelry, while still offering the prestige of owning a genuine solid gold piece. For many consumers, especially first-time buyers or those purchasing everyday wear, it provides a way to access gold jewelry without the higher price tag.
The Drawbacks
Despite its affordability, 8K gold has several disadvantages. In Germany, it is known as “333 Gold” and enjoys a certain popularity. However, many goldsmiths avoid working with it because of its material risks. Only 33.3% of the alloy is pure gold, while the rest consists of silver, zinc and/or copper. This makes the metal more prone to tarnishing compared to higher carat golds. While tarnish can be polished away, the effect is still more noticeable than with 14K or 18K gold.
Another concern is brittleness. Many customers believe that because 8K gold is harder, it must also be more durable. In reality, the opposite is true. The hardness of 8K gold can make it less flexible, meaning it may snap or break more easily than higher carat alternatives.
8K gold jewelry that became brittle and snapped. Photo source
8K vs. 9K Gold: Our Perspective
We believe 9K gold is the superior choice. Containing 37.5% pure gold, 9K may not sound dramatically different from 8K, but the small increase in gold content makes a significant difference. 9K gold is sturdier, less prone to tarnishing, and proven to stand the test of time. The abundance of vintage 9K pieces still available today is living proof of its durability.
For these reasons, we have chosen to invest in a 9K gold collection rather than offering 8K (for now). We believe 9K gold provides the perfect balance between affordability and lasting quality.
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