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8k gold is a gold alloy containing 33.3% pure gold and 66.7% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. While legally considered “gold” in some European countries, it doesn’t meet the US legal standard which requires minimum 10k gold content.
The high percentage of other metals makes 8k gold more durable and scratch-resistant but less valuable than higher karat golds. It’s not hypoallergenic and can cause skin allergies due to its low gold content and presence of potentially irritating metals.
8k gold is not magnetic unless mixed with ferromagnetic metals, isn’t used for investment bullion, and is primarily found in European jewelry rather than US markets. Its hallmark is typically “333” or “8k,” and its value equals 33.3% of current gold spot prices.
- What is 8k Gold (Definition and Meaning)?
- Is 8k Gold Magnetic?
- Is 8k Gold Hypoallergenic?
- Is There Bullion Made From 8k Gold?
- Is There Jewelry Made From 8k Gold?
- What is the Hallmark for 8k Gold?
- How Much is 8k Gold Worth?
Table of Contents
What is 8k Gold (Definition and Meaning)?
8k gold is a gold alloy composed of 33.3% pure gold and 66.7% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc.
This low level of gold purity makes 8k gold the lowest legally considered “gold” in some European countries (for example Denmark and Greece) but not in the US where a piece must contain a minimum of 10K gold to be legally sold as “gold”.
8k gold offers increased durability and scratch resistance because of high percentage of other metals in the alloy, but is less than higher karat golds because of its low yellow gold content.
Is 8k Gold Magnetic?
No, 8k gold isn’t magnetic, it’s diamagnetic when yellow gold is alloyed with other non-magnetic materials like silver, palladium, platinum and rhodium.
8k gold stops being diamagnetic and becomes magnetic when gold is mixed with ferro-magnetic metals like iron, nickel, cobalt and some forms of stainless steel.
Is 8k Gold Hypoallergenic?
No, 8k gold isn’t hypoallergenic, it’s allergenic.
8k gold commonly causes skin allergies because this gold alloy contains too little pure gold and too much other metals, some of which are triggers for people with sensitive skin.
Two obvious examples are copper (moderately allergenic) and nickel (highly allergenic), but even silver causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Bottom line is that 8k gold isn’t safe for people with known metal allergies.
Is There Bullion Made From 8k Gold?
No, there’s no bullion made from 8k gold. 8k gold has never been used to produce investment grade bullion because the amount of pure gold in this alloy is too low (only 33.3%).
Are you interested in investment-grade gold bars and coins?
24k gold is used to create gold-investment bullion and these are the gold IRA-approved coins and bars you can include in your gold IRA account.
For example, check out how many pure gold coins and bars Augusta Precious Metals offers (note: Augusta Precious Metals is the best gold IRA company in the United States. They waive all fees for 10 years for all new customers).
Is There Jewelry Made From 8k Gold?
Yes, there’s jewelry made from 8k, though it’s rarer compared to jewelry made from higher karat gold, especially 14k and 18k gold.
8k gold jewelry is popular in Europe but not in the US because 8k gold isn’t a legal gold standard in US, but is some European countries it is.
So most 8k gold jewelry you’ll find online is going to be from Europe.
Here’s an example of 8k gold jewelry sold online.
What is the Hallmark for 8k Gold?
The hallmark for 8k gold is typically either a “333” stamp, or “8k” indicating 33.3% pure gold.
Besides the purity mark, a hallmark may also include an assay center mark and a manufacturer’s mark to certify the item’s authenticity.
How Much is 8k Gold Worth?
8k gold is 33.3% pure, and is therefore worth 33.3% of the current gold spot price.
Gold spot price changes multiple times during the day because of the interplay of supply and demand so the value of your 8k gold changes with it.
What is 8k Gold? Is it Real? Conclusion
8k gold is a gold alloy containing 33.3% pure gold and 66.7% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. While legally considered “gold” in some European countries, it doesn’t meet the US legal standard which requires minimum 10k gold content.
The high percentage of other metals makes 8k gold more durable and scratch-resistant but less valuable than higher karat golds. It’s not hypoallergenic and can cause skin allergies due to its low gold content and presence of potentially irritating metals.
8k gold is not magnetic unless mixed with ferromagnetic metals, isn’t used for investment bullion, and is primarily found in European jewelry rather than US markets. Its hallmark is typically “333” or “8k,” and its value equals 33.3% of current gold spot prices.
References:
- Gold hallmark on 8K (333) gold bracelet from Germany- https://www.reddit.com/r/Hallmarks/comments/e4l1xz/old_hallmark_on_8k_333_gold_bracelet_from_germany/
- 8k gold gold bracelet- https://www.altinbas.us/products/gold-bracelet-15
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
