* Gold hallmark
The 333 hallmark: meaning, purity & value
8-karat gold (33.3%). Legal in Germany, Austria, and parts of Europe. Not legal as 'gold' in the US or UK.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- Gold
- Purity
- 33.3%
- Fineness
- 333/1000
- Karat
- 8K
- Common regions
- Germany, AT
- Standard
- ISO 9202
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: 333 / 8K / 8ct. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What 333 tells you
8-karat gold (33.3%). Legal in Germany, Austria, and parts of Europe. Not legal as 'gold' in the US or UK.
How to value it
The melt value of a 333 piece is gold spot price × 0.333 × weight (g). A buyer typically deducts 5–15% for assay, refining, and margin, so the cash offer lands just under that figure. Stones and complex settings are usually excluded from the metal weight.
How to check it yourself
- Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
- Confirm the mark reads 333 or an equivalent such as 8K.
- Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
- For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.
Sources
- German Punzierungsgesetz 1971
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is 333 the same as 8K?
- A. Yes. 333, 8K, 8ct all denote the same material — 33.3% gold. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How much is 333 worth?
- A. Its melt value is the gold spot price × 0.333 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.
- Q. How do I confirm a 333 stamp is genuine?
- A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density, scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.
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