Gold Fineness: 333, 585, 750, 999 Explained

Gold Content in Jewelry: 333, 585, 750, and 999 Explained

When you buy gold jewelry, you will always encounter numbers like 333, 585, or 750 – known as the fineness. This indication reveals how much pure gold is contained in an alloy. We explain its meaning and what each level practically signifies.

What is Fineness?

Pure gold (999 or 24 karat) is too soft for jewelry. Therefore, it is alloyed with other metals – silver, copper, palladium, or zinc. The fineness indicates the proportion of pure gold in the final product, expressed in parts per thousand (permille).

333 Gold (8 Karat)

• Gold Content: 33.3% pure gold
• Color: Pale gold tone, prone to slight tarnishing
• Suitability: Fashion jewelry, short-lived pieces
• Price: Most affordable gold level in jewelry

585 Gold (14 Karat)

• Gold Content: 58.5% pure gold
• Color: Warm golden yellow – classic and popular
• Suitability: Everyday jewelry, wedding rings, necklaces, bracelets
• Price: Balanced price-performance ratio
• Special Feature: Most common choice in Germany

750 Gold (18 Karat)

• Gold Content: 75% pure gold
• Color: More intense, richer golden yellow
• Suitability: High-quality jewelry pieces, jewelry for special occasions
• Price: Significantly higher than 585 – more gold content
• Special Feature: Most widespread internationally for luxury jewelry

999 Gold (24 Karat)

• Gold Content: 99.9% pure gold
• Color: Intense yellow, warm gold
• Suitability: Bars, coins – too soft for jewelry
• Special Feature: Very rarely used as jewelry as it bends easily

How to Recognize Fineness?

Look for the stamped hallmark on the clasp or shank: "333", "585", "750" or "GG" (for yellow gold), "WG" (white gold), "RG" (rose gold). Without a stamp: do not buy real gold.

At Corélune, you exclusively buy certified real gold – with fineness indicated on every piece. Transparent, verified, honest.