How is the price of gold jewellery calculated in Europe?
Most gold jewellery is sold at a finished price per piece, and shop prices for consumers already include VAT. That price covers the gold content (weight × the gold price for its fineness), labour, design and the retailer's markup. In this calculator, "making charges" stand for labour and markup together: enter your jeweller's quote, or the difference between the price before VAT and the metal value.
What is today's 18K gold rate in the euro area?
About €85.94 per gram for 18K and €114.59 per gram for 24K, as of Oct 23, 2026, 21:00 UTC (international price in euros). The calculator starts with these rates; replace them with your jeweller's rate if it differs.
What do the numbers 750, 585 and 333 mean?
They are the gold content in thousandths: 750 is 18K (75% gold), 585 is 14K, 375 is 9K and 333 is 8K. In some countries, such as France, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, gold jewellery must carry an official hallmark, applied by an assay office or an approved body (very light items can be exempt). Germany has no hallmarking requirement: makers stamp the fineness themselves, and 585 and 333 are common there, while 750 is the usual fineness in Italy, France and Spain.
Is there VAT on gold jewellery in the euro area?
Yes. Jewellery is taxed at the standard VAT rate of the country where you buy it. Investment gold is exempt across the EU: bars and wafers of at least 995 fineness, and gold coins of at least 900 fineness minted after 1800 that are or were legal tender and sell for no more than 80% above their gold value. Second-hand jewellery sold by a dealer is often taxed under the margin scheme, where VAT is charged only on the dealer's margin and is not shown separately on the receipt.
Can visitors from outside the EU get the VAT back?
Usually, yes. Visitors who live outside the EU can reclaim VAT on goods they take home in their luggage through the tax-free shopping scheme. Ask for the tax-free form when you pay and have it stamped by customs when you leave the EU. Minimum purchase amounts and refund fees differ by country.
How much will I get if I sell gold jewellery?
Buyers pay for the gold content only (weight × fineness × the gold price) and usually offer less than its full melt value to cover testing, refining and their margin. The labour, design, markup and VAT you paid are not recovered. Ask for the fineness to be checked and the piece weighed in front of you, and compare offers from several buyers.