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Buying Gold as an Investment in Germany: What You Should Know

Many people in Germany see gold as a building block for diversifying their assets over the long term. But not all gold is the same: there are important differences between a gold bar and a gold bracelet – in tax, in price and in resale.

In this article, we explain the common forms of buying gold, the most important basic tax rules and where gold jewelry fits in. It does not replace personal tax or investment advice.

The forms of buying gold

  • Investment gold: Bars and certain coins with a very high fineness.
  • Gold securities: Certificates and exchange-traded products where you do not hold any physical gold.
  • Gold jewelry: Rings, chains and bracelets that you wear and whose gold content has a material value.

Investment gold and jewelry gold compared

In Germany, investment gold is exempt from VAT. When buying, you mainly pay the gold value and a small premium. Gold jewelry, on the other hand, is subject to the standard VAT rate of 19%, and its price includes not only the material but also design and craftsmanship.

When resold, jewelry is usually valued by its pure gold content. A 585 bracelet (14 karat) contains 58.5% fine gold, a 916 piece (22 karat) 91.6%. Design and craftsmanship are the value you enjoy while wearing it.

What you should know about tax

For private individuals, gains from selling physical gold are generally tax-free in Germany if more than one year passes between purchase and sale (Section 23 of the German Income Tax Act). Keep your invoices safe. For your personal situation, please consult a tax advisor.

Opportunities and risks

Gold pays no interest and no dividends. Its price can fluctuate considerably, even over longer periods. Many investors therefore see gold not as a quick return but as a long-term addition. An increase in value is not guaranteed. Read how to assess price fluctuations in our article The Changing Gold Price.

Where gold jewelry fits in

If investing is your main goal, investment gold is usually the better choice. Gold jewelry, on the other hand, combines two things: you wear it every day, and it keeps its material value. High-karat pieces such as 916 gold have a particularly high gold content. Our article Why Gold Jewelry Is a Valuable Investment shows why gold jewelry is more than decoration.

What to look for when buying

  • Hallmark: The fineness should be visible on the piece, for example 585, 750 or 916.
  • Weight: Look for a clear indication in grams.
  • Invoice: It documents the date of purchase, alloy and weight.
  • Seller: Buy from retailers with clear contact details and an address.

If you want to combine value and the joy of wearing, discover our gold bracelets in 585 and 916.

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§ 1 Scope, customer information The following general terms and conditions (GTC) govern the contractual relationship between Eleganz Juwelier (www.eleganzjuwelier.de) and consumers and businesses who purchase goods through our shop. We do not accept any conflicting or deviating terms and conditions. The contractual language is German. § 2 Conclusion of contract (1) The offers on the Internet represent a non-binding invitation to you to purchase goods. (2) You can place one or more products in your shopping cart. During the ordering process, you enter your details and preferences regarding payment method, delivery terms, etc. Only by clicking the order button do you submit a binding offer to conclude a purchase contract. You can also place a binding order by telephone. (3) The confirmation of receipt, which will be sent promptly by email, simultaneously declares acceptance of the offer and thus concludes the purchase contract. In the case of a telephone order, the purchase contract is concluded when we accept your offer immediately. If the offer is not accepted immediately, you are no longer bound by it. § 3 Customer information: Storage of the contract text We store your order, along with details of the concluded contract (e.g., type of product, price, etc.). However, you cannot access your past orders online. We will send you the Terms and Conditions, but you can also access them at any time via our website. If you would like to save the product description on our shop page for your own purposes, you can, for example, take a screenshot (= screen capture) at the time of ordering or alternatively print the entire page. § 4 Customer information: Correction notice You can correct your entries at any time before submitting your order by clicking on the delete button. We will inform you about Further correction options. You can also completely terminate the ordering process at any time by closing the browser window. § 5 Retention of title The purchased item remains our property until full payment has been made. § 6 Liability for defects and shortening of the limitation period (1) Statutory liability rights for defects There are statutory liability rights for defects in our goods. (2) Reduction of the limitation period for used goods vis-à-vis consumers Excluded from this agreement are claims for damages, claims for defects that we have fraudulently concealed, and claims arising from a guarantee we may have provided for the quality of the item. The statutory limitation periods apply to these excluded claims. If a guarantee period exists, the longer period shall apply in favor of the guarantee holder. (3) Limitation of liability rights for defects (warranty) vis-à-vis entrepreneurs Your warranty claims for defects in the purchased item expire one year from the transfer of risk. Excluded from this provision are the following claims: – for damages – due to fraudulently concealed defects – from any guarantee given – recourse under Sections 445a and 478 of the German Civil Code – due to defects in building materials and components which have been used for a building in accordance with their usual purpose and which have caused its defectiveness. The statutory limitation periods apply to these excluded claims. In the case of a warranty period, the longer period applies in favor of the buyer. § 7 Limitation of Liability We exclude liability for slightly negligent breaches of duty, provided these do not concern material contractual obligations, damages resulting from injury to life, body, or health, guarantees, or claims under the Product Liability Act (ProdHaftG). The same applies to breaches of duty by our vicarious agents and our legal representatives. Material contractual obligations include, in particular, the obligation to hand over the item to you and to transfer ownership of it to you. Furthermore, we must provide you with the item free of material and legal defects. § 8 Commercial place of jurisdiction The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from this contract is our place of business if you are a merchant.

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