Frequently Asked Questions About Gold — Everything You Need to Know

The gold price per gram in Belgium follows the international spot price and fluctuates daily. In March 2026, the price is around €85-95 per gram for 24 karat pure gold. At La Mine De Diamant in Knokke-Heist and Bruges, we always offer a buying price close to the current market rate. Check our website for the live gold price, updated every 5 minutes.

The gold price is influenced by multiple factors: the euro/dollar exchange rate (gold is traded internationally in USD), inflation and interest rate decisions by central banks, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, supply and demand on the global market, and central bank policies regarding gold reserves. Historically, gold rises in value during times of economic uncertainty.

The spot price is the international market price for pure gold (999/1000 or 24 karat). The buying price offered by a gold buyer is slightly lower, due to costs for refining, testing and processing. At La Mine De Diamant, we pay up to 97% of the spot price — one of the highest margins in Belgium. Always compare with the current spot price to recognize a fair offer.

Gold prices are reaching historically high levels in 2026, driven by persistent inflation, geopolitical unrest and large-scale purchases by central banks. Experts expect prices to remain high or continue rising. If you own gold you no longer wear or need, this is an excellent time to sell. Visit La Mine De Diamant for a free, no-obligation appraisal.

In Belgium, you can sell gold at certified gold buyers, jewelers and precious metal dealers. La Mine De Diamant has two locations: Lippenslaan 56 in Knokke-Heist and Noordzandstraat 45 in Bruges. We are fully certified, offer the highest prices in the region, and pay immediately. Note: avoid online buyers who offer well below market price or anonymous purchasing services.

The value of 10 grams of gold depends on purity (karats). At current prices (March 2026): 10g 24K (999) = approx. €850-950, 10g 18K (750) = approx. €640-710, 10g 14K (585) = approx. €500-555, 10g 9K (375) = approx. €320-355. These are indicative prices based on the daily rate. Visit La Mine De Diamant for an exact, free appraisal.

To sell gold in Belgium you need a valid ID (Belgian eID, passport or driver's license). This is legally required under anti-money laundering legislation. For amounts above €3,000, payment by bank transfer is mandatory. You always receive an official purchase receipt stating weight, karat and amount paid. No appointment needed — just walk in.

Yes, besides gold we buy all precious metals: silver (jewelry, coins, cutlery, bars), platinum (jewelry, industrial), palladium and rhodium. We also buy diamonds, luxury watches (Rolex, Omega, Cartier, etc.) and designer jewelry. Everything is appraised on-site with professional equipment and you receive a direct offer.

There are several methods: XRF analysis (X-ray fluorescence) is the most accurate and non-destructive method — the device determines the exact gold content in seconds. Touchstone testing uses a rubbing stone and acid to determine the karat. Density testing measures specific gravity. At La Mine De Diamant, we use professional Thermo Scientific XRF equipment for the most reliable results.

At La Mine De Diamant, gold appraisal is 100% free and non-binding. Our experts weigh and test your gold on-site with certified XRF equipment. You receive an immediate offer based on the current rate. Don't agree? You take your gold home, without any costs or obligation. No appointment needed, visit us during opening hours.

Real gold can be identified by: hallmark/stamp (e.g. 750 for 18K, 585 for 14K, 375 for 9K), it is non-magnetic (a magnet won't attract gold), it doesn't tarnish or discolor, and it has a high specific gravity (19.3 g/cm³ for pure gold). At home, a simple magnet test can help, but a professional XRF test is necessary for certainty. Visit La Mine De Diamant for a free authenticity test.

A jeweler often appraises gold based on the jewelry value (design, brand, style) on top of the gold weight, which doesn't always mean a higher return. A specialized gold buyer like La Mine De Diamant offers the pure gold value based on weight and karat, often at a higher percentage of the spot price. We pay up to 97% of market value — feel free to compare.

18 karat (18K) gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals (such as copper, silver or palladium). It is marked with the hallmark "750". This is the most common alloy for high-end jewelry in Europe, offering a perfect balance of gold content, color, durability and price. Other common alloys: 24K = 99.9% pure, 14K = 58.5% pure, 9K = 37.5% pure.

24 karat (24K, hallmark 999) is the purest and most valuable gold per gram. However, 24K gold is too soft for everyday jewelry. For jewelry, 18K (750) is the most valuable that's practically wearable. The price per gram varies significantly: 24K pays the full gold price, 18K pays 75%, 14K pays 58.5%, and 9K pays 37.5%. Bring your gold in — we determine the exact karat with XRF technology.

The color of gold is determined by the alloying metals: yellow gold contains copper and silver (traditional warm color), white gold contains palladium or nickel and is often rhodium-plated (silver color), rose gold contains more copper (pink/coppery color). All three can be 18K or 14K — the color has no effect on gold content or buying value. At La Mine De Diamant, we buy all colors and alloys.

At home, you can estimate the karat by looking at the hallmark (stamped on the jewelry): 999 or 24K = pure gold, 750 or 18K = 75% gold, 585 or 14K = 58.5% gold, 375 or 9K = 37.5% gold. No stamp? A magnet test can help (real gold is non-magnetic). For an exact determination, professional equipment (XRF) is needed. Visit La Mine De Diamant for a free and exact karat test.

Gold is historically one of the most stable investments, serving as protection against inflation and economic uncertainty. In 2026, the gold price is at record levels, driven by geopolitical tensions, de-dollarization by BRICS nations, and persistently high inflation. Experts advise holding 5-15% of your portfolio in gold. Physical gold (bars, coins) offers the advantage of no counterparty risk and is VAT-exempt in Belgium (investment gold).

Both have advantages: gold bars offer the lowest premium above spot price (ideal for larger amounts) and are available from 1g to 1kg. Gold investment coins (Krugerrand, Maple Leaf, Vienna Philharmonic) are easier to trade, internationally recognized, and available in smaller units (1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1 oz). At La Mine De Diamant, we sell both, VAT-free under European legislation.

In Belgium, the main rule is: private individuals do not pay capital gains tax on physical investment gold, provided it falls under "normal management of private assets." Investment gold (bars of at least 995/1000 and recognized coins) is also VAT-exempt. Note: for professional or speculative trading, the tax authority may impose taxes. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

The safest options for gold storage are: a bank safe deposit box (most secure, annual rent €80-300), a home safe (certified, fire-resistant, at least 100kg or anchored), or specialized precious metal storage at a certified company. Always ensure adequate insurance covering precious metals. Store purchase receipts separately from your gold. At La Mine De Diamant, we're happy to advise on the best storage options.

The value of a gold ring depends on three factors: weight (in grams), karat (18K, 14K, 9K), and the current gold price. A typical 18K wedding ring weighs 3-8 grams. At a gold price of €90/gram 24K, 18K gold is worth €67.50/gram. A 5-gram 18K ring is therefore worth approx. €335-340 in gold value. Any diamonds or gemstones are appraised separately. Visit us for an exact, free appraisal.

Yes, you can freely sell inherited jewelry. You only need a valid ID. No special documents are required for selling inherited jewelry in Belgium. However, it's advisable to have settled inheritance tax first. At La Mine De Diamant, we handle inherited pieces with the greatest care and respect, offering a fair price based on current gold and gemstone values.

A diamond's value is determined by the "4 C's": Carat (weight — heavier = more valuable), Cut (quality — affects brilliance), Color (from D/colorless to Z/yellow), and Clarity (purity — amount of inclusions). Certification (GIA, HRD, IGI), fluorescence and shape also play a role. At La Mine De Diamant, our gemologists professionally appraise your diamonds with loupe and microscope.

Yes, we buy luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Tag Heuer and others. The value depends on brand, model, condition, completeness (box, papers) and current market prices. Vintage and limited edition models can be particularly valuable. Bring your watch for a professional, no-obligation appraisal.

Yes, selling gold is completely legal in Belgium. You are free to sell your personal gold jewelry, coins or bars to a certified gold buyer. Rules apply: identification is required (valid ID mandatory), amounts above €3,000 must be paid by bank transfer, and the gold buyer must be a licensed dealer. La Mine De Diamant is fully licensed and complies with all Belgian regulations.

There is no legal limit on the amount of gold a private individual may own in Belgium. You may hold unlimited physical gold (bars, coins, jewelry). However, it is important to keep purchase receipts for tax authorities and to adequately insure large quantities. When importing from non-EU countries, gold above a certain value must be declared at customs.

Investment gold is VAT-exempt in Belgium and the entire EU (Directive 98/80/EC). This applies to: gold bars with a purity of at least 995/1000, and gold coins with a purity of at least 900/1000 minted after 1800 that are (or were) legal tender. Gold jewelry does not fall under this exemption and is subject to 21% VAT when sold by dealers.

Within the EU (Schengen area), you may freely transport gold without limit or declaration. When crossing EU external borders, gold above a value of €10,000 must be declared at customs (EU Regulation 2018/1672). This applies to all forms: bars, coins, jewelry. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines. Always keep purchase receipts as proof of legal origin.

The most traded gold investment coins worldwide are: Krugerrand (South Africa, 1 oz, 22K) — the world's most popular coin, Maple Leaf (Canada, 1 oz, 24K) — the purest standard coin, Vienna Philharmonic (Austria, 1 oz, 24K) — most popular in Europe, American Eagle (USA, 1 oz, 22K), Britannia (UK, 1 oz, 24K), and the 20 Franc Napoleon/Louis d'Or — popular in Belgium and France. All available VAT-free at La Mine De Diamant.

A Napoleon gold piece (20 Francs, also called Louis d'Or) weighs 6.45 grams at 21.6K (900/1000) purity, equaling 5.81 grams of pure gold. At a gold price of €90/gram 24K, the gold value is approx. €520-530. The actual market price is slightly higher due to the numismatic premium (5-15% above gold value). Rare years or perfect condition can be worth significantly more. Bring your Napoleon for an exact appraisal.

Gold coins offer advantages over bars: higher liquidity (easier to sell in small units), internationally recognized and trusted, can build numismatic value, and are harder to counterfeit. Disadvantage: higher premium above spot price (3-8% vs 1-3% for bars). For large amounts (>€50,000), bars are more cost-effective. A mix of both is ideal for most investors.

Fake gold coins can be identified by: incorrect weight (weigh with a precision scale to 0.01g), wrong dimensions (diameter and thickness), poor detail finish (letters, portrait, edge), magnetism (real gold is non-magnetic), and incorrect sound (the "ping test" — real gold produces a clear, high tone). The only 100% reliable method is XRF analysis. Always buy from certified dealers like La Mine De Diamant and avoid anonymous online sellers.