18k gold bar: a gift or an investment?
A gold bar is one of the gifts we are asked for most often for births, christenings and anniversaries. But "gold bar" does not always mean the same thing: an 18 carat gold bar and an investment gold bar are different objects, with different rules and values. Here is what to know before you choose, explained plainly.
What an 18 carat gold bar is
It is a small bar of 18kt gold, hallmarked 750: out of 1,000 parts of metal, 750 are pure gold and 250 are other metals that make it harder. It is the same gold used in fine jewellery.
The bar we offer is the UnoAerre Lucky Bar, made in Arezzo by one of Italy's most historic gold manufacturers. It is stamped with the 750 hallmark and the maker's identification mark, 1 AR, which guarantees its origin. It comes in its original box with a certificate of authenticity.
18 carat or investment gold: the differences
Under Italian and EU rules, investment gold means bars or wafers of a weight accepted by the bullion market with a purity of at least 995 parts per thousand (almost 24 carats). An 18kt gold bar is not investment gold.
| 18kt gold bar (750) | Investment gold (995–999.9) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 75% pure gold | At least 99.5% pure gold |
| Colour and finish | Jewellery yellow gold, shiny and durable | Deep yellow, soft metal |
| VAT on purchase | Yes, like jewellery | Exempt |
| Price | Gold value + craftsmanship + VAT | Very close to the gold price |
| Personal engraving | Yes | Usually not |
| Best for | A meaningful, lasting gift | Financial investment |
Our honest advice: if your only goal is to invest, investment gold is more efficient. If you want a gift with real value, that lasts forever and can be personalised, an 18kt gold bar is a beautiful choice.
How much it is worth over time
An 18kt gold bar always keeps the value of its pure gold: a 10 gram bar hallmarked 750 contains 7.5 grams of fine gold. This value follows the gold price, which has risen a lot in recent years but can also fall.
When you sell it, you receive the value of the gold it contains at the day's price, not the price paid for the gift, which also includes craftsmanship and VAT. The same principle applies to all gold jewellery.
Why choose it as a gift
- It has real value: unlike many gifts, gold does not wear out or go out of fashion.
- No guessing tastes or sizes: no sizes, colours or styles to get right.
- It is personal: a name, a date or a message can be engraved on the back.
- It lasts a lifetime: given at birth, the child will find it as an adult, as a keepsake and a small nest egg.
The most common occasions in our shop are births and christenings, then 18th birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries and retirements.
Which weight to choose
| Weight | Pure gold content | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 grams | 3.75 g | Birth, christening, communion: the classic gift |
| 10 grams | 7.5 g | 18th birthday, graduation, a gift from grandparents or godparents |
| 20 grams | 15 g | Wedding, anniversaries, important family gifts |
The price changes daily with the gold price: check the product page for the current one.
Engraving and packaging
We offer a free laser engraving on the back of the bar: a name and date of birth, a short message, a couple's initials. Remember that an engraved item is personalised and cannot be returned. The bar arrives in its original box with certificate, shipped in our gift packaging by insured courier.
Frequently asked questions
Is an 18 carat gold bar an investment?
It keeps the value of the gold it contains, but it is not investment gold: investment gold must be at least 995 parts per thousand pure and is VAT exempt. An 18kt bar is above all a gift with real value.
How much pure gold is in an 18 carat gold bar?
75%. A 5 gram bar contains 3.75 grams of pure gold, a 10 gram bar 7.5 grams, a 20 gram bar 15 grams.
How much is an 18kt gold bar worth if I sell it?
You receive the value of the pure gold it contains at the day's price, not the price paid, which also includes craftsmanship and VAT.
Which gold bar should I give for a christening?
The most popular is the 5 gram bar, often engraved with the child's name and date on the back.
Can the gold bar be engraved?
Yes, we offer a free laser engraving on the back with a name, date or message. Engraved items are personalised and cannot be returned.
Does the gold bar come with a certificate?
Yes, the UnoAerre Lucky Bar comes in its original box with a certificate of authenticity and is stamped with the 750 hallmark and the maker's mark 1 AR.