Variable karat gold alloys

Abstract

A gold alloy that is usable for jewelry and other applications. The gold alloy is made by combining Y % gold with Z % of a master alloy, wherein Y+Z=100. The gold alloy may be made by first forming the master alloy and then mixing the gold with the master alloy. The gold alloy may also be made by mixing gold with the elements of the master alloy without first forming the master alloy. In another embodiment, the master alloy used to make a white gold (variable) karat alloy will include from about 23.33% to about 43.33% copper, from about 23.33% to about 43.33% nickel, from about 3.33% to about 23.33% zinc, and from about 10 to about 30% silver. Another embodiment of a master alloy used to make a white gold (variable) karat alloy will include from about 43.33% to about 66% copper, from about 8 to about 39.33% nickel, and from about 4.67% to about 36.67% zinc.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 143,060 filed Jun. 20, 2008. This prior application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Gold has a chemical symbol “Au.” Gold has been a rare and valuable metal for centuries. It is often a symbol of wealth and has been used extensively for jewelry, rings, necklaces, etc. Further, gold is particularly desirable for jewelry in that it retains its beauty and color and does not easily tarnish or corrode. Although gold is generally used for jewelry and wealth, its ability to resist corrosion makes this metal useful for other applications as well (including, for example, dentistry and electronics).[0003]As gold is desired by many people, the price of gold continues to rise. An “ounce” of gold often costs literally hundreds of dollars on the open market. Because of its value, many people have sought to construct alloys of gold ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a new type of gold alloy and a method of making it. The gold alloy is made by mixing a master alloy with a desired percentage of gold. The master alloy is made up of 16% silver, 71.1% copper, 12% zinc, and 0.229% X, where X can be silicon or germanium. The resulting gold alloy will have a percentage of gold ranging from 25% to 100% and a percentage of the master alloy ranging from 75% to 87%. The overall formula of the composition is determined by the percentage of gold and the percentage of the master alloy. The technical effect of this invention is the creation of a new gold alloy with improved properties and a method for making it.

Problems solved by technology

As gold is desired by many people, the price of gold continues to rise.

An “ounce” of gold often costs literally hundreds of dollars on the open market.

For example, for jewelry made of alloys having lesser amounts of gold, it is has been found that these materials are more likely to tarnish and can even cause a person's skin to discolor.

Clearly, such properties are undesirable and inhibit the jeweler's ability to sell its product.

However, as noted above, as the amount of gold in the alloy decreases (i.e., the number of karats decreases), the material is less likely to have the properties of pure gold.

Unfortunately, these metals are often very expensive.

However, this patent does not seem to be commercially successful and, if used in jewelry, will tarnish after being worn extensively by a user.

However, other countries do not have these types of restrictions regarding use of the word “karat.” For purposes of this application, this FTC labeling requirement will not apply.

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