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.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A master alloy for combining with gold to make a variable karat white gold alloy, the master alloy comprising:
 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.   
     
     
         12 . A master alloy for combining with gold to make a variable karat white gold alloy as in  claim 11 , the master alloy comprising about 33.33% copper; about 33.33% nickel; about 13.33% zinc; and about 20% silver. 
     
     
         13 . A master alloy for combining with gold to make a variable karat white gold alloy as in  claim 11 , the master alloy comprising from about 28.33% to about 38.33% copper; from about 28.33% to about 38.33% nickel; from about 8.33% to about 18.33% zinc; and from about 15 to about 25% silver. 
     
     
         14 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A master alloy as in  claim 11  further comprising a grain refiner in the amount of less than or equal to 1.5%. 
     
     
         27 - 30 . (canceled)