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 master alloy includes 16% silver, 71.771% Copper, 12% zinc and 0.229% X, wherein X being selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, or mixtures thereof. 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.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method of forming a gold alloy comprising the steps of:
 adding Y % gold;   adding Z Ag  % silver, wherein Z Ag =(1600−16*Y)/100;   adding Z Zu  % zinc, wherein Z Zu =(1200−12*Y)/100;   adding Z Cu  % copper, wherein Z Cu =(7177.066667−71.77066667*Y)/100;   adding Z X  % X, wherein X being selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, or mixtures thereof, wherein Zx=(22.9333−0.2293333*Y)/100.   
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 14  wherein the non-gold elements are first mixed together to form a master alloy, wherein the master alloy is mixed with gold to form the gold alloy. 
     
     
         16 - 17 . (canceled)