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 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A variable karat white gold alloy comprising:
 Y % gold;   Z % of a master alloy, wherein Y+Z=100, 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. 
   
     
     
         22 . A variable karat gold alloy as in  claim 21 , the master alloy comprising about 33.33% copper; about 33.33% nickel; about 13.33% zinc; and about 20% silver. 
     
     
         23 . A variable karat gold alloy as in  claim 21  wherein the gold alloy is made by mixing gold with the elements of the master alloy without first forming the master alloy. 
     
     
         24 . A variable karat gold alloy of  claim 21  wherein the gold alloy is a 6 karat gold alloy such that Y is 25% and Z is 75%. 
     
     
         25 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . An alloy as in  claim 21  further comprising a grain refiner in the amount of less than or equal to 1.5%. 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . An alloy as in  claim 21  wherein the alloy may be used in jewelry application, dental applications, aerospace applications, metallurgy applications, electronic devices, powder coatings, plating solutions, clad materials, wires and rods, and/or may be electro-deposited.