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US3925073A - Gold/silver alloys - Google Patents

Gold/silver alloys Download PDF

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Publication number
US3925073A
US3925073A US527189A US52718974A US3925073A US 3925073 A US3925073 A US 3925073A US 527189 A US527189 A US 527189A US 52718974 A US52718974 A US 52718974A US 3925073 A US3925073 A US 3925073A
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United States
Prior art keywords
percent
weight
gold
alloys
silver
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Expired - Lifetime
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US527189A
Inventor
Edward Louis Kohrn
Seymour Globus
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GLOBUS DAVID A
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Individual
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Priority claimed from US480890A external-priority patent/US3925066A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US527189A priority Critical patent/US3925073A/en
Priority to FR7517626A priority patent/FR2275562A1/en
Priority to DE19752525564 priority patent/DE2525564A1/en
Priority to GB2594175A priority patent/GB1471803A/en
Priority to ZA00753928A priority patent/ZA753928B/en
Priority to JP10312075A priority patent/JPS5177525A/en
Publication of US3925073A publication Critical patent/US3925073A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to GLOBUS, DAVID A. reassignment GLOBUS, DAVID A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: GLOBUS, SEYMOUR
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Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22CALLOYS
    • C22C5/00Alloys based on noble metals
    • C22C5/06Alloys based on silver

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in gold base alloys. More particularly the present invention is directed to low gold alloys possessing the properties desired in the manufacture of articles of jewelry.
  • Gold per se, being a relatively soft metal is unsuitable for the manufacture of jewelry articles and must be alloyed with other metals so as to acquire the properties that make it serviceable for jewelry purposes.
  • the most desirable properties for jewelry purposes in gold base alloys are castability, workability, tarnish resistance, luster and color. To achieve these properties it is generally necessary for the gold content of the alloys to be at least 41 .65% by weight (i.e., at least karat). It is well recognized that gold base alloys containing levels of gold lower than about 4t .65% exhibit low tarnish resistance and quite often poor castability and workability.
  • One object of the present invention therefore is to provide a low gold alloy which possesses all the desired properties for jewelry manufacture.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a low gold base alloy characterized by a substantially total loss of porosity.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a low gold base alloy of excellent color and luster.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a low base alloy which in addition to possessing the aforementioned properties manifests a high tarnish resistance under normal usage.
  • Another object of the present invention is to produce a low gold base alloy that is characterized by an electrical conductivity substantially that of pure gold.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide both yellow and white low gold alloys which can be cold drawn to essentially the same high levels without substantial loss.
  • a metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 45 to 71 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 25 percent by weight copper and 0 to about 5 percent zinc.
  • the color of the alloys of the invention are either yellow or white depending upon the concentrations of silver and copper present in the metal alloy.
  • the metal alloy consists essentially of about 25 to 30 percent, preferably 27 to 29 percent by weight gold; about 45 to 57 percent, preferably 47 to 55 percent by weight silver; about 18 to 25 percent, preferably about 18 to 23 percent by weight of copper and 0 to about 5 percent, preferably about I to 3.5 percent by weight zinc.
  • Illustrative of preferred yellow alloys are those consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight, gold, about 45 to 57 percent by weight, silver, about l8 to 20 percent by weight, copper and about I to 3.5 percent by weight, zinc.
  • the metal alloy consists essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold; about 57 to 71 percent by weight silver; about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and 0 to about 5 percent by weight zinc.
  • Preferred white alloys consist essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 65 to 68 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 5 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 2 percent by weight zinc.
  • the process of manufacturing the alloys of the invention does not differ from the standard practice in the manufacture of alloys of precious metals.
  • the alloys may be prepared by simply weighing out the proper proportions of the constituents, placing them in a re fractory crucible and subjecting the mixture to a heat sufficient to melt the materials. Care should be taken, however, to insure uniform alloying and mixing of the constituents.
  • a more convenient method for preparing yellow gold alloys of the invention comprises alloying in equal proportions l4 karat yellow gold with sterling silver.
  • the composition of 14 karat yellow gold generally is as follows: 56.25% Au, 30.7-32.8% Cu, 4.2-l0.5% Ag and 27% Zn.
  • Sterling silver is constituted of 92.5% Ag and 7.5% Cu.
  • the constituencies of these materials is such that 50/50 blends of the yellow 14 karat gold and sterling silver provides novel low yellow gold alloys of the invention.
  • White gold alloys of the invention on the other hand are most conveniently prepared by blending in the proper proportions pure gold, pure silver, copper and optionally zinc.
  • EXAMPLE I A 50/50 blend of 14 karat yellow gold and sterling silver were weighed and charged together into a refractory crucible wherein they were heated to a temperature of 1600F with a gas torch until completely melted. The melt was stirred with a graphite rod immediately prior to casting and the alloy melt was then cast in air into a standard investment mold in the form of a ring. Upon eoolin the alloy casting was removed and found to Be 'sbii'ri with good surface fidelity and with- EXAMPLE II In a refractory crucible were chared 29.17% by weight pure gold, 67% by weight pure silver with the balance copper. The mixture of metals was melted and cast as described in Example I. The resulting white alloy ring after the usual clean up was mechanically worked, chased and burnished as in Example The finished ring possessed the same advantageous properties as the yellow alloy ring of Example l.
  • a metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 57 to 71 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 5 weight percent zinc.
  • a metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 65 to 68 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 2 percent by weight zinc.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)

Abstract

A tarnish resistant Au/Ag alloy of low gold content exhibiting properties desired in jewelry manufacture consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 45 to 71 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 25 percent by weight copper, and 0 to about 5 percent by weight zinc.

Description

United States Patent Kohl-n et a]. Dec. 9, 1975 GOLD/SILVER ALLOYS [56] References Cited [76] Inventors: Edward Louis Kohrn, 9 Sunset UNITED STATES PATENTS Drive, Cape Arthur, Sevema Park, 1,090,939 3/1914 Newton 75/173 C X Md. 21146; Seymour Globus, 268 Wakely Terrace, Bel Air, Md. Primary Examiner-L. Dewayne Rutledge 21014 Assistant ExaminerE. L. Weise Attorney, Agent, or FirmLarson, Taylor and Hinds [22] Filed: Nov. 26, 1974 2| Appl. No.: 527,139 [571 ABSTRACT A tarnish resistant Au/Ag alloy of low gold content ex- Related Apphcmlon Data hibiting properties desired in jewelry manufacture [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No 480,890, June 19, Consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by 1974. weight gold, about 45 to 71 percent hy weight silver, about 3 to 25 percent by weight copper, and O to [22] 75/173 C; 75/134 N about 5 percent by weight Zinc t. CZZC 5/06 4 Claims No Drawings Field of 75/173 C, I65, l34 C, 134 N GOLD/SILVER ALLOYS This application is a continuation-in-part of parent application Ser. No. 480,890 filed June 19, I974.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in gold base alloys. More particularly the present invention is directed to low gold alloys possessing the properties desired in the manufacture of articles of jewelry.
Gold, per se, being a relatively soft metal is unsuitable for the manufacture of jewelry articles and must be alloyed with other metals so as to acquire the properties that make it serviceable for jewelry purposes. The most desirable properties for jewelry purposes in gold base alloys are castability, workability, tarnish resistance, luster and color. To achieve these properties it is generally necessary for the gold content of the alloys to be at least 41 .65% by weight (i.e., at least karat). It is well recognized that gold base alloys containing levels of gold lower than about 4t .65% exhibit low tarnish resistance and quite often poor castability and workability. These drawbacks which characterize low gold alloys are particularly true of the gold/silver alloys of the prior art.
Attempts have been made to overcome this problem of poor tarnish resistance in below 10 karat gold/silver alloys by the inclusion in such alloys of minor amounts of other metals. Unfortunately these efforts have not been without their shortcomings for while tarnish resistance may be improved by such additions, one or more of the other desired properties, i.e. workability, castability including porosity, luster and color are invariably adversely effected.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention therefore is to provide a low gold alloy which possesses all the desired properties for jewelry manufacture.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a low gold base alloy that can be worked, cast, molded, engraved, soldered and stamped using existing techniques with normal jewelry equipment.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a low gold alloy which is of sufficient hardness to take a normal jewelry finish either bright or textured as desired.
Another object of the invention is to provide a low gold base alloy characterized by a substantially total loss of porosity.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a low gold base alloy of excellent color and luster.
A further object of the invention is to provide a low base alloy which in addition to possessing the aforementioned properties manifests a high tarnish resistance under normal usage.
Another object of the present invention is to produce a low gold base alloy that is characterized by an electrical conductivity substantially that of pure gold.
Still another object of the invention is to provide both yellow and white low gold alloys which can be cold drawn to essentially the same high levels without substantial loss.
Lastly, it is an object of the invention to provide at substantially reduced cost a low gold alloy which is a substitute for and which possesses all the beneficial properties of 10-14 karat gold base alloys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the invention are obtained by a metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 45 to 71 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 25 percent by weight copper and 0 to about 5 percent zinc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The color of the alloys of the invention are either yellow or white depending upon the concentrations of silver and copper present in the metal alloy. In the case of yellow alloys the metal alloy consists essentially of about 25 to 30 percent, preferably 27 to 29 percent by weight gold; about 45 to 57 percent, preferably 47 to 55 percent by weight silver; about 18 to 25 percent, preferably about 18 to 23 percent by weight of copper and 0 to about 5 percent, preferably about I to 3.5 percent by weight zinc.
Illustrative of preferred yellow alloys are those consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight, gold, about 45 to 57 percent by weight, silver, about l8 to 20 percent by weight, copper and about I to 3.5 percent by weight, zinc.
In the case of white alloys the metal alloy consists essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold; about 57 to 71 percent by weight silver; about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and 0 to about 5 percent by weight zinc.
Preferred white alloys consist essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 65 to 68 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 5 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 2 percent by weight zinc.
The process of manufacturing the alloys of the invention does not differ from the standard practice in the manufacture of alloys of precious metals. The alloys may be prepared by simply weighing out the proper proportions of the constituents, placing them in a re fractory crucible and subjecting the mixture to a heat sufficient to melt the materials. Care should be taken, however, to insure uniform alloying and mixing of the constituents.
A more convenient method for preparing yellow gold alloys of the invention comprises alloying in equal proportions l4 karat yellow gold with sterling silver. The composition of 14 karat yellow gold generally is as follows: 56.25% Au, 30.7-32.8% Cu, 4.2-l0.5% Ag and 27% Zn. Sterling silver is constituted of 92.5% Ag and 7.5% Cu. Thus, the constituencies of these materials is such that 50/50 blends of the yellow 14 karat gold and sterling silver provides novel low yellow gold alloys of the invention. White gold alloys of the invention on the other hand are most conveniently prepared by blending in the proper proportions pure gold, pure silver, copper and optionally zinc.
The following examples are included to further illustrate the present invention.
EXAMPLE I A 50/50 blend of 14 karat yellow gold and sterling silver were weighed and charged together into a refractory crucible wherein they were heated to a temperature of 1600F with a gas torch until completely melted. The melt was stirred with a graphite rod immediately prior to casting and the alloy melt was then cast in air into a standard investment mold in the form of a ring. Upon eoolin the alloy casting was removed and found to Be 'sbii'ri with good surface fidelity and with- EXAMPLE II In a refractory crucible were chared 29.17% by weight pure gold, 67% by weight pure silver with the balance copper. The mixture of metals was melted and cast as described in Example I. The resulting white alloy ring after the usual clean up was mechanically worked, chased and burnished as in Example The finished ring possessed the same advantageous properties as the yellow alloy ring of Example l.
While the features of this invention have been disclosed with reference to the specific embodiments described therein, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made in the details of the manufacture without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.
It is claimed:
1. A metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 57 to 71 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 5 weight percent zinc.
2. A metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 65 to 68 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 2 percent by weight zinc.
3. An article ofjewelry formed of the alloy of claim 1.
4. An article of jewelry formed by the alloy of claim 2.

Claims (4)

1. A METAL ALLOY CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF ABOUT 25 TO 30 PERCENT BY WEIGHT GOLD, ABOUT 57 TO 71 PERCENT BY WEIGHT SILVER, ABOUT 3 TO 10 PERCENT BY WEIGHT COPPER AND ABOUT 0 TO 5 WEIGHT PERCENT ZINC.
2. A metal alloy consisting essentially of about 25 to 30 percent by weight gold, about 65 to 68 percent by weight silver, about 3 to 10 percent by weight copper and about 0 to 2 percent by weight zinc.
3. An article of jewelry formed of the alloy of claim 1.
4. An article of jewelry formed by the alloy of claim 2.
US527189A 1974-06-19 1974-11-26 Gold/silver alloys Expired - Lifetime US3925073A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US527189A US3925073A (en) 1974-06-19 1974-11-26 Gold/silver alloys
FR7517626A FR2275562A1 (en) 1974-06-19 1975-06-05 METAL ALLOYS CONSISTING OF GOLD AND SILVER
DE19752525564 DE2525564A1 (en) 1974-06-19 1975-06-07 PRECIOUS METAL ALLOY WITH GOLD AND SILVER
GB2594175A GB1471803A (en) 1974-06-19 1975-06-18 Gold/silver alloys
ZA00753928A ZA753928B (en) 1974-11-26 1975-06-19 Gold/silver alloys
JP10312075A JPS5177525A (en) 1974-11-26 1975-08-27 GOKIN

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US480890A US3925066A (en) 1974-06-19 1974-06-19 Gold/silver alloys
US527189A US3925073A (en) 1974-06-19 1974-11-26 Gold/silver alloys

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US3925073A true US3925073A (en) 1975-12-09

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DE (1) DE2525564A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2275562A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1471803A (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4255191A (en) * 1979-03-02 1981-03-10 Degussa Aktiengesellschaft Gold-silver alloys with good tarnish resistance for the dental art
US4266973A (en) * 1979-12-14 1981-05-12 The J. M. Ney Company Tarnish-resistant gold color alloy and dental restorations employing same
US4810313A (en) * 1988-03-14 1989-03-07 Virginia McReynolds Gold solder fluxing composition and method of preparing the same
US5314109A (en) * 1993-04-26 1994-05-24 Ormco Corporation Brazing alloy and method of brazing
US20090317291A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-24 Annette Gertge Variable karat gold alloys
US20090317292A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-24 Gertge Annette T Variable karat gold alloys
US20100322818A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2010-12-23 Todd Cleabert Bridgeman Gold alloys
US9005522B2 (en) 2012-08-30 2015-04-14 Jostens, Inc. Silver alloy
CN105420531A (en) * 2015-11-03 2016-03-23 广州番禺职业技术学院 Nickel-free white gold alloy for high-temperature enameled jewelry and preparation method for nickel-free white gold alloy

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1090939A (en) * 1913-06-16 1914-03-24 Richard Henry Newton Composition of matter to be used for the manufacture of plates for artificial teeth.

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1090939A (en) * 1913-06-16 1914-03-24 Richard Henry Newton Composition of matter to be used for the manufacture of plates for artificial teeth.

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4255191A (en) * 1979-03-02 1981-03-10 Degussa Aktiengesellschaft Gold-silver alloys with good tarnish resistance for the dental art
US4266973A (en) * 1979-12-14 1981-05-12 The J. M. Ney Company Tarnish-resistant gold color alloy and dental restorations employing same
US4810313A (en) * 1988-03-14 1989-03-07 Virginia McReynolds Gold solder fluxing composition and method of preparing the same
US5314109A (en) * 1993-04-26 1994-05-24 Ormco Corporation Brazing alloy and method of brazing
US20110171059A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2011-07-14 Annette Gertge Variable karat gold alloys
US20090317292A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-24 Gertge Annette T Variable karat gold alloys
US20110171061A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2011-07-14 Annette Gertge Variable karat gold alloys
US20110171060A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2011-07-14 Annette Gertge Variable karat gold alloys
US20090317291A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-24 Annette Gertge Variable karat gold alloys
US20110176956A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2011-07-21 Gertge Annette T Variable karat gold alloys
US20100322818A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2010-12-23 Todd Cleabert Bridgeman Gold alloys
US9428821B2 (en) 2009-05-12 2016-08-30 Jostens, Inc. Gold alloys
US9005522B2 (en) 2012-08-30 2015-04-14 Jostens, Inc. Silver alloy
CN105420531A (en) * 2015-11-03 2016-03-23 广州番禺职业技术学院 Nickel-free white gold alloy for high-temperature enameled jewelry and preparation method for nickel-free white gold alloy
CN105420531B (en) * 2015-11-03 2017-04-19 广州番禺职业技术学院 Nickel-free white gold alloy for high-temperature enameled jewelry and preparation method for nickel-free white gold alloy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1471803A (en) 1977-04-27
DE2525564A1 (en) 1976-06-10
FR2275562B3 (en) 1978-12-29
FR2275562A1 (en) 1976-01-16

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GLOBUS, DAVID A., MARYLAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:GLOBUS, SEYMOUR;REEL/FRAME:005123/0274

Effective date: 19890411