Introduction
Alloying is used to create a metal with desired properties from two or more constituent metals. Alloying involves combining two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and some of the final properties of the resulting alloy will be different from those of its components. For example, brass is composed of copper and zinc; the resulting alloy has superior malleability and ductility than either copper or zinc on their own.
The most common alloy is comprising of primarily two metals. Alloying of these metals results in jewellery, coins and various alloy-based products. Of these alloy-based products, one of the most widely used and known is the alloy consisting primarily of gold and silver, gold-silver alloy. A gold-silver alloy is a metal made from approximately 20 parts gold and 5 parts silver; 75% is gold, 25% is silver.
Characteristics of Gold-Silver Alloy
The most commonly used gold-silver alloy is the 18-karat gold-silver alloy. 18-karat gold-silver alloy is particularly popular within the jewellery and coins industry. The characteristics of this alloy have made it a favourite of many metal smiths, jewellery designers and minting companies.
The 18-karat gold-silver alloy is a lustrous metal alloy that is white in colour. It has the perfect proportion of gold and silver elements to add durability and beauty to coins, jewellery and small metal creations alike, while still being malleable enough to be cast, milled and punched. The metal is formed when pure gold and silver are heated and blended, cooling to become a single sheet of metal. Shipments of 18-karat gold-silver alloy are packaged in sheets or coins, ready to work into artisan pieces.
Uses of Gold-Silver Alloy
Gold-silver alloy is primarily used to manufacture high-quality jewellery and coins. The alloy is popular due to its attractive colour, malleability and durability. Coins made from gold-silver alloy are commonly used to commemorate events, for example, the 1987 World Physical Fitness silver dollar.
Gold-silver alloy is also used in flatware. Flatware made from gold-silver alloy is resistant to tarnishing and corrosion in high-oxygen environments, meaning spoons and forks made from gold-silver alloy can last for a lifetime, as long as it is maintained and cared for properly. Silver products made from gold-silver alloy tend to have a higher purity rating due to the gold content, so cutlery and tableware made from gold-silver alloy are of superior quality than those made from just silver.
Gold-silver alloy jewelry is striking in its light grey colour and the metal has a unique response to oxidization, making it an intriguing material to work with. Rings, pendants and other jewelry are made from gold-silver alloy to create unique items of jewellery with a distinct character.
Adding Nickel to Gold-Silver Alloy
The characteristics of gold-silver alloy can be changed with the addition of other metals, such as nickel. When nickel is added to the alloy, it creates a metal with a light yellow hue. This alloy is known as nickel-gold-silver alloy and has become popular for the manufacture of coins and jewellery.
Nickel-gold-silver alloy possesses high tarnish-resistance and greater malleability than gold-silver alloy on its own. This improved malleability makes it ideal for shaping into coins and handmade jewellery without damaging the metal. It is also a hypoallergenic metal, which is beneficial for people with nickel allergies. Nickel-gold-silver alloy is a popular choice for coins and jewellery due to its attractive colour, strength and resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.
Conclusion
Gold-silver alloy is one of the most widely used alloy-based products. This white metal offers strength and durability, while still being malleable enough to be worked into jewellery or coins. Gold-silver alloy can be further enhanced with the addition of other metals, such as nickel, which adds a distinctive yellow hue to the metal. Nickel-gold-silver alloy has become popular for its attractive colour, strength and resistance to tarnishing and corrosion. Whether used in coins or jewellery, gold-silver alloy and its derivatives remain popular due to their unique properties and lasting beauty.
