Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The development of Spangold

  • Published:
Gold Bulletin Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The underlying mechanisms of martensitic phase transformations in gold alloys have attracted a great deal of study. Whereas their technological exploitation in shape-memory devices has found only limited application, theSpangold concept introduces a novel application — that of using the transformation to decorate gold ornaments. This article examines the attributes of suitable alloys and the development of a prototype alloy for use in jewellery.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. I.M. Wolff, M.B. Cortie and V. Pretorius: ‘Spangold’, Gold Technology, No. 12, April 1994

  2. I.M. Wolff & M.B. Cortie: ‘The Aesthetic Enhancement or Modification of Articles or Components Made of Non-Ferrous Metals’, South African Patent Application No. 93/2674

  3. J.H. Westbrook: ‘Intermetallic Compounds: Their Past and Promise’,Metallurgical Transactions A, Vol.8A, pp. 1327–1360, Sept. 1977

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. G.V. Raynor: ‘The Alloying Behaviour of Gold’, Part II, Compound Formation,Gold Bull. 9(2), 50–54, 1976

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. L.C. Chang & T.A. Read: ‘Plastic Deformation and Diffusionless Phase Changes in Metals — The Gold-Cadmium Beta Phase’,Transactions AIME, J. of Metals, Vol. 189, pp. 47–52, Jan. 1951

    Google Scholar 

  6. G.B. Brook: ‘Gold Alloys With Shape-Memory’,Gold Bull.,6(1), 8–11, 1973

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. G.B. Brook & R.F. Iles: ‘Gold-Copper-Zinc Alloys with Shape Memory,Gold Bull.,8(1), 16–21, 1975

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Japanese Patent 2267237: Citizen Watch, Nov. 1990

  9. Japanese Patent 3013535 Nippon Kikinzoku K, Jan. 1991

  10. L. Delaey, K. Mukherjee & M. Chandrasekaran: ‘Non-Ferrous Martensites’,Proc. The Science and Technology of Shape Memory Alloys, Barcelona, EEC-COMETT 87/2/c-2/00863, UIB, Jan./Feb. 1989

  11. Hansen: ‘Constitution of Binary Alloys’, Second Edition, Mc-Graw-Hill, 1958

  12. R. Smith and J.S. Bowles: ‘The Crystallography of the Cubic Orthorhombic Transformation in the Alloys AuCu’,Acta Metallurgica, Vol.8, pp. 405–415, 1960

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. H.I. Aaronson & K.R. Kinsman: ‘Growth Mechanism of AuCu II Plates’,Acta Metallurgica, Vol.25, pp. 367–376, 1977

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. J.S. Bowles & C.M. Wayman: ‘The Growth Mechanism of AuCu II Plates’Acta Metallurgica, Vol.27, pp. 833–839, 1979

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. J.H. Westbrook (Ed.): ‘Intermetallic Compounds’, John Wiley and Sons, pp. 428–449, 1967

  16. F. Lovey, M. Chandrasekaran, R. Rapacioli & M. Ahlers: ‘Diffraction Effects in Beta-Cu-Zn-Al. Observation and Interpretation of Extra Maxima’,Z. Metallkunde, Bd. 71, H.1, pp. 37–41, 1980

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Metals Handbook, 9th Edition, ASM, Ohio, Vol. 9, pp. 668–674, 1985

  18. E. Brellier: ‘Heat Treatment of Gold Alloys’, US Patent 3141799, (21 July 1964)

  19. ‘Gold Alloy Data’,Gold Technology, No. 1, World Gold Council, pp. 10–13, Jan. 1990

  20. J.C. Chaston: ‘Heat Treatment of Gold Alloys’,Gold Bull.,4(4), 70–71, 1971

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. M. Grimwade: ‘The Metallurgy of Gold’,Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 371–381, 1992

    Google Scholar 

  22. K.E. Saeger & J. Rodies: ‘The Colour of Gold and its Alloys’,Gold Bull.,10(1), 10–14, 1977

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Japanese Patent 830215077: Toshiba KK, 17 Nov. 1983

  24. Japanese Patent 840155897: Toshiba KK, 26 July 1984

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Metallurgy Division, MINTEK, Randburg, South Africa

    Ira M. Wolff & Michael B. Cortie

Authors
  1. Ira M. Wolff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael B. Cortie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wolff, I.M., Cortie, M.B. The development of Spangold. Gold Bull 27, 44–54 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03214729

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03214729

Keywords

Search

Navigation