Abstract: A composite material that is usefull in the manufacture of jewelry components has a precious metal layer laminated to an age hardenable non-precious metal-base alloy support layer. In one embodiment, the precious metal layer is a 10 k, or higher, gold alloy and the support layer is a copper-base spinodal alloy. The composite material is formed by laminating the precious metal layer to the support layer, forming the composite material into a desired shape and then age hardening the jewelry component.

Abstract: A fine silver alloy composition having at least about 99.5 weight percent silver, with the balance containing an element, or an oxide of an element, selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, antimony, cadmium, gallium, germanium, indium, lithium, manganese, magnesium, silicon, tin, titanium and zinc, the alloy composition having been formed by combining silver having a purity of at least about 99.90 weight percent with an element, or an oxide of an element, selected from the group, in a substantially non-oxidizing atmosphere. The alloy composition may be annealed in a substantially non-oxidizing atmosphere. The silver alloy composition may be hardened by internal oxidation. The composition is capable of being aged hardened to at least 136 percent of its annealed hardness, and this hardening may be irreversible. The composition may be resistant to tarnishing, and may have an aged hardness of at least about 48 VHN.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes an externally threaded spindle to which one end of a thin walled metal tube is detachably secured. The spindle is rotated to wind the tube into the external thread, thereby producing a helix. As the tube is wound onto the spindle, it is pressed into the thread grooves by an auxiliary roller.