Coin Gold Gold used in coins is generally alloyed with small amounts of other metals, usually silver and copper, for durability. U.S. standard gold coins are 900 fine or 21.6k. A master, or model of the jewellery item to be produced, is made out of hard steel. This in turn is used to make a die, which is hammered into sheets of karat gold with tremendous force, producing exact copies in gold. Ductility The property of a metal that allows it to be drawn or stretched into thin wire.
Gold is the most ductile of all metals.
Electroplating A process using electrical current to coat objects with a thin layer of gold. The thickness of the coating depends on the amound and duration of the current. Embossing The art of producing figures in relief on both flat metal items and hollow articles such as pitchers, coffee pots or cups, by using punches or hammers on the back or inside of the article, creating the design on the front. Filigree A form of decoration in which fine gold wire is twisted and soldered into intricate patterns. The Hellenistic Greeks were masters of this technique.