Problems with the hardness of pink gold

Hi, everybody

this is Stelios from Greece. I have a problem with pink gold. It’s
very hard, so very difficult to make handmade work with it. Also the
casting things are very hard and not easy for the stone-setter to
put the stones on it. The alloy I use is a simple alloy you can find
anywhere, with copper, silicon etc. Many years ago, when we had
alloy from silver and copper only, we used to put it when it was very
hot (from fire) into alcohol, so it became softer. You think it is
wise to make the same? Any suggestions acceptable.

Thank you for your answers
stelios

Hello Stellios, Get pink gold red-hot and then quench it in water
immediately. If you slow the cooling it will be hard and brittle.

Have fun.
Tom Arnold