This invention provides low karat, low silver, 6 kt gold-copper-zinc alloys with acceptable workability that can be processed into wire, tube, sheet stock, or cast. The alloys are annealed at 1200° F., rapidly cooled, and heat treated at about 600° to 800° F., which increases the hardness and durability in finished parts made from these alloys. The alloys include grain refiners. The alloys are resistant to oxidation from sweat and tarnishing. Additional fabrication operations can form jewelry items such as balls, chain, hoops and studs.