So I've done a bunch of reading on this, and beyond the scrap gold value of jewelry... Has anyone ever smelted a good portion to see what was recovered? Now, recovering 14k/18k I know there's a significant amount of silver and copper. On a small piece that weighs a few grams - it really only adds a dollar or so at best in today's market - and the copper a few cents at best. Has anyone gone as far as taking a large lot to a refiner?
Yes, I have always disregarded the value of any alloy metals, considering the small amount a sort of perk for the refinery. They can also include platinum in ring settings, for example, but the amount is usually trivial.
Rhodium is often plated onto while gold for a more desirable protective finish. Nickel, Cobalt, Palladium, and Zinc, are also used in some alloy compositions.