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Recycled Precious Metals 

In an era of increasing environmental and ethical awareness, consumers are seeking jewellery that not only captivates with its beauty but also embodies sustainability and responsible sourcing. Recycled precious metals offer a compelling solution for those committed to reducing the environmental impact of the jewellery industry. Here we’ll explore the concept of recycled precious metals, their benefits, the process of recycling and why here at Jacqueline & Edward we have decided to embrace them as an ethical choice.

 

Exploring recycled precious metals

 

Recycled precious metals, as the name suggests, refer to metals that have been reclaimed and repurposed from existing sources rather than freshly mined. The metals typically used in jewellery such as gold, silver and platinum can be recycled, which significantly reduces the need for new mining operations and the associated environmental impacts. Recycled gold accounts for around 25% of global supply, yet it is estimated that in the next 15 years the planet’s commercially mineable gold reserves will be depleted.

 

The environmental benefits: 

  • Conservation of natural resources: Mining precious metals is a resource-intensive process that uses significant amounts of energy, water, and chemicals. By using recycled metals, we reduce the demand for virgin metals, helping to preserve natural resources and reduce our ecological footprint.
  • Minimising pollution: Mining operations often result in water pollution, deforestation, and soil degradation. Using recycled precious metals helps minimise these adverse effects, contributing to cleaner and healthier ecosystems.
  • Lowering carbon emissions:  The carbon emissions from producing 1kg of recycled gold is only a twentieth of that associated with traditional mining. By choosing recycled precious metals, we lower our carbon emissions, making a positive contribution to the fight against climate change.

 

The process of recycling precious metals

 

The process of recycling precious metals begins with the collection of discarded jewellery, electronic waste, and other metal-containing waste. The materials are then sorted and refined to remove impurities and to separate alloying elements. After the refining process, the metals are cast into bars or sheets, ready to be used again in new jewellery creations.

 

Ensuring Ethical & Sustainbale Practices: 

  • Transparent Sourcing: At Jacqueline and Edward, we prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, so we provide as much transparency as possible about the origin and sourcing of our metals. Recycled precious metals offer a clear and verifiable source, ensuring that we do not further contribute to exploitative mining practices or human rights violations. The United Nations Brundtland Commission Report (1987 ‘Our Common Future’) defines sustainable development as ‘Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. By using only recycled precious metals we can continue to create beautiful jewellery whilst minimising the adverse environmental and social impacts of harmful mining practices, and help to ensure future generations can do the same.

 

  • Responsible Partnerships: We partner with certified refiners and suppliers who follow strict environmental and ethical standards in the recycling process.

 

The quality and durability of recycled metals

 

Handmade wedding rings

 

One concern that some have is about recycled precious metals is their quality and durability. However, recycled metals possess the same properties as newly mined ones, as they undergo rigorous purification processes. They maintain their integrity and are as strong and durable as their virgin counterparts.

 

We only use recycled metals because we consider them to offer a more sustainable and ethical option than virgin metals,. Choosing recycled metals reduces the environmental impact of your jewellery, and with a growing awareness of how our actions impact the planet, recycled precious metals emerge as a fantastic alternative to virgin mining, signalling a potentially profound change in the jewellery industry. At Jacqueline and Edward, we are proud to be a part of this global shift.

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