Recycled precious metals and stones
Did you know it takes actual tons of ore to yield just a few grams of pure gold? To find enough of the precious metal, mines have to dig huge holes in the earth, causing the local ecosystems to be displaced. Many mines also pollute their direct environment by using deadly chemicals in the mining process. While there are some mines that have made strides, recycled precious metal is still a far better, environmentally friendly choice.
Are recycled metals and diamonds worth the same as newly mined?
Yes! The purity of recycled metals is identical to metals that came directly from a mine. I use recycled precious metals that come from a top quality refinery right here in the USA, which -as a result of environmental and ethical consideration- no longer processes newly mined metals. In their highly sophisticated refining process, they pay close attention to re-use of materials, energy conservation, and waste minimization.
A recycled diamond is not in any way different from a newly mined stone – a diamond is a diamond! I use recycled diamonds that come from jewelry which was sold back to that same refinery. They were expertly removed from their previous seating, meticulously cleaned, re-polished and properly graded. I also work with the refinery’s recycled rubies and sapphires.
That said, I am currently still using up the last little bits of my old inventory of metals and stones which were not guaranteed to be recycled. (I know, I know, but having it reprocessed just to be able to call it recycled would be terribly wasteful!) I am always as specific as possible about this in my gallery listings.
[...] Made this custom 10 year anniversary ring recently. It is 100% recycled and took a double-take on my end, as Lynn’s engagement and wedding bands were made of royal yellow rather than regular yellow gold. (there’s a subtle variation in color – royal yellow leans more to green gold) So here it is: 18k royal yellow gold, 18k palladium white gold, and 10 .05ct F-G VS premium cut diamonds, all recycled. [...]
[...] Two more 18k gold and diamond rings. The first one -a Möbius band- is called On Your Side. The open ring is named Two of a Kind. All recycled!!! [...]
[...] to stroll around its surface. And so here are the results of my two latest imaginary outings: a recycled argentium sterling silver cuff bracelet named Moon Land, and ring with white moonstones (also made [...]
[...] red gold, sterling silver and sapphire earrings. Made with recycled metals. Available in the gallery tomorrow. You may also like: Hold [...]
[...] open band out of the titanium bar that once held his leg together after an unfortunate landing. A recycled blue sapphire is set in 14k white gold and fastened with a 14k yellow gold [...]