Recycled gold guide

Meaningful accessories that are as precious as they are unique, gold jewelry holds strong symbolism. Gold, that precious metal synonymous with durability and eternal sentiments, offers us all its splendor in the form of talismans that Leïla Buecher is delighted to present in her collections.

Today, more and more jewelry stores are opting for recycled gold in order to adopt a more ethical way of operating, as well as to offer their clientele alternatives that are less polluting and have less impact on the environment. For 10 years, we have actually observed a clear increase in the volume of recycled gold, coming essentially from jewelry. According to jewelers, using recycled gold would make it possible to provide a sustainable solution in response to the social and environmental issues generated by traditional mining. In fact, we will see that this would favor a more responsible use of this precious resource.

But then, how is gold recycled? Why opt for this alternative? And how is jewelry made from recycled gold? In this detailed guide, find the answers to your questions.

Recycled gold: What is it?

It must be known that both the jewelry industry and the electronics industry are experiencing a perpetually growing demand for gold. So much so that demand exceeds current supply. Faced with this reality, it was urgent to rethink supply processes. This is how the solution of recycling gold presented itself as the opportunity to reduce the negative impact of its extraction. Recycled gold, unlike gold extracted from mines, comes from finished products. That is to say, the metal is extracted from used jewelry or from obsolete components of electronic objects. Its recycling consists of melting it, purifying it via multiple treatment stages, and then reshaping it: we obtain an upcycled product. This is enough to finally provide a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by classic extraction methods.

Recycling gold, in several phases

The gold recycling process includes various stages, a complex sequence that begins with the collection of items, up to their transformation into new products. It is through these different phases that we can become aware of the positive environmental impact of this practice.

Step 1: Collecting jewelry

Gold recycling starts with its collection. For this, it is possible to contact individuals who hold old jewelry in too poor condition to be renovated. When it comes to large volumes, it is best to call on professionals specialized in gold recovery.

Indeed, on a small scale, consumers can participate in the upcycling of gold by dropping off their old jewelry and electronic devices in dedicated collection centers. On a large scale, specialized companies recover waste directly from manufacturers, distributors, and recycling centers. This allows them to ensure the storage of large quantities of precious metals. Note that apart from jewelry, some electronic equipment is also among the main sources of gold waste, such as mobile phones or even computers.

Step 2: Sorting materials

Sorting methods

Once collected, the waste is subjected to manual sorting to determine the metal's fineness through chemical sorting to dissociate the components.

Eliminating impurities

To guarantee the quality of the recovered metal, impurities present in the parts to be recycled such as plastic, glass, and/or other non-precious metals are eliminated. This preliminary purification process prepares the materials for the following stages.

Step 3: Refining and purification

Refining techniques

The recovered precious metals then go through a refining process aimed at eliminating the final impurities. Techniques such as melting, electrolysis, and crystallization are used in turn to obtain high-quality raw metal.

Purification stages

The ultimate purification of gold often involves advanced chemical methods, such as cyanide leaching. These processes ensure that the recycled metal reaches a purity comparable to that of gold extracted from mines, while reducing the overall environmental impact of the process.

After the melting and refining of the gold, the metal is combined with different alloys, depending on the demand: silver, copper, palladium... After obtaining 740/1000 gold, we can claim a certification.

Certifications

The gold recycling industry is regulated by certifications that guarantee the application of very specific ethical, environmental, and social standards. These labels offer consumers, companies, and stakeholders assurance regarding the responsible and sustainable origin of recycled gold. Each of them has very precise objectives and criteria, whether they concern traceability, the environment, or social responsibility. Thus, by informing themselves further, each consumer can find the label that corresponds to their values.

Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) offers a certification that attests to the use of recycled gold in the field of jewelry. RJC-certified companies are required to respect very specific standards regarding ethics, human rights, the environment, and social responsibility. The manufacturing of jewelry composed of recycled gold must therefore follow very specific guidelines.

Fairmined Gold

Fairmined Gold is a certification awarded to artisanal mining operations that respect strict standards regarding human rights, working conditions, and environmental protection. Although this certification is initially associated with gold extracted from mines, it has evolved to include criteria applicable to recycled gold. This label therefore focuses on ethics and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Recycled Content Standard (RCS)

The Recycled Content Standard (RCS) label originates from the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and is specifically designed to assess the recycled content of products. In the recycled gold sector, it attests to the percentage of gold coming from finished products. It also offers a high level of traceability, allowing consumers to make informed decisions regarding the sustainability of the products they purchase.

The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)

The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) offers a certification aimed at promoting sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining. Although its origin is associated with extracted gold, the program is expanding its scope to include criteria relevant to recycled gold. The ARM focuses on preserving the environment, workers' rights, and creating responsible supply chains.

National and international ecolabels

Some national and international ecolabels, such as the European Ecolabel, can be awarded to products manufactured in one of the countries of the European Union and containing recycled gold, attesting to their low environmental impact. These labels can vary depending on the regions, but they allow professionals to strengthen their commitment to sustainability and encourage them to adopt more ecological practices.

Recycled gold: an ethical and sustainable alternative

On an environmental level, prioritizing gold recycling contributes to mitigating the negative impacts associated with traditional mining. It is also the alternative that helps to implement a more sustainable economic model, particularly in the jewelry industry.

Reducing mining extraction

Mining is often associated with deforestation, the destruction of natural habitats, and the use of potentially harmful chemical processes. It can also be at the origin of the displacement of certain populations, a measurable social impact. By recycling gold, we reduce the pressure on these fragile ecosystems and on the populations living near work areas.

Reducing energy expenditure

Whether it is the process of extraction or refining of gold, both are particularly energy-intensive. It must be known that the resources mobilized for gold extraction are numerous and impact the environment considerably. In fact, 500,000 liters of water are necessary to extract only 20 grams of gold from mines! It is therefore essential to take measures to avoid the massive consumption of this natural resource.

Reducing the carbon footprint and preserving ecosystems

By recycling gold, demand for new extractions is reduced, which leads to a decrease in emissions associated with mining and processing activities.

Gold extraction can be linked to the destruction of natural habitats, the contamination of soils, waterways, and the air. This indeed generates a significant quantity of greenhouse gases, but on the other hand, it requires the use of chemical products like mercury or even cyanide, polluting the air, water, and soil. Reusing gold instead of generating new mining operations would therefore help to make the life cycle of a piece of jewelry in gold more virtuous.

The challenges of recycled gold

Although gold recycling presents considerable advantages, it is a process that raises notable challenges and obstacles, potentially capable of slowing its widespread adoption. It is essential to take these aspects into account if one wishes to give momentum to this practice and a more sustainable vision.

A complex process

The variety of waste sources

The diversity of sources of gold waste, ranging from old jewelry to electronic components, makes the collection and sorting process complex. Implementing effective systems to manage this variety of materials truly represents both a logistical and organizational challenge.

Advanced sorting technologies

Sorting materials is essential to obtain pure gold. For it to be effective, the use of cutting-edge technologies is unavoidable. This type of operation is therefore not within the reach of just any economic actor. Consequently, the situation is likely to slow down the yield.

Taking into account associated costs

Initial investments

Setting up modern and efficient recycling facilities requires significant investments in terms of technologies, equipment, and qualified personnel. These initial costs can be an obstacle for small businesses or local organizations.

Operational costs

In addition to resource investments, the operational costs linked to collection, sorting, refining, and purification can be significant. These expenses may affect the overall profitability of the recycling process.

Raising public awareness

The lack of awareness among consumers and companies about the advantages of gold recycling and how to participate effectively can hinder the quantity of precious materials collected. Some consumers may not perceive the value of this recovery program, preferring to buy new products. To change this, sector players will have to communicate and highlight their operating methods if they wish to raise awareness among as many people as possible!

Compliance with standards and regulations

The absence of uniform standards for gold recycling can lead to inconsistent practices. Implementing clear standards and regulations is essential to guarantee the quality of the recovered metal and the sustainability of the process.

On the other hand, certain recycling methods, particularly in refining, can raise environmental issues. Implementing strict standards on this subject is crucial to mitigate any negative impact of the recycling process.

Leïla Buecher, ethical jewelry brand

The Leïla Buecher brand brings to life creations to which it wishes to give meaning. We believe that traceability and transparency are essential to our values, which is why we make it a point of honor to take care of every step of the manufacturing of our jewelry, starting with the choice of materials. Thus, our gold jewelry is all created from recycled and RJC-labeled gold, combined with different alloys depending on the color chosen. We similarly pay a lot of attention to the selection of our diamonds and other precious stones, which are certified "Conflict Free".

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