Guide Or recyclé
A meaningful accessory, as precious as it is unique, gold jewelry has a strong symbolic value. Gold, that precious metal synonymous with durability and eternal sentiments, offers us all its splendor in the form of talismans that Leïla Buecher is pleased to present in her collections.
Today, more and more jewellers are opting for recycled gold to adopt a more ethical approach, and to offer their customers alternatives that are less polluting and have a lower environmental impact. Over the past 10 years, there has been a marked increase in the volume of recycled gold, mainly from jewelry. Jewellers see recycled gold as a sustainable solution to the social and environmental problems generated by traditional mining. In fact, as we shall see, it would encourage a more responsible use of this precious resource.
But how is gold recycled? Why opt for this alternative? And how do you make jewelry from recycled gold? Find the answers to your questions in this detailed guide.
Recycled gold: what is it?
The jewelry and electronics industries are experiencing perpetual growth in demand for gold. As a result, demand is outstripping supply. Faced with this reality, it was urgent to rethink supply processes. The solution of recycling gold presented itself as an opportunity to reduce the negative impact of its extraction. Unlike mined gold, recycled gold comes from finished products. In other words, the metal is extracted from used jewelry or obsolete electronic components. Recycling it involves melting it down, purifying it through multiple processing stages and then reshaping it: we obtain an upcycled product. This ultimately provides a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by conventional extraction methods.
Recycling gold in several phases
The gold recycling process involves a complex sequence of stages, from the collection of coins to their transformation into new products. It is through these different phases that we can realize the positive environmental impact of this practice.
Step 1: Collecting the jewelry
Recycling gold starts with collecting it. For this, you can turn to private individuals who have old jewelry in too poor a condition to be refurbished. When large volumes are involved, it's best to call on professionals who specialize in gold recovery.
On a small scale, consumers can participate in the upcycling of gold by dropping off their old jewelry and electronics at dedicated collection centers. On a larger scale, specialized companies collect waste directly from manufacturers, distributors and recycling centers. This enables them to store large quantities of precious metals. In addition to jewelry, some electronic equipment, such as cell phones and computers, is also a major source of gold scrap.
Step 2: Sorting materials
Sorting methods
Once collected, the waste is manually sorted to determine the metal titration by chemical sorting to dissociate the components.
Eliminating impurities
Eliminating impurities
To guarantee the quality of the metal recovered, 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.
Stage 3: Refining and purification
Refining techniques
The recovered precious metals are then refined to remove the last impurities. Techniques such as smelting, electrolysis and crystallization are employed in turn to obtain a high-quality raw metal.
Purification steps
The ultimate purification of gold often involves advanced chemical methods, such as cyanide leaching. These processes ensure that the recycled metal achieves a purity comparable to that of mined gold, while reducing the overall environmental impact of the process.
After melting and refining the gold, the metal is combined with various alloys, depending on demand: silver, copper, palladium... Once we have obtained 740 thousandths gold, we can claim certification.
Certifications
The gold recycling industry is governed by certifications that guarantee the application of specific ethical, environmental and social standards. These labels offer consumers, companies and stakeholders assurance of the responsible and sustainable origin of recycled gold. Each label has its own specific objectives and criteria, whether in terms of traceability, the environment or social responsibility. So, with a little more information, each consumer can find the label that matches his or her values.
Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) offers certification for the use of recycled gold in the jewelry industry. RJC-certified companies are required to comply with specific ethical, human rights, environmental and social responsibility standards. The manufacture of jewelry made from recycled gold must therefore follow very specific guidelines.
Fairmined Gold
Fairmined Gold is a certification awarded to artisanal mining operations that respect strict standards of human rights, working conditions and environmental protection. Although this certification was initially associated with mined gold, it has evolved to include criteria applicable to recycled gold. The label thus emphasizes ethics and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Recycled Content Standard (RCS)
The Recycled Content Standard (RCS) label is derived from the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and is specifically designed to assess the recycled content of products. In the recycled gold sector, it certifies the percentage of gold originating from finished products. It also offers a high level of traceability, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about the sustainability of the products they buy.
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)
The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) offers certification to promote sustainable, small-scale artisanal mining. Although its origins are associated with mined gold, the program is broadening its scope to include criteria relevant to recycled gold. ARM focuses on environmental preservation, workers' rights and the creation of responsible supply chains.
National and international eco-labels
Some national and international ecolabels, such as theEuropean 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 may vary from region to region, but they enable professionals to reinforce their commitment to sustainability and encourage them to adopt greener practices.
Recycled gold: an ethical and sustainable alternative
From an environmental point of view, gold recycling helps mitigate the negative impacts associated with traditional mining. It is also an alternative that helps to establish a more sustainable business model, particularly in the jewelry industry.
Reducing mining
Mining is often associated with deforestation, the destruction of natural habitats and the use of potentially harmful chemical processes. It can also lead to 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 the work areas.
Reduce energy costs
Both the extraction and refining of gold are particularly energy-intensive processes. Indeed, the resources mobilized for gold extraction are numerous and have a considerable impact on the environment. In fact, 500,000 liters of water are needed to extract just 20 grams of gold from the mines! It is therefore essential to take steps to avoid the massive consumption of this natural resource.
Reducing carbon footprint and preserving ecosystems
Recycling gold reduces the demand for new mining operations, which in turn reduces emissions associated with mining and processing activities.
Gold mining can be linked to the destruction of natural habitats and the contamination of soil, waterways and air. This not only generates large quantities of greenhouse gases, but also requires the use of chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which pollute the air, water and soil. Reusing gold instead of generating new mining operations would therefore help to make the life cycle of a gold jewel more virtuous.
The challenges of recycled gold
Although gold recycling offers considerable benefits, it is a process that raises notable challenges and obstacles, potentially slowing down its widespread adoption. Taking these aspects into account is essential if this more sustainable practice and vision is to gain momentum.
A complex process
The diversity of gold scrap sources, from old jewelry to electronic components, makes the collection and sorting process a complex one. Setting up efficient systems to manage this variety of materials represents a real logistical and organizational challenge.
Sorting materials is essential to obtain pure gold. For it to be effective, state-of-the-art technology is essential. This type of operation is not within the reach of every economic player. As a result, the situation is likely to slow performance.
Factor in the associated costs
Setting up modern, efficient recycling facilities requires substantial investment in technology, equipment and skilled personnel. These initial costs can be an obstacle for small businesses or local organizations.
In addition to the investment in resources, operational costs associated with collection, sorting, refining and purification can be significant. These expenses can affect the overall profitability of the recycling process.
Raising public awareness
Lack of consumer and business awareness of the benefits of gold recycling and how to participate effectively can hamper the amount of valuable material collected. Some consumers may not perceive the value of this recovery program, preferring to buy new products. To change this, industry players will need to communicate and highlight their operating procedures 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. Clear standards and regulations are essential to guarantee the quality of the metal recovered and the sustainability of the process.
On the other hand, some recycling methods, particularly in refining, can raise environmental issues. The implementation of strict standards in this area is crucial to mitigate any negative impact of the recycling process.
Leïla Buecher, ethical jewelry brand
The Leïla Buecher brand gives life to 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 stage in the manufacture of our jewelry, starting with the choice of materials. Our gold jewelry, for example, is all created from recycled RJC-labelled gold, combined with different alloys depending on the color chosen. Similarly, we take great care in selecting our diamonds and other precious stones, which are certified "Conflict Free".
