While I am very careful to source my precious metals only from SCS® certified suppliers (SCS® stands for Supply Chain Sustainability; they are the global leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification). Most of my precious metals suppliers are also members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. However, I want to point out that ‘recycling gold' is not what is commonly understood by the term.
True recycling avoids things ending up in landfills. Gold, of course, wouldn’t.
Instead, gold is simply melted, refined and repurposed.
Although SCS® certified refineries must maintain auditable records of their suppliers, there are loopholes globally which make it very easy for gold from unregulated and/or illegal sources to enter their supply chain.
This makes even 'certified recycled' gold untraceable.
You may have seen that I spoke on a panel discussion about gold last week. Not your usual conversation about this precious metal! FRANCEFRACNEFRANCE is a beautiful piece of storytelling about some very harrowing truths: the documentary highlights the perils of extracting this gorgeous metal from the earth. I want to thank director Robert Lang for bringing us this important film, and for graciously joining the screening and panel discussion in Halifax.
powerful film, followed by a great discussion
I will talk more about my gold sources in another blog post. For now, I thought I’d better follow up with a bit more information about re-using YOUR gold, since I have been getting a lot of questions about that. I thought I’d explain how that whole thing works.
This is half-way into the process …Finished!The client was pretty excited when she came to pick up the ring. She later dropped me a note saying “Dorothée, I am thrilled with my ring! Thank you so much. ” Made my day
Many people have gold jewellery kicking around which, for one reason or another, they no longer wear. These might be concerns of aesthetics, size, or they may be deep emotional reasons. Fire purifies and renews! One way or the other: gold can most definitely be recycled, and made into something brand new. Here is how that works:
Taking apart one ring, and starting to make a new one with the gem
Je dirai tout de suite que c'est beaucoup plus compliqué que vous ne le pensez. Je ne peux pas simplement faire fondre l'or en une nouvelle bague; cela compromettrait la force de l'or lui-même, car le métal précieux pourrait devenir cassant en étant fondu à plusieurs reprises. Pour le faire correctement, votre vieil or devra d'abord être affiné à une pureté de 24K, puis réallié (mélangé avec d'autres métaux pour le rendre 18K). Ensuite, cet or sera utilisé pour couler une pièce personnalisée. Je peux transformé cet or en fil et ensuite l'utilise pour vous forger une nouvelle bague Onefooter.
The result of the above image: a rebuild for a 20th anniversary
La façon dont cela fonctionne en temps réel est que je crédite la valeur de reprise de l'or poinçonné et je soustrais cette valeur du prix de votre pièce personnalisée. En fonction de la qualité des pierres de votre (vos) pièce(s) d'origine, je pourrai peut-être en utiliser certaines, voire toutes, dans la création d'un nouveau bijou.
Ce jonc de marriage et cette bague solitaire sont prêt pour recevoir un relooking
So come see me in my Halifax studio (make an appointment ici), or call me with your questions: 902.422.9460. If you don’t live here, we can work remotely. I can safely ship your materials to my studio, not to worry.
Voyez ici quelques exemples de relooking
18k palladium white gold for the new version of this old engagement ringThis massive Amethyst was the client’s grandmother’s . It looked great in its rebirth form atop a 18k yellow gold Twofooter ringA completely newly imagined version of the ring that originally held these stones. This one is 18k palladium white gold – no rhodium plating needed!Cette pierre a obtenu une nouvelle maison dans une bague Onefooter en or jaune 18K
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4 Comments
Beautiful, Gorgeous Creations Dorothée! I especially love the 18K white gold Palladium ring with the three diamonds………Something to think about for the future.
I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries following this post – don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about repurposing YOUR jewellery!
That’s a great point! Let’s delve into the ethical implications and cost considerations of recycling gold for jewelry.
Would you like to start with the ethical aspects or the financial side?
Your article sheds light on the intricate yet rewarding process of recycling gold, which is essential for sustainable jewelry practices. I agree that refining gold to 24k purity before re-alloying is crucial to maintaining its strength without compromise. As a suggestion, it’s beneficial to educate clients about the environmental impact and emotional renewal that comes with transforming heirloom pieces into reimagined jewelry, adding value beyond just aesthetics.
Beautiful, Gorgeous Creations Dorothée! I especially love the 18K white gold Palladium ring with the three diamonds………Something to think about for the future.
I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries following this post – don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about repurposing YOUR jewellery!
That’s a great point! Let’s delve into the ethical implications and cost considerations of recycling gold for jewelry.
Would you like to start with the ethical aspects or the financial side?
Your article sheds light on the intricate yet rewarding process of recycling gold, which is essential for sustainable jewelry practices. I agree that refining gold to 24k purity before re-alloying is crucial to maintaining its strength without compromise. As a suggestion, it’s beneficial to educate clients about the environmental impact and emotional renewal that comes with transforming heirloom pieces into reimagined jewelry, adding value beyond just aesthetics.