What does recycled mean in jewellery? Transparent sourcing with Considered Jewellery | LMC

At La Maison Couture, we’ve made it our mission to introduce a Zero Extraction Policy across our brands. This means we’re working towards ensuring that 100% of the brands we represent use certified recycled metals or upcycled materials in their collections by 2030. This layer of accountability ensures the claims our brands make are not only meaningful, but also transparent and trustworthy.

But what does ‘recycled’ actually mean? To explore the nuances behind the term and why it matters in jewellery, we spoke to sustainability consultant Victoria Waugh of Considered Jewellery.

WHY USING RECYCLED MATERIALS MATTERS

Mining for gold, silver, and gemstones can have a devastating environmental impact when not managed responsibly. 

Throughout history, the mining and trading of precious minerals has been linked to the funding of armed conflicts and serious human rights abuses, including child labour. Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, commonly used in gold extraction, can contaminate water sources and have a severe effect on the health of local communities. These activities deplete natural resources, generate significant carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change.

These impacts cast a shadow over the shine of precious raw materials, prompting a growing interest in choosing recycled alternatives.

Opting for recycled jewellery is one way jewellers could help in reducing carbon emissions and lessening the need for newly mined resources. But what does ‘recycled’ mean in the context of jewellery?

THE NUANCES AROUND WHAT "RECYCLED" REALLY MEANS

In our day to day lives, we think of recycling processes as those that turn waste into something new. You might own stationary made from recycled paper, or a sweater made from discarded plastic drinks bottles. We choose these products as a way of helping to reduce waste, protect our environment, and lower our carbon footprint.

However, the term recycled metals means something slightly different when it comes to jewellery.  Precious metals are never considered waste, because they are so valuable. Every scrap is always carefully collected and reused.

Recycling processes for gold and recycled sterling silver are standard practice when making jewellery. So much so that most jewellery on sale will contain metals that have been used before. When you see jewellery labelled as made from 100% recycled gold or recycled sterling silver it has likely come from a mix of:

• Metal left over from the manufacturing process.
• Scrap metal from other industries, such as electronics.
• Old jewellery from pawn shops or ‘cash for gold’ schemes.

Each of these sources has a very different environmental impact.  If metals described as ‘recycled’ are just industry scrap, they may have been recently mined, and not made from old jewellery as customers likely expect.

Therefore, it’s important to dig a bit deeper into any claims made by a brand:

1. Do they know where the recycled metals came from originally?
2. Can the brand guarantee their metal is 100% recycled?
3. Do they have certification to back up their claims?

Without proof of provenance, claims about the benefits of using recycled metal could be misleading.  For example, it is inaccurate to suggest that using recycled gold automatically reduces carbon emissions or decreases mining activity unless you know that it was made from materials reclaimed from a waste stream.  

A great example of truly recycled metals is AgAIN silver. Betts Refinery in the UK uses an innovative process to extract silver from old medical x-ray film collected from the NHS. Otherwise destined for landfill, these discarded materials are given a new life whilst also providing an income stream for Betts’ NHS partners.

COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY

At La Maison Couture, we carefully curate brands that align with our mission to create meaningful change in the jewellery industry. We seek out designers who not only use recycled metals, but who can verify and certify the origin of these materials.

In addition to Considered Jewellery, whose use of 100% recycled sterling silver from melted down scrap metal exemplifies true circularity, we’re proud to showcase several other brands that make certified recycled metals and materials a priority. Some of these include:

• The Rock Hound, whose silver comes from AgAIN silver recycled from medical X-rays in the UK.
• Skydiamond, which uses repurposed gold and recycled metals, sourced from unexpected waste streams including pottery and electronic waste from medical X-ray machines.
• Amadeus, which works with pre-loved gemstones purchased second-hand and sea pearls sourced from vintage accessories, giving beautiful materials a second life and reducing carbon from new mining.
• Flora Bhattachary, a Fairmined-licensed jeweller, uses certified recycled metals, such as gold and platinum to ensure traceability and reduce environmental impact.

IN CONCLUSION

Recycled metals are more than just a trend, they’re a statement of intent. By working with certified sources and championing brands who take transparency seriously, La Maison Couture is helping to redefine luxury as something not just beautiful, but responsible. As we move toward our goal of 100% recycled or upcycled materials by 2030, we invite our community to ask questions, and make informed choices that contribute to a more ethical future for jewellery, while also reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources. 

SHOP RECYCLED JEWELLERY

FAQ: What Does ‘Recycled’ Mean in the Jewellery Industry?

Can gold and silver jewellery really be recycled?
Yes. Precious metals like gold and silver are rarely discarded due to their high value. Recycled jewellery often uses leftover materials from manufacturing, electronics, or old jewellery.

What does 'recycled metal' mean in jewellery?
In jewellery, 'recycled' refers to previously used precious metals that have been melted down and refined for reuse. This includes industry scrap, electronics, and second-hand jewellery.

Is recycled jewellery better for the environment?
It can be, but only when sourced from true waste streams. Certified recycled metals, like silver from medical X-rays, help reduce the demand for new mining and its environmental impact.

How can I verify if jewellery is made from 100% recycled metals?
Look for certification and transparency. Ethical brands should provide proof of origin and confirm their metals are not just industry scrap but reclaimed from waste streams.

Where can I buy jewellery made with certified recycled metals?
La Maison Couture curates brands that use verified recycled materials, including Considered Jewellery.

Why does the source of recycled metal matter?
Not all recycled metal has the same environmental benefit. True recycling involves reusing discarded materials, not just leftover manufacturing scrap, which may still originate from recent mining.