I love gold, and in my work, I try as much as possible to incorporate sustainable processes into my jewelry production, which is why I only use recycled gold in my jewelry.
What is recycled gold?
Recycled gold comes from old jewelry or watches containing gold, which then undergoes a process where the gold is refined, purified, and re-melted into gold sheets, wires, and similar forms.
What does it look like?
Recycled gold looks exactly the same as gold from mines; there is no degradation in color or quality. Recycled 14k gold is yellow with a cool tone, and 18k gold is yellow with a warm golden tone.
Durability
Gold is an absolutely fantastic material. You can bury it in the ground, and 500 years later, it will still gleam in its golden hue and not have deteriorated. Recycled gold, therefore, has incredible durability, even if it has been reused again and again. As long as the jewelry is cared for and maintained, a piece of jewelry made from recycled gold can last for many, many years.
Why is it better to use recycled gold?
Since gold is a precious metal and a scarce resource, it makes sense to preserve and take care of the supply we have extracted from the earth. At the same time, the environmental impact is reduced, as gold mines require a lot of water and chemicals, thus creating a significant environmental burden. Working conditions can also be very poor in mines in general, so on the ethical side, recycled gold is also far better.
How do I order a piece of jewelry made from recycled gold from Liljefelt Jewellery?
All my jewelry is cast in recycled gold, so if you order here in the shop, you won't receive a piece of jewelry where the gold comes from a mine.
What else am I doing to become more sustainable?
I focus heavily on diamonds. All my diamonds are from conflict-free areas, and additionally, I have some that are fair trade, where the ethical aspect is also more closely considered. I hope that more stringent conditions will be introduced in legislation so that traceability in ethics and environment becomes easier for both consumers and jewelry designers.
P.S. If you want to read more about diamonds, see my post here.
Gold is a lovely material, and when you invest your money in a material like gold that has long durability, you are, as I see it, contributing positively to a more sustainable future.
Best regards, Michell