Why recycled gold
Journal · Sustainability
Why recycled gold is the future of fine jewellery
Gold has been valued for thousands of years. But the way we have historically obtained it comes with a cost that is hard to ignore.
The problem with mined gold
Traditional gold mining is one of the most environmentally damaging industries on the planet. It requires enormous amounts of land, water, and energy. It produces toxic waste. And the human cost, in many parts of the world, has been just as significant. Communities displaced. Ecosystems destroyed. All for a material that already exists in abundance.
What is recycled gold?
Recycled gold is gold that has already been mined, refined, and used, then recovered, refined again, and given a new life. It comes from a range of sources: old jewellery, industrial components, electronics. Once refined, it is physically and chemically identical to newly mined gold. There is no difference in quality, appearance, or durability.
99%
Less energy than newly mined gold
0
New land disturbed or communities displaced
The gold already exists. We simply choose to use it again.
Why it matters for jewellery
Fine jewellery is meant to last a lifetime. It should also be made responsibly. We do not believe those two things are in conflict. Choosing recycled gold does not mean choosing lower quality. It means choosing the same material with a significantly smaller footprint.
Our commitment at Glasâje
At Glasâje, every piece is made from recycled 9ct solid gold. It is not a marketing angle. It is a straightforward decision we made from the start, because we could not justify doing it any other way. Every piece we create is crafted in Melbourne by people we know, using materials we trust.
Learn more about how we make our jewellery on our sustainability page and Our Story.
