5 things you need to know about recycled silver
Eco-friendly accessories are on the rise – with even the duchess herself, Kate Middleton, spotted sporting jewellery made from 100% recycled silver on a recent visit to Copenhagen. We couldn’t be happier that the world is finally starting to recognise the positive impact that recycled jewellery can have on both people and planet.
From saving wildlife and habitats, to reducing CO2 emissions, toxic waste and energy, recycled silver offers a more sustainable solution to jewellery creation. Here’s everything you need to know about giving your current silver accessory collection a second life – as told by the experts at SEEKD…
1) Recycled silver is just as good quality as virgin silver
“No purity is lost in the process of extracting silver from used items. Impurities are extracted in the process leaving behind the same pure silver that was originally used.”
2) Recycling silver helps to save a vast amount of energy and carbon emissions
“Metal mining uses a huge amount of energy to extract metal ore, as well as emitting greenhouses gasses through its smelting and processing operations. Using recycled silver skips this entire process, saving more energy compared to using raw materials.”
3) The use of recycled silver can reduce reforestation and habitat destruction
“Metal mines require thousands of acres of land. Furthermore, waste minerals and rocks have been known to become toxic through acid drainage, for example in The Grasberg Mine in Papua, which then seeps into the air and water, further damaging habitats. Recycling metal reduces mining waste by 97%, according to Green Matters*.”
4) Recycled silver can come from many forms – not just unused jewellery!
“Silver is one of the most useful metals in the world, with its properties reaching much further than its aesthetic. It is the best thermal and electrical conductor, is ductile and malleable, and is antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it incredibly useful in a wide range of industrial, technological any medical products.”
5) You can recycle silver you have at home
“There are ways you can recycle your own silver from unused items from your home – and even make some money back as well as contribute to the reduction of harmful mining! If you’d like to get a little cashback for your silver, search for your local silver dealer who can melt and reuse your metal items.”
“Some jewellery shops will buy your silver to melt and recast into new pieces, usually for the value in weight. If you'd like to give back to charity but your jewellery isn't suitable for re-sale, Recycling for Good Causes will recycle them to raise funds for charity. Recycle Now has some great advice to get started!”