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Gold is one of the most precious and cherished materials in the world. Its beauty, timelessness and value make it truly special. However, the process of sourcing this shiny element we all admire is not always as bright as the metal itself.
Mining for gold can have serious consequences, from environmental damage to disrupting the lives of local communities. Pollution, habitat destruction and social challenges are some of the results of traditional gold mining practices. As part of our commitment to social and environmental responsibility, we use only recycled gold at Eternate. That means 100% of our pieces of jewelry are made with recycled metals.
Recycled gold is exactly what it sounds like: gold that’s given a new life. Instead of being newly mined, it’s recovered from existing sources like old jewelry, industrial components and other gold items. It’s still the same high-quality gold, just with a much smaller environmental footprint. By using recycled gold, we reduce the need for mining, cut down on waste and give valuable resources a chance to shine again in a sustainable and responsible way.
Instead of extracting new gold from the earth through mining, existing sources, like old jewelry, electronics and industrial materials are recovered. These items contain valuable gold that can be repurposed. After being collected, the gold is separated from other materials, melted down and purified to remove any impurities. It’s then refined and ready to be remade into beautiful new pieces of jewelry, just like brand-new gold but with a much smaller environmental impact and reduced carbon footprint. Gold can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its quality. This means recycled gold has the same pureness, beauty and durability as newly mined gold.
Most of the time, customers do not know the origin of the gold in their jewelry. Nor do they know how it is mined. Gold mining is in fact one of the most destructive industries in the world, causing environmental pollution and serious human rights violations. It pollutes land and drinking water, destroying ecosystems and displacing entire communities. Moreover miners are often forced to work for low wages, under poor safety standards and inhumane labor conditions.
By choosing recycled gold, together we can reduce the demand for newly mined gold and thus help reduce the environmental and social impact dirty gold mining practices have.
The journey to extract gold can leave behind scars on the environment that are hard to heal. From pollution to deforestation, the effects of gold mining on the planet are far-reaching.
The process of gold mining often involves the use of over 30 toxic substances, such as cyanide, arsenic, lead and mercury. Over 30 different kinds of toxic materials are routinely directly dumped into surrounding water bodies such as rivers, lakes and oceans by gold mining companies. However, the effects do not stop there. Dust from mining operations can contaminate the air, and toxic runoff seeps into the soil. This affects plant and animal life far beyond the immediate mining area. The long-term impact of these pollutants is so devastating that it contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss and even severe health issues for communities living near mining sites.
Did you know that producing gold for just 1 wedding ring creates more than 20 tons of waste? There are two ways in which gold mining generates solid waste. The actual digging up of the mine is the first one of these, which creates huge piles of soil and rock. And then there is the actual processing of the ore to produce gold, which creates an unbelievable amount of 20 tons of waste for just one gold ring.
Due to its nature, gold mining can be practiced in very specific natural areas and requires aggressive processes that have a brutal impact on biodiversity and entire ecosystems. These areas are often forested lands and they also include officially protected areas.
Sustainability and responsibility matter more than ever, and choosing recycled gold is a simple but powerful way to make a difference. As Eternate, we are committed to our promise of being a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible company. We say no to dirty gold, which is gold produced through harmful and unsustainable mining practices. Instead, we choose to work exclusively with recycled gold. 100% of the gold we use comes from recycled resources. At Eternate, pieces of old jewelry, industrial use materials, cables and electronics components are some of the resources we recycle to craft bespoke and responsible pieces of fine jewelry for you. This means you can enjoy their beauty that shines inside and out.
The future of luxury is bright, and it’s in our hands to shape it. At Eternate, with every piece of recycled gold jewelry we craft, we are helping to pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all of us. Choose from ethical and sustainable jewelry made of 100% recycled gold to make choices that reflect the world we want to live in.