Recycled white gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals, such as palladium or nickel, where the gold content is sourced from pre-existing gold that has been refined from various locations rather than being newly mined.
Understanding Recycled Gold
Recycled gold is not newly extracted from the earth but is made from refined precious metals that are sourced from a combination of locations. These sources typically include:
- Discarded jewelry
- Industrial scrap
- Electronics waste
- Dental materials
This process involves collecting, melting, and purifying existing gold to a high level of purity, making it indistinguishable in quality from newly mined gold. The World Gold Council reported that recycled gold plays a significant role in the global market, accounting for 28 percent of the total global gold supply of 4,633 metric tons in 2020.
What Makes Gold "White"?
Naturally, pure gold is a soft, bright yellow metal. To create white gold, pure gold is mixed with white metal alloys. Common alloying metals include:
- Palladium
- Nickel
- Silver
- Zinc
The specific combination and proportion of these metals determine the final color and strength of the white gold alloy. A rhodium plating is often applied to give white gold its bright white finish and enhance durability.
Defining Recycled White Gold
When we talk about recycled white gold, we are referring to the standard white gold alloy (gold combined with white metals) where the gold used in the alloy originates from recycled sources. The refining process ensures that this recycled gold is just as pure and high-quality as newly mined gold.
Essentially, recycled white gold looks and performs exactly like white gold made with newly mined gold. The difference lies solely in the origin of the gold itself.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Choosing recycled white gold is often preferred for its potential environmental and ethical benefits. Mining new gold can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and energy consumption. By utilizing existing gold, the demand for new mining is reduced, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain. Furthermore, recycled gold avoids issues sometimes associated with mining practices, such as labor concerns in artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
In summary, recycled white gold offers the same aesthetic appeal and physical properties as traditional white gold, but with the added advantage of a more responsible sourcing method for its primary component, gold.
