What Is Recycled Gold? It Depends Who You Ask

Why Recycled Gold Isn’t So Simple

More and more people are looking for products that are sustainable and ethical, and this includes their jewelry. They’re asking better questions: Where did this gold come from? How was it processed? Was it mined or recycled?

Recycled gold seems like the obvious answer. It’s reused material, right? No new mining, so no new harm. But like many things, it’s not that straightforward.

Just because it’s recycled doesn’t mean the ethics are clear.

At Rigby Leigh, we believe it’s important to be honest about what recycled gold is, how it’s refined, processed, and why sourcing matters. In this article, we’ll break down the truth behind recycled gold—where it comes from, what “recycled” really means in the jewelry industry, and the questions you should be asking before you buy.

We’ll also explain why we go to great lengths to make sure that the materials we use in our jewelry meet the highest ethical and environmental standards so you can feel confident about what you’re wearing and where it came from. 

Defining Recycled Gold

At its core, recycled gold is gold that has been recovered from old products, like jewelry, electronics, or even the fine metal dust swept from jewelers' workbenches (often called "bench sweeps").

Unlike newly mined gold, recycled gold does not come directly from mining operations. Instead, it is reclaimed from items that have reached the end of their useful life and then refined back into pure gold to be reused.

But it's important to clarify a common misconception: recycled gold is not simply melted down and reused as-is. Most gold jewelry is made from gold alloys, which are mixtures of pure gold and other metals. 

For example, 18k gold contains 75% pure gold (18 out of 24 parts), with the remaining 25% made up of metals like silver, copper, or even small amounts of nickel or palladium (which is used to create white or rose gold).

Because of these alloying metals, the gold must be fully refined back to its pure 24k form before it can be reused in manufacturing.

How Gold Gets Recycled

The process of refining recycled gold is surprisingly complex and depends on the source material.

When refining from jewelry

This process uses heat, gas, and electroplating to melt the piece and separate out the pure gold. When it's done responsibly, it’s safe and effective.

When refining from bench sweeps or electronics

This is harder. These materials usually require chemical treatments to extract the gold, sometimes harsh ones like cyanide or acids. If these chemicals aren’t managed carefully, they can pollute waterways and harm the environment.

So yes, recycled gold reduces the need for new mining. But if the refining process causes other damage, it defeats the purpose.

Why Our Gold Is Different

Unfortunately, many of the standard refining methods can contribute to significant environmental harm, particularly when waste chemicals are discharged untreated into water systems or the atmosphere.

This is where our sourcing approach becomes so important. 

At Rigby Leigh, we only use recycled gold from Hoover & Strong—a U.S. refinery known for its ethical and eco-conscious practices. Their Green Refining process is incredible:

• Using 80% fewer chemicals than typical refiners.

• Operating an advanced water treatment facility that makes sure no hazardous wastewater enters the environment.

• Employing fume scrubbers to clean emissions before they enter the atmosphere.

• Earning certification from the CSC (Certified Sustainable Company) as a responsible, ethical source.

Because of this partnership, we know exactly how our gold is handled. We trust the process, and you can, too. And because we know exactly where our gold comes from and how it’s refined, we can melt it down in our Brooklyn workshop without needing to add extra chemicals or flux. Instead of casting in rubber or silicone molds, we use hand-carved wood molds made from responsibly sourced lumber.

When the molten gold is poured in, the wood burns away and shapes the metal, leaving behind the grain and texture of the wood in each piece.

This process doesn’t rely on high-tech equipment or mass production, instead it’s a slower, more hands-on method that keeps waste low and gives each piece a one-of-a-kind character. Learn more about our jewelry casting process. 

Not All Recycled Gold Is Ethical

It’s important to recognize that not all recycled gold is equally ethical or sustainable. 

While lots of brands advertise recycled gold as inherently "green," the term can sometimes be used more as a marketing tactic than a true indicator of responsible sourcing (a practice commonly known as greenwashing). 

At Rigby Leigh, we don’t believe in vague claims because our customers deserve full clarity about where their materials come from and how they are processed. So for us, simply labeling something as “recycled” isn’t enough; how that gold is refined and the safeguards in place are just as important as its original source.

Recycled Gold vs. Fairtrade Gold

Both recycled gold and Fairtrade gold are better than newly mined gold, but they do different things.

 

We've chosen to use recycled gold, but only when we know exactly how it’s refined, which is why we work with Hoover & Strong.

Why It Matters

Recycled gold gives us a great opportunity to reduce the demand for newly mined materials, but only when it’s sourced and refined responsibly. 

The true sustainability of recycled gold depends on transparent refining processes and a commitment to protecting both people and the planet.

At Rigby Leigh, we’re proud to say our recycled gold is refined through the most ethical and environmentally responsible methods available. Our customers can wear their pieces with confidence, knowing that nothing is hidden and nothing is compromised.

Shop Our Collection of Recycled Gold Rings and Necklaces. 

What You Can Do

If you care about sustainability, it’s worth asking more questions. When you buy your jewelry, don’t stop at “Is it recycled?”. You should also ask:

• How was it refined?

• Who handled it?

• Can I trust the source?

At Rigby Leigh, we’ll always give you honest answers.

Explore our collection of sustainable fine jewelry made with recycled gold.