Gold & Recycled Gold
Gold & Recycled Gold
Understanding Gold and Recycled Gold: What You Need to Know
Gold has been treasured for centuries—not just for its beauty, but for its value, rarity, and durability. At Arter, we believe that every element of our jewellery should reflect our values of sustainability, quality, and intention. In this post, we’ll explore what gold is, how its purity levels are measured, how it is traditionally mined, and why recycled gold is a better choice for the future of luxury.
What Is Gold, and How Is It Measured?
Gold is a naturally occurring precious metal that is prized for its rich color, malleability, and resistance to tarnish. The purity of gold is measured in karats (k)—not to be confused with carats used for diamonds. Pure gold is 24 karats, but it’s often mixed with other metals like copper, silver, or zinc to improve strength for use in jewellery.
Here’s a quick breakdown of gold purities and their percentage of pure gold:
- 24K Gold – 99.9% pure (very soft, usually not used in fine jewellery)
- 22K Gold – 91.6% pure
- 18K Gold – 75% pure (ideal balance of purity and durability)
- 14K Gold – 58.5% pure
- 12K Gold – 50% pure
- 10K Gold – 41.7% pure
- 9K Gold – 37.5% pure
How Is Gold Traditionally Mined?
Most of the world’s gold is extracted from the earth through large-scale industrial mining. Open-pit and underground mining processes require moving tons of rock and soil, often using cyanide or mercury to separate gold from other materials.
This process is not only energy-intensive but also environmentally damaging. Mining contributes to:
- Deforestation
- Toxic waste runoff
- Heavy water and energy use
- Destruction of local ecosystems and communities
With increasing awareness of these impacts, both consumers and brands are turning to more sustainable alternatives.
What Is Recycled Gold?
Recycled gold is not lesser quality gold—it's simply gold that has been recovered and refined from existing sources like old jewellery, electronic components, or manufacturing waste. After refining, it is identical in composition and purity to newly mined gold.
At Arter, we use recycled gold wherever possible in our jewellery. It allows us to uphold our commitment to luxury and beauty while minimizing environmental harm.
Why Recycled Gold Is Better for the Earth
Recycled gold significantly reduces the need for new mining and all its associated environmental damage. Here are a few facts:
- Producing one gold ring from mined gold can generate up to 20 tons of waste rock.
- Recycled gold reduces carbon emissions by over 90% compared to newly mined gold.
- It saves water, protects biodiversity, and minimizes toxic waste.
By using recycled gold, we ensure that each Arter piece embodies our values of ethical luxury, sustainability, and careful craftsmanship.
The Future of Conscious Jewellery
Choosing jewellery made from recycled gold isn’t just about style—it’s about making an impact. It’s about knowing that the beauty you wear hasn’t come at the cost of the planet.
At Arter, we believe in jewellery that carries a story: one of mindful sourcing, considered design, and enduring value.