Here at SOPHIE ANNA, we believe in making choices that reflect our values and contribute to a healthier planet. One of the key ways we’re contributing to a brighter future is by using 100% certified recycled metals, specifically recycled sterling silver and gold, in all our jewellery. Here's why this matters so much to us.
Mining precious metals like gold and silver has a substantial environmental impact. It involves extensive land disruption, significant water pollution, and massive energy consumption. Did you know that recycled metals, such as recycled gold, produce up to 99.8% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than mined gold? That’s a staggering difference. For example, a typical wedding band made from newly mined gold could emit up to 64kg of greenhouse gases, while the same ring made from recycled gold emits only about 100 grams. Similarly, recycling platinum results in about one-twentieth of the emissions of mining it, and recycled silver produces around 14% of the emissions compared to mined silver. These reductions are significant, and we're proud to be part of this change.
We want to ensure that our jewellery doesn’t just look good but does good too. The mining industry is often linked to unethical practices, including poor working conditions and unfair wages. By using recycled metals, we avoid contributing to these issues. Our certified recycled sterling silver and gold come from sources that adhere to strict standards, ensuring no unethical practices are involved. This aligns with our core values of respect and integrity, and you can feel good about your purchase, knowing it supports ethical and responsible practices.
You might wonder if recycled metals compromise on quality, but there’s no need to be concerned. Our recycled metals, whether recycled sterling silver or gold, are just as stunning and durable as newly mined metals. The certification process ensures that these recycled metals meet rigorous quality criteria. This means your jewellery will offer the same durability, lustre, and beauty that you expect from any fine jewellery. Our pieces are crafted to be timeless and lasting, providing you with beautiful jewellery that stands the test of time.
Choosing recycled metals supports a circular economy where products are reused, recycled, and repurposed. This approach helps conserve natural resources and reduces waste. For instance, recycled silver produces around 14% of the emissions compared to mined silver. These meaningful reductions contribute to a more sustainable future. Every piece of jewellery we create is a step towards minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting more sustainable consumption patterns.
In the grand scheme of things, precious metal mining doesn’t produce as many greenhouse gases as other minerals like bauxite or iron ore, but the numbers are still significant. Nearly 60 million tonnes of greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere every year just from gold mining. The jewellery industry consumes a large portion of these metals, with about 51% of all gold, 27% of platinum, and 21% of silver going into jewellery. Despite the significant use of precious metals in jewellery, recycling still has room for improvement. For instance, gold jewellery manufacturing consumes approximately 2,200 tonnes of gold each year, while recycling only delivers about half that quantity. The same disparity exists for silver and platinum. This gap highlights the urgent need for more widespread adoption of recycled materials.
Choosing recycled metals for your jewellery is akin to choosing to recycle everyday items—it’s a small step that collectively makes a big difference. Each piece of recycled jewellery you purchase helps reduce the demand for newly mined metals, which in turn helps protect our planet. When you choose our pieces, you’re making a statement that you care about the environment and ethical practices. Your support helps drive positive change in the industry. Just like how we carefully select recycled metals for our creations, your choice to wear these pieces contributes to a broader movement towards environmental responsibility.
We’re always seeking new ways to enhance our practices and lessen our environmental footprint. While we’re not perfect, we're always exploring new ways to innovate and minimize our impact on the planet. Your support makes this journey possible. Thank you for being part of our community and for choosing jewellery that reflects not only your style but your values. Let’s continue to make beautiful, sustainable choices together—one piece at a time.