What does RECYCLING mean?
Clients often bring me their old jewelry or gold and request that I make something new out of it. Unfortunately this is not possible in every case. It is difficult if I can’t determine the material and alloy, or if the metal seems to be dirty. I also will not destroy precious antiques or a fine goldsmith’s work. However, in many cases it is not only possible but beautiful to transform the old into something new. Just as each piece of jewelry has a history, so do the materials from which it is made. Gold in particular brings up questions of conscientious consumerism.
development of a necklace made from recycled 18 kt gold jump rings and ancient coral beads
Gold is a material with two faces, and a metaphor for the duality of all things in our world.
Over centuries it has brought both light and suffering to the human race.
It still enchants us today with its beautiful color, warmth, and clarity.
At the same time it still causes suffering to man and nature.
I am searching for alternative ways of attaining and working with gold.
It is possible to use recycled, or second-hand, gold. There is also so-called fair or green gold.
It is between 5-20% more expensive per gram, but it certifies:
- no lasting damage of existing ecological systems
- no use of toxic substances like quick silver or cyanide
- no forced removal of native inhabitants from their land
earrings made from fair gold, cast (mold made from beeswax) first pieces of a small line in fair gold