Recycled Gold Jewelry Brands: Never Mind The Mines

Posted on Mar 10, 2021

These recycled gold jewelry brands are changing the industry paradigm for the best

By Diane Small

Humankind has mined the earth’s bounty for thousands of years. But it’s only over the course of the past century that this has been done on such a massive scale, that mining is now one of the largest causes of deforestation.

So when jewelry brands get the brilliant idea of using existing metals and gems to make their creations, we can’t help but applaud them. Especially if their work is irresistibly gorgeous.

Here, we’ve discovered the work of half a dozen talented artisans who are creating jewelry purely from melted down, recycled gold, other metals and stones. They’re breathing new life into unique pieces and proving beyond a doubt that when it comes to creating jewelry, there really is no need to scar the Earth in the search for new materials.

Recycled Gold Jewelry Brands We Love

Octavia Elizabeth

Best known for her delicate, stackable bracelets, Octavia Elizabeth also makes necklaces, rings and more – all from recycled gold and other eco-friendly materials, of course. Her fine jewelry is carefully crafted in her atelier, ensuring the highest quality from start to finish.

A favourite brand of celebrities including Gigi Hadid and Jessica Alba, these dainty styles carry so much elegance, wearability and timelessness. They’re perfect everyday signatures designed for wearing for years to come.

Melissa Joy Manning

Long one of our favourite jewelry creators here at Eluxe, Ms Manning’s fine jewelry is inspired by her passion for travel, art and culture. Committed to using only the most sustainable of materials, including recycled gold jewelry, each piece is lovingly handmade in the designer’s California studio.

She favors recycled 14 karat gold, but also makes great use of ethically sourced crystals, gems and shells in her work, lending it a rather Boho charm.

Zefyr Jewelry

Each piece by this brand is, of course, made from 100% recycled materials – but that’s not all that makes it sustainable. Zefyr directly runs audits on their workshops in Jaipur, India where all of the pieces are made. In addition, all of Zefyr’s Indian artisans receive free training, public transport and health checks as part of their employment.

Whilst the brand adores working with recycled gold, Zefyr’s delicate MONSOON collection, comprised of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets is made from 100% recycled sterling silver. And as an added ethical insignia, a percentage of the proceeds go back to the place that inspired the design – a local charity in the mountain regions of Northern Laos.

Kirsten Muenster

Do you believe the history of the Earth is one of the most beautiful stories we have? Then this San Francisco-based jeweler is for you. Kristen Muenster uses only 100 percent recycled precious metals and traceable fossils that allow you to take a little bit of history with you wherever you go.

Whether its ancient upcycled coral and shells or tiny insects trapped in amber, Muenster can capture them wonderfully in her jewelry, giving them eternal life.

Baxter Moerman

As any observant person knows, nature is a magnificent artist: everything from the bursts of colours it paints on autumnal trees to the silvery shimmer of fish scales have inspired poets, painters and jewelry makers too. Matthew Moerman has translated the texture of tree bark and dew drops into wearable art.

A strong advocate of natural conservation, Moerman takes pride in choosing heirloom-quality, ethically sourced gemstones. Every one of his pieces is made with recycled gold, diamonds and precious stones. This is one of our favourite recycled gold jewelry brands for haute luxe with an ethical edge.

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Diane Small

Senior Features Writer at Eluxe Magazine

A University of Texas journalism graduate and serious chocolate enthusiast, Diane was a sub-editor at the Houston Chronicle before falling pregnant. Today, she is the proud mom of two kids under the age of three, and freelances for Eluxe in between nappy changes and feedings.