Using recycled silver cuts down CO2 emissions by ⅔ versus mined silver, yet more than 80% of the world’s silver supply is still mined. In 2020, Amadeus transitioned to manufacturing jewellery using 100% recycled silver. This also benefits our gold vermeil jewellery, which involves adding gold to a sterling silver base for better quality and a longer lifetime than other plating techniques. It’s a step we’ve made to make immediate reductions in CO2 and be kinder to our environment.

For decades, mining has been a fundamental process in the jewellery supply chain. Modern consumers look for sustainability and transparency in the brands they believe in, buy into and support. Its essential jewellery gets up to speed on this.

Recycling silver helps to limit the amount of metals that must be produced. This will ensure for less waste in landfills and can help to slow the consuming of natural resources. Hand-made jewellery from used silver can cut down transportation costs. Smaller scale doesn’t mean lower quality.

Mining silver greatly impacts the environment. It causes erosion and contaminates ground water. A high level of mercury and cyanide are often found in water. These substances are incredibly damaging to human health.

Because silver is relatively cheap to produce, it has been difficult to persuade miners to opt for more sustainable processes. Hand-crafting recycled materials takes more time and resources, but it’s far better for the environment.

The modern luxury consumer wants to know everything about their product. There’s now a demand for transparency. For jewellery brands, the charm of heritage and exclusivity is no longer enough to attract consumers. There’s more of a demand for brands to take an approach that champions openness, diversity and sustainable practices. We know the mindset of consumers has changed. They are mindful of the challenges facing humanity and are conscious of finding a solution.

While the jewellery industry is far behind other sectors in terms of sustainability, the industry is starting to become more agile. It is becoming more responsive to the demand for greener, fairer processes. There is a wider effort from human rights counsels and organisations to ensure the industry engages in responsible sourcing. It’s important we prioritise recycled silver in the jewellery industry to progress in the journey towards sustainability.