Dirty gold mining has a history of civil war, labor abuses, and environmental devastation. Metal mining, and gold mining in particular, is one of the most environmentally destructive types of mining and millions of gold miners earn low wages in dangerous working conditions.
Our objective is to help diminish the negative impacts of dirty gold by reducing the demand for newly mined metals.
The jewelry we cast is made with recycled and re-refined precious metals. Because our reclaimed silver, gold, platinum, and palladium are refined back into their pure elements, they are of the same high quality as newly mined metals.
The recycled content of our precious metals has been independently certified by SCS Global Services. We are one of the first jewelers to elect to have SCS audit our supply chain to show that the metals we use meet the standards for recycled content.
Brilliant Earth's reclaimed precious metals come from numerous post-consumer sources, including existing jewelry, industrial-use metals, and electronics components.
Brilliant Earth's recycled 18k gold peg head engagement ring settings are crafted with 14k gold peg heads, since 14k gold is stronger and more securely holds the gemstone. Findings, like peg heads, posts, and chains, are not always available from recycled sources because such sources are not readily available.
Metal mining, and gold mining in particular, is one of the most environmentally destructive types of mining with 20 tons of ore required to produce enough gold for a single ring.
and environmental devastation
due to dirty mining practices
standards for miners
practices
of indigenous peoples
We can choose recycled metals to decrease the global demand for newly mined gold. This will diminish the environmentally and socially destructive effects of dirty gold and other metal mining practices. Because precious metals can be recycled repeatedly without degradation in quality, they are a naturally renewable resource.
Recycled precious metals are an important component of Brilliant Earth's commitment to the environment, but we also practice environmental responsibility throughout the jewelry production process. For example, we employ a vapor emissions cleaning system and a rigorous process of cleaning liquid emissions to help prevent contaminants from being released into the environment.
Additionally, we are committed to responsible labor practices. Many jewelers outsource their production to countries where labor and environmental standards are weak or poorly enforced. While this may reduce cost, it often comes at the expense of product quality as well as worker health and safety. Brilliant Earth jewelry is crafted in the United States with strict labor and safety practices.
Brilliant Earth encourages our customers to recycle their own gold and platinum jewelry that they no longer wear.
We will gladly accept and recycle any gold or platinum jewelry, and we will offer a credit towards any Brilliant Earth purchase of equal or greater value based on current metal prices.
Please note that after 30 days from the initial credit notice, if we have not received instructions to return jewelry to you, Brilliant Earth reserves the right to recycle all items sent in for evaluation and apply a store credit to your account.
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Too often human beings have suffered for what is meant to be a symbol of love, devotion, and hope for the future. Consider these facts to see why we and so many others care.
About 600,000 children worldwide, some as young as five years old, work as artisanal gold miners. Their right to an education denied, many of these children will have little choice but to keep working in the mines as adults.
Gold mining is the world’s leading cause of man-made mercury pollution, devastating the environment and wreaking havoc on miners’ health.
Cyanide used to extract gold often contaminates the surrounding environment. In one devastating spill in Romania, more than 100k gallons of cyanide-laced waste poisoned the drinking water of millions of people.
Irresponsible mining can devastate landscapes and wreak environmental havoc. The production of one gold ring creates 20 tons of mine waste.
Tunnel collapses, falling rocks, and underground fires make mining for precious metals and gems a highly dangerous occupation. Hundreds of miners have died in accidents in South African gold mines alone.
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