Standards and Disclosures

greenKarat is a pioneer in the use of recycled precious metals in jewelry. As such, it falls to us to establish standards by which you may measure our performance and evaluate the characteristics of the products you buy. Following is a brief discussion of that ongoing process.

Recycled Content Disclosure (Our Ecological Representations)

greenKarat is working to develop standards for recycled precious metal so that consumers can clearly understand the product choices available to them. Many types of metal may enter into the recycling process. Among the sources are scrap from factory floors, metals fabricated into forms such as coins, and metals such as old jewelry.

When demand is created for certain types of metal, there is inevitably a ‘supply’ response. We are working to better understand how we can stimulate supply of recycled metal without simultaneously stimulating mining. As we come to understand these market behaviors, we will share that information with you.

Our objective in using recycled gold is to dampen the stimulus for mining. By standardizing disclosures of what is ‘recycled’ and confirming the recycled content of the metals we offer, we aim to help you to become more informed as consumers and activists.

Refining

There is another consideration in bringing recycled precious metals to market. That is in refining. There are two types of refiners, called primary refiners and secondary refiners. Primary refiners receive gold directly from the mine, whereas secondary refiners process recycled metal. Although primary refiners may handle some recycled material, we prefer to distance ourselves from mining by sourcing only from secondary refiners who can easily segregate recycled materials.

There are differences, however, even between secondary refiners. Refining is an inherently dirty business which uses dangerous chemicals and lots of water. A refinery’s environmental commitment, therefore, can make a big difference on the impact it makes. We look for refineries which voice a commitment to take advantage of new technologies to reduce emissions.

Refining Evaluation

Efforts are under way to develop and implement standards for the evaluation of any facility used in refining or alloying precious metals. Such standards will include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:

1. Existence of an environmental management system,
2. Procedures to monitor and prevent in-house exposure to hazardous substances,
3. Procedures to monitor and prevent emissions of hazardous substances to the environment,
4. Designation of staff dedicated to environmental compliance and management.

You will find information in the Green Assay information box for each product which indicates the type of refinery evaluation in place at the time the piece was made. That Green Assay reporting will evolve as the project develops.

It will be some time before greenKarat can offer you products which are ecologically perfect, but we feel that you have a right to know not only the ways in which we have succeeded, but also be informed about the characteristics which are not yet what we wish them to be. Your support will bring us closer to the goal of offering jewelry which is completely ecologically responsible.

The one place where you will not see a difference is in the metal itself. Gold and other metals are refined to remove impurities. Gold and silver are elements, and in their pure form are the same whether they were refined from scrap, or refined from ore. There is absolutely no difference in the quality of the product you buy. But by choosing recycled precious metals, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your purchase has helped you, in one more way, to live gently with the Earth.

Jeweler’s Bench

Part of our plan for ecological awareness also includes facilitating discussion among artists and jewelry manufacturers regarding ecological practices which can be employed during the crafting of a piece of jewelry. Metalsmiths utilize chemicals and have waste disposal issues with ecological implications.

greenKarat plans to help the community discuss, develop and implement standards to be employed at the jeweler’s bench. We will share those standards with our customers and ask our suppliers to disclose the standards which were employed in making the pieces you are considering. You will find information in the Green Assay information box for each product indicating which bench ecology procedures were in place at the time the piece was made.