What Are Eco-Gold and Ethical Gold?
I recently overheard a young woman say, “My fiancé and I are planning to buy wedding rings that are made of eco-gold.”
That got me headed to my computer quickly so I could investigate. I quickly discovered eco-gold and ethical gold, two kinds of gold that have certain similarities. I also discovered that the gold recycling that is done at Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners has a lot to do with both kinds. Let’s take a closer look.
Eco-gold jewelry is made from recycled gold and has a lower environmental impact. Here at Specialty Metals we're proud to adhere to the highest environmental standards.
Eco-Gold
This term seems to be a modern, environmentally informed way of defining gold that contains a high percentage of recycled gold. One example? Jewelry that is manufactured using gold that we have reclaimed at Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners. People are attracted to the idea of eco-gold for some very valid reasons:
- Mining gold is hard on the environment and recycled eco-gold is kinder to the earth, air and carbon consumption
- Reusing gold is a more efficient and respectful use of natural resources than mining is
- In addition, many people seem to like the idea of wearing gold jewelry that is made of recycled old gold that once belonged to other people. To them, it adds to the richness and appeal of owning gold jewelry.
Ethical Gold
Ethical gold is the metallic equivalent of diamonds that have been mined responsibly. Like them, ethical gold must be . . .
- Mined without the use of child laborers
- Mined accordance with local environmental laws and labor standards
- Delivered with a “traceable” history that shows that it has been mined and transported legally
- Produced in countries that have responsible governments that are not engaged in persecution of citizens, genocide, or other unacceptable practices
What Are the Opposites of Eco-Gold and Ethical Gold?
I discovered that people who like eco- and ethical gold have coined another term, “dirty gold,” that defines gold that has been produced in ways that do not meet their environmental or ethical requirements.
Doing Business with Specialty Metals Smelters & Refiners
So, what does this all mean if you recycle gold with us at Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners? For one thing, you will be doing the right thing by recycling your gold with us, because every ounce of gold that we recycle and refine here is an ounce of gold that does not need to be extracted from the ground. From an ethical perspective, we have a long history of adhering to highest ethical and environmental standards.
We also believe that the demand for eco-gold and ethical gold can only be good for our industry in the long term. Doing things responsibly is best for everyone who works in the metals industries.
Related Posts:
On Earth Day, Let’s Agree to Recycle Metals Responsibly
The Mystery and Mastery of Gold Refining
As Gold Supplies Dwindle, Demand for Recyclable Gold Will Remain High
How the “Romance Factor” Can Distort the Perceived Value of Gold