18K RECYCLED GOLD: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Used in jewelry since the dawn of time, gold continues to make us dream. Its rarity, brilliance, and immutability make it the ultimate precious metal.

Unlike other metals, gold cannot be created. This is why it was historically used to mint coins. Yet behind gold’s unique luster lie many subtleties and an exacting craftsmanship.

In this article, discover what makes gold such a fascinating metal and why, at Loyal.e Paris, we exclusively use 18k recycled gold.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

1. Gold is indestructible?

Gold is a noble metal that does not rust, tarnish, or corrode. It is chemically unalterable, meaning that a gold jewel crafted 2,000 years ago still shines just as brilliantly today!

2. Gold can be infinitely recycled?

Eternal yet incredibly malleable, gold can be recycled endlessly. If you have an old piece of jewelry tucked away in a drawer, why not give it a second life?

3. Gold comes from the stars?

Gold’s origins lie far beyond Earth. It cannot be created through earthly conventional chemical reactions, as it is the result of extreme astrophysical events. Recent scientific studies indicate that gold was formed billions of years ago during neutron star collisions before landing on Earth via meteorites. Your favorite piece of jewelry is made of stars!

4. Gold exists in our bodies?

Gold particles are present in the soil, and the food we cultivate absorbs it. The human body contains about 0.2 milligrams of gold, primarily in the blood. It is a tiny amount, but proof that we are as precious as the finest jewel!

5. Gold colour depends on its alloy?

Pure gold has a natural golden-yellow hue. However, pure gold is rarely used in fine jewelry. While incredibly resistant to corrosion, it is also too soft, making it prone to deformation. This is why gold is mixed with other metals for durability.

At Loyal.e Paris, we exclusively use 18k gold, an alloy containing 75% pure gold, the highest standard in fine jewelry. The remaining 25% of metals determine gold’s final colour: yellow, rose, or white. Rose gold has a higher copper content, while white gold contains palladium. If you want to know more about gold colours and how to style them, check out our dedicated article on gold colours.

MINED GOLD OR RECYCLED GOLD ?

Gold has shaped our civilizations: it is used in art, medicine, technology, and finance. But its extraction comes at a high cost for both the planet and the people inhabiting it.

Mining gold destroys ecosystems, stripping forests and soil to reach the precious metal. Extracting just one gram of gold from a mine generates two tons of waste.

Gold mining also consumes an enormous amount of water: 140,000 liters per hour, equivalent to a four-person household’s annual water usage in France. Moreover, the process requires the use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, which pollute the air, water and land, hindering local species’ survival.

As for the human cost, mining practices often lead to the displacement of entire communities, precarious working conditions, and exposure to highly toxic substances like mercury and cyanide.

Given these realities, recycled gold is an invaluable alternative. Gold can be endlessly recycled without losing its quality or value. So why continue harming our planet when we already have everything we need?

Moreover, jewelry is meant to carry stories: pieces are made to be passed down, evolving with each new chapter of life. Transforming an old jewel allows its history to live on while giving it a fresh start ! 

How is gold recycled?

Gold hides in the most unexpected places: old jewelry, electronic components, industrial parts… and all of them can be recycled!

This highly meticulous recycling process starts with melting the gold at an extremely high temperature (precisely 1 064.18°C) to return it to its liquid state. The gold is then separated from any other metals and purified using refining techniques such as chemical precipitation or electrolysis. The result? Pure gold, without the environmental damage.

Once purified, the gold can be reconditioned to create new alloys commonly used in jewelry-making.

At Loyal.e, we work exclusively with 18k recycled gold, sourced from vintage jewelry or electronic waste, breathing new life into existing resources.

KNOW YOUR GOLD’S QUALITY

The hallmark is your jewelry’s guarantee of quality.
This discreet engraving on your gold piece is essential in fine jewelry, as it certifies the metal’s composition, authenticity, and origin. In France, two types of hallmarks are compulsory: the State hallmark and the maker’s hallmark.

The State hallmark certifies the precious metal’s purity (the percentage of pure gold present in the alloy). At Loyal.e, we use the highest quality of gold in fine jewelry: 18k gold, made of 75% pure gold. Beyond this level of purity, gold becomes too soft to be finely crafted and to stand the test of time. In France, the State hallmark for 18k gold is represented by an eagle’s head.

The maker’s hallmark identifies the jewelry’s manufacturer. At Loyal.e, each jewel is entirely handcrafted in France, thus the maker’s hallmark takes the shape of a diamond! If a piece of jewelry was not made in France but was imported, the maker's mark would be oval-shaped.

Small yet significant, a hallmark is like a signature, accompanying your jewel throughout its lifetime. Be sure to check for it when choosing the piece that makes your heart skip a beat !

RJC-COC CERTIFICATION: ENSURING GOLD TRACEABILITY

Founded in 2005, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is an independent global organization that certifies ethical practices in the jewelry industry.

To obtain RJC certification, companies must undergo a rigorous audit every three years.

At Loyal.e Paris, we are committed to responsible jewelry-making, celebrating craftsmanship without compromising on ethics.

That’s why we use only RJC-CoC (Responsible Jewellery Council – Chain of Custody) certified recycled gold.

This unique certification guarantees that all our jewelry is crafted in recycled gold produced to stringent ethical standards and fully traceable.

For any questions about gold, our jewelry-making practices, or our services, feel free to contact us. Our team will be delighted to assist you !