BMJ Blog

How Do Diamonds Get Recycled?

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Eleven Wishes Diamond Bands

Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry is committed to using fine recycled materials when possible and when it is requested. Per this commitment, Barbara Michelle Jacobs is happy to work with preowned and vintage stones, including recycled diamonds.

Unlike, say, a recycled plastic bottle, a recycled diamond doesn’t take the form of something completely different after the recycling process. In fact, a recycled diamond is usually indistinguishable from a new, polished diamond. The only thing that may give away a recycled diamond is if the recycled diamond has a dated cut that’s no longer fashionable. If this is the case, there is a chance the diamond can be recut to suit modern tastes. (However, cutting a diamond may alter its value.)

How are diamonds recycled?

A recycled diamond simply refers to a diamond that has been sold back to the gemstone trade and has re-entered the diamond supply. When a loved one passes away, leaving behind jewelry (that no family member desires), or someone simply wishes to sell a piece of diamond jewelry, the diamond items are sold to jewelry buyer.

If a piece is intact and has maintained good quality over the years, the piece may be sold as an antique or preowned piece. If the piece would not be valuable as a whole, its parts will be assessed for potential value.

The precious metal can be melted down (and also recycled), and the stones can be sold separately. Diamonds may be removed from surrounding metal using aqua regia, an acid removal process that harmlessly removes the stones.

Small recycled diamonds (one-fifth of a carat or smaller) are traded in parcels of melee diamonds and may be purchased by jewelers or other gemstone traders. Larger diamonds are appraised by a diamond laboratory (like the Gemological Institute of America—GIA) and sold individually.

Recycled diamonds in the diamond industry

Around the turn of the century, the recycled diamond industry experienced notable growth, and the industry is predicted to continue growing. Given that many current mines are reaching the end of their productive lives and relative few new mines are being created, it may be assumed that the diamond jewelry industry may come to rely more on the recycled diamond industry. As of 2014, the recycled diamond industry provided 10% of the global supply of diamonds and was valued at $1.2 billion (USD).

Are there any diamonds that cannot be recycled?

Diamonds that cannot be recycled include those that are used to grind or polish other diamonds; these wear down over time and eventually become dust.

__

Photos: Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry

Posted in eco friendly engagement ring, eco friendly jewelry, eco-friendly, recycled diamond, recycled jewelry

September Birthstone: The Rich History of the Sapphire

Posted on September 01, 2016 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Continue Reading →

Posted in birthstones, breastplate, crystals, eco friendly engagement ring, engagement ring, gem lore, sapphires

Behind the Scenes at a Photo Shoot

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Barbara Polinsky | 0 Comments

Continue Reading →

Posted in behind the scenes, bohemian jewelry, bohemian wedding, conflict free diamonds, eco friendly engagement ring, fairytale wedding, nature inspired wedding, Perfect Weddings, photo shoot, press, recycled gold jewelry, sustainable jewelry

Low Impact Sustainable Engagement Ring

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Barbara Polinsky | 0 Comments

When you’ve found the partner you want to spend the rest of your life with, many start thinking about commitment. The engagement ring is the symbol of your commitment to each other and to a future created by the two of you. A custom engagement ring can incorporate ideals important to one or both of you.

In this case, the prospective fiancée is a dedicated vegan and eco conscious, preferring recycled gold and gems rather than newly mined materials. With that as a starting point, the prospective groom went on a journey to find the perfect ring.

Once a budget was set and he had described his partner’s lifestyle and preferences, we discussed the options. Recycled rose gold and a magnificent pre-owned diamond were quickly agreed upon.

Continue Reading →

Posted in antique diamond, conflict free diamond, conflict free engagement ring, custom engagement ring design process, custom ring, custom twig ring, diamond with a story, eco friendly engagement ring, pre-owned diamond, recycled diamond