Meet consumer needs and expectations with purpose and transparency.
Today’s customers care deeply about the story behind their jewelry — and that story often begins with the materials themselves. From ethical sourcing to environmental impact, consumers want to feel confident that their purchases reflect their values.
As a jeweler, you have the opportunity to guide these conversations with clarity and purpose. The good news? There isn’t just one right answer. Whether you choose mined metals, recycled metals, or a combination of both, there are responsible sourcing options available to help you meet customer expectations and support your business goals.
Let’s explore the differences between mined and recycled metals — and how each plays an important role in today’s jewelry industry.
What Are Mined Metals?
Mined metals come directly from the earth — extracted through mining operations around the world. While it is true that the mining industry has historically raised environmental and ethical concerns, today’s landscape looks very different thanks to growing regulations, third-party certifications, and responsible sourcing initiatives.
Responsible Mining Practices
Responsible mining focuses on reducing environmental impact, supporting fair labor practices, and contributing to the well-being of local communities. Transparent supply chains and third-party certifications allow jewelers to source mined metals with greater peace of mind.
Mined Metals at Stuller
Stuller is committed to ensuring that mined precious metals within our inventory are obtained in the most responsible manner possible.
- Responsibly Mined Platinum Grain Made With Responsibly Mined Platinum From Anglo American — Platinum supplied by Anglo American to Stuller has been supplied in compliance with the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM) Responsible Platinum/Palladium Guidance.
- Fairmined Gold — Our Fairmined-certified gold grain supports artisanal and small-scale miners working under strict certification standards focused on the social development, economic growth, and environmental protection of the local community.
By choosing mined metals with transparent sourcing practices, you can share a story of integrity and positive impact with your customers.
What Are Recycled Metals?
Recycled metals come from previously refined materials — including old jewelry, scrap metal, and manufacturing byproducts — that have been refined back to their pure, elemental state. This process helps reduce the demand for newly mined materials and supports circular economy practices.
Certified Recycled Fabricated Precious Metals
Since 2012, Stuller has held certifications for 100% recycled fabricated precious metals, verifying that when you buy Stuller’s manufactured gold, silver, platinum, and palladium metals, they are made with 100% recycled content. These recycled assurances have been verified by SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party certification and standards development in environmental and sustainability claims according to global standards. When auditing for the SCS certification, they require
- Verified traceability of recycled material sources
- Rigorous documentation and supply chain auditing
- Compliance with environmental and labor responsibility standards
This certification ensures that when you offer jewelry made with SCS-certified 100% recycled precious metals, you can stand behind it with confidence.
Click here to learn more about the SCS Global Services Recycled Content Certification.The Bottom Line: Both Mined and Recycled Metals Have a Place in Your Story
When it comes to offering jewelry that meets today’s material consciousness, both mined and recycled metals offer meaningful benefits. The key is understanding the story behind your materials and sharing that story with your customers authentically.
Whether you’re drawn to the traceability and community impact of responsibly mined metals or the sustainable efforts and circularity of recycled metals, Stuller is here to support you with trusted options.
At the end of the day, consumers are looking for transparency, intention, and care in their purchases — and with the right sourcing choices, you’ll be ready to deliver exactly that.