How to Tell If Your Jewelry Can Be Recycled: Simple Insights That Matter
We’ve all looked at an old necklace or pair of earrings and wondered — can this actually be recycled? Maybe the clasp is broken, the metal looks faded, or it’s a mix of materials. The truth is, most jewelry has more potential than you think.
At Redyoos, we believe recycling jewelry shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Here’s how to tell whether your gold, silver, or costume pieces can be given a second life — and what to do next if you’re not sure.
1. Check the Metal Type
Precious metals are almost always recyclable. That includes:
- Gold — yellow, white, or rose, any karat.
- Sterling silver — stamped 925.
- Platinum or palladium — rarer but valuable to recover.
If it’s magnetic, it’s probably not a precious metal — but don’t worry. Our recycling partners still separate and reclaim usable materials whenever possible.
2. Look for Stamps or Hallmarks
Small letters and numbers tell big stories. A 14K or 18K mark confirms gold content, while 925 or Sterling identifies silver. Even if your piece is plated or filled, it can still be processed for recovery. When in doubt, include it — our team will sort it for you.
3. Mixed Materials Are Fine
Many pieces combine metal with enamel, stones, or fabric. You don’t need to remove anything. Redyoos’ certified facilities safely separate and recycle the recoverable elements. The rest is disposed of responsibly.
4. Condition Doesn’t Matter
Tangled, tarnished, or broken jewelry still holds value. What matters is the metal content, not the shine. In fact, those forgotten pieces hiding at the bottom of drawers are often the most impactful to recycle.
5. When You’re Unsure — Send It Anyway
You don’t need to be an expert. Our specialists handle sorting and testing so you don’t have to. Whether it’s gold-plated, silver-filled, or costume metal, sending it in ensures nothing valuable goes to waste.
How to Start Recycling with Redyoos
- Request your free Redyoos Mail-In Kit. It arrives with a prepaid envelope and simple instructions.
- Gather your unused jewelry. Include anything metal-based — we’ll do the sorting.
- Drop it in the mail. No cleaning or packaging required.
Within days, your pieces begin their journey from forgotten to found again — responsibly melted, refined, and repurposed into new materials that power circular fashion and sustainable design.
Why It Matters
Every recycled piece prevents new mining and reduces environmental impact. Even one ounce of recovered gold saves over 20 tons of mined rock. That’s real-world change from something sitting in your drawer.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait to find out what’s recyclable — let us do the work. Turn uncertainty into impact by sending your jewelry through a trusted, transparent process.
Together, we’re keeping precious metals in circulation and proving that sustainability can be simple, personal, and powerful.
