Three Myths About Jewelry Recycling — Updated for 2025
Most of us have at least one small box or drawer filled with old jewelry — single earrings, tangled chains, broken bracelets. We keep them because we’re not sure what else to do.
Jewelry feels too valuable to throw away, yet too personal to sell. And when people hear “recycling,” they often imagine a process that’s confusing, risky, or not worth it.
So today, we’re setting the record straight. Here are the three biggest myths about jewelry recycling, and the truths that can change how you see what’s sitting in that drawer.
Myth #1: “Recycling jewelry means losing what’s sentimental.”
Truth: You don’t have to lose the memory to let go of the metal.
At Redyoos, we’ve seen how emotional jewelry can be heirlooms, gifts, milestones. That’s why our recycling process is designed with care and transparency. You can take photos, save digital keepsakes, and know that your pieces are being handled respectfully from start to finish.
Your story stays. The metal simply moves on to its next purpose.
Myth #2: “It’s too complicated to recycle jewelry.”
Truth: It’s easier than you think and it starts from your couch.
Jewelry recycling doesn’t require cleaning, sorting, or special equipment. With Redyoos, you simply request a free mail-in kit, place your items in the prepaid envelope, and drop it in the mailbox.
Our Seattle team takes it from there:
- We sort and test every piece.
- We identify gold, silver, platinum, and other metals using professional tools.
- We ensure everything is ethically recycled through certified U.S. refiners.
You’ll never need to guess what happens next, we track every step.
Myth #3: “Old or fake jewelry isn’t worth recycling.”
Truth: Almost everything can be reused, repurposed, or reclaimed.
Even if a piece isn’t made of precious metals, it still has value. Clasps, stones, and non-metal parts can often be separated and donated to community art programs, local designers, or creative reuse organizations.
And when a piece truly can’t be reused, we make sure it’s recycled for scrap instead of heading to landfill. Our goal is simple: divert as much as possible and create a future where nothing beautiful is wasted.
The Real Story
The jewelry recycling movement isn’t about guilt or loss. It’s about clarity and purpose.
Every recycled piece prevents new mining, saves resources, and reduces pollution. Every person who participates helps turn waste into renewal.
At Redyoos, we’re making that process simple, trusted, and human because the truth is, sustainability doesn’t have to feel complicated. It can start with a single envelope.
Together, we’re rewriting what recycling looks like one myth, one memory, and one meaningful act at a time.
