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The Timeless Craft: How Gold is Reused in Jewellery Making

December 15, 2025 2 min read

The Timeless Craft: How Gold is Reused in Jewellery Making

The Timeless Craft: How Gold is Reused in Jewellery Making

At Manna Jewellers, we believe gold is more than a precious metal it’s a legacy. Whether it’s a family heirloom, broken chain, or out-of-date bangle, gold can always be reused and transformed into something new, beautiful, and personal.

The Traditional Art of Gold Recycling

Reusing gold is an age-old tradition in jewellery making, especially in Indian culture, where gold is deeply symbolic. Traditionally, gold is melted down in a clay crucible, purified, and then hand-rolled into sheets or wires to be crafted into new designs. This process allows skilled artisans to shape gold using time-honoured tools and techniques — without losing its inherent value or beauty.

At Manna Jewellers, we continue this tradition. We take the time to assess the purity, remove impurities, and refine the gold properly so it can be used in a new piece that retains both sentimental and material worth.

Why Proper Gold Recycling Matters

While reusing gold is sustainable and meaningful, it must be done with care. If not properly refined or alloyed:

  • The gold can become brittle and prone to cracking during setting or polishing.

  • Inaccurate purity levels can lead to problems with hallmarking or valuation.

  • Contaminants like solder or base metals can weaken the final piece.

  • Poor technique can result in porosity, leaving tiny holes that affect strength and finish.

The Issue with Mixing Different Gold Grades

One of the most common pitfalls when reusing old gold is mixing different carats — for example, combining 9ct and 18ct gold in one melt. These alloys have different ratios of pure gold to other metals. Mixing them without proper testing can result in:

  • Unstable metal properties – the final product might be too soft or too brittle.

  • Incorrect carat rating, making it unsuitable for hallmarking or resale.

  • Colour inconsistencies, as 9ct and 18ct gold have visibly different tones.

Our Process: Testing and Correcting

At Manna Jewellers, we never guess. Before melting any gold, we test the purity using precise methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis or acid testing. If multiple carats are present, we keep them separate or refine and adjust the alloy to achieve a uniform carat grade — typically 9ct or 18ct, depending on the final design.

By doing this, we ensure your new jewellery piece is not only stunning but also strong, consistent in colour, and correctly hallmarked to meet UK standards.

A Personal Touch with Lasting Value

Recycling gold isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste — it’s about honouring the past while creating for the future. Whether you want to modernise an heirloom or repurpose old gold into something meaningful, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way.

Got old gold jewellery at home? Let us help you turn it into something truly special — made the traditional way, with care and precision. Come and talk to us about Jewellery made to wear and last  for generations. 



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