Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for me. It's a core value that guides everything I do at VANDA inspired. From the processes I use to the metal I select, each decision is made with the planet in mind. Today, I want to share a little more about where I source my recycled silver and why it’s so important to me and this brand.
Why Recycled Silver?
Silver is a beautiful and versatile material, but mining it from the earth can have significant environmental and ethical consequences. By choosing recycled silver, I can ensure that my creations have a lower environmental impact, minimizing the harmful practices that can come with traditional mining. Recycled silver is just as pure and high-quality as newly mined silver, but it comes from existing sources, such as old jewelry, electronics, and industrial by-products. This not only prevents waste but also gives new life to silver that’s already out there, allowing it to be transformed into something meaningful once again.
Sourcing Recycled Silver
The recycled silver I use comes from two primary suppliers who specialize in sustainable metals: a USA-based refinery and a Japan-based recycler. For me, it’s crucial to know that the materials I use come from trusted sources. I love knowing that each piece I create carries a history, a past life, before becoming the jewelry that tells your story today.
USA Refinery – Hoover & Strong
Almost all the milled silver I use comes from Hoover & Strong, a precious metal refinery located in Virginia. They have been providing socially and environmentally-responsible metals to jewelers for over 110 years, and are guided by their “moral obligation to continually respect basic human rights around the world and to protect the environment by conserving energy and recycling.” Their metal predominantly comes from unwanted or broken jewelry, jewelry processing scrap, and dental scrap – all from American sources. As an SCS Certified responsible supplier, Hoover & Strong is audited yearly to ensure their mission of 100% recycled materials.
Japanese Recycler – Aida Industries
I also use PMC (precious metal clay) in my work. Art Clay is a malleable precious metal material made in Japan. It’s made from pure silver powder mixed with non-toxic binders and water. The binder burns away when fired, leaving only fine silver (over 99.96%). Art Clay is manufactured by Aida Chemical Industries, a company that has been recycling and refining precious metals since 1963. The silver is 100% recycled and derived from a variety of post-consumer sources including X-rays, by-products of the photography industry, electronic devices, and other used items.
Sustainability in Every Step
Beyond just silver, sustainability runs through every aspect of my process. Each time I sit down at my bench to create, I’m reminded of the importance of ethical choices – not just for the environment, but for the people and communities impacted by mining and manufacturing. By using recycled silver, I’m contributing to a more conscious way of creating art, one that honors both the Earth and its people.
Join the Movement
When you choose jewelry made with recycled silver, you’re supporting a more sustainable and ethical world. Every time you wear one of my pieces, you can feel good knowing that it’s crafted with care for the planet. It’s more than just jewelry; it’s a statement about who we are and what we stand for. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for making mindful choices. Together, we can help shift the industry toward more responsible practices, one piece at a time.
Let’s Make Our World Beautiful, Together!
Wanda
