GOOD AS NEW: OVERCOMING RECYCLED DIAMONDS' INFERIORITY COMPLEX
Diamond is the hardest mineral on the planet — so it's no wonder it's regarded as the ideal product for recycling. Because of its strength and durability, diamond can be used more than once without any trace of wear. Recycled diamonds offer the perfect story of sustainability, averting the need to mine or grow a new diamond while maintaining natural diamond's "forever" promise as a precious, finite gemstone.
Yet the perception exists that recycled, reclaimed, or repurposed products may not be of superior quality. Many jewelers, designers, and small manufacturers have never seriously considered recycled diamonds — assuming what's available on the market is of inferior cut and quality to newly manufactured stones. What they may not know is that the bulk of reclaimed diamonds (about 75%) are re-manufactured to modern cut specifications. The goods are, literally, as good as new.
THE WHITE PINE RECYCLING PROCESS
White Pine Wholesale buys exclusively from the diamond and jewelry trade, receiving large parcels of mixed goods that include old makes, bad makes, chipped and broken stones, and an assortment of sizes, shapes, and qualities. Every stone goes through a rigorous multi-step process before it reaches the market.
STEP 1: CLEANING
Stones are boiled in acid to remove dirt and to "frost" any CZs in the parcel. While safe for diamonds, this chemical process etches and identifies CZ simulants mixed into the goods.
STEP 2: SCREENING
Remaining stones are tested through a synthetic diamond screening machine to confirm natural origin. Stones are then sorted by color, clarity, size, and cut to identify which require remanufacturing.
STEP 3: RECUTTING
"The broken stones, chipped stones, and poorly-cut stones are set aside for re-manufacture," says CEO Benjamin Burne. "Each stone is recut to precise parameters to yield very good to excellent cuts."
STEP 4: FINAL CHECK
After diamonds are received back from the factory, they are re-checked for synthetics before being added to White Pine's stock for sale to the diamond trade — ensuring every stone meets modern standards.
DESIGNERS EMBRACE RECYCLED DIAMONDS
A growing number of leading designer brands are successfully incorporating recycled diamonds into their collections — proving that sustainability and quality are not mutually exclusive.
CATBIRD NYC
Founder Rony Vardi shares that after years searching for responsibly mined stones, she found a better option in recycled goods. All brilliant-cut diamonds used in Catbird's designs are recycled diamonds.
MONICA RICH KOSANN
In late 2021, Monica Rich Kosann launched its Diamond Reborn™ collection using post-consumer recycled gold and repurposed natural diamonds. "It reflects our commitment as a Certified B Corp to create a more sustainable jewelry future."
ECKSAND & BARIO NEAL
Ecksand sources recycled diamonds that are recut and repolished to strict quality standards before being set in new jewelry. Bario Neal repurposes stones from old stock and other jewelry via U.S.-based recycled diamond distributors.
MICHELLE FANTACI
Designer Michelle Fantaci describes recycled diamonds as "another option to the least harmful materials, along with recycled gold and responsible sourcing." She has used recycled diamonds in her fine jewelry collections for years.
SHARON Z JEWELRY
Designer Sharon Zimmerman turned to recycled diamonds a decade ago when suppliers first began offering them. "Choosing reused diamonds is one of the easier choices I can make as a designer," she told JCK magazine.
THE MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Millions of diamonds have already been extracted from the Earth and set into jewelry over centuries. There is a ready and ever-growing supply to tap into — and leading suppliers like White Pine ensure that supply consistently meets modern standards for cut quality.
RECYCLED DIAMONDS: AN AUTHENTIC, RESPONSIBLE ALTERNATIVE
Given the current state of disruption in the diamond market, now is perhaps the ideal time for recycled diamonds to take their rightful place as a credible, sustainable option. Jewelers and designers can work confidently with leading recycled diamond suppliers like White Pine Wholesale, knowing their inventory is re-manufactured to ensure it consistently meets modern diamond cut standards — as good as new, and better for the planet.
