Jewellery is personal and it’s often something that we want to hold onto for generations. But that’s not always the case. From divorce, to our style simply changing, there are plenty of reasons why we might be ready to let go of pieces that once spoke to us. Good news: Michael Hill has launched a thoughtful new program called ‘Re:cycle’, which turns your old gold jewellery into pieces that sparkle anew. 

“We had a dream, probably 18 months ago, to develop a program that was a completely circular economy,” said Michael Hill CEO, Daniel Bracken. “Under Re:cycle, there is this notion of being able to bring in broken jewellery, old jewellery, unloved jewellery, or something that just isn’t fashionable anymore, melt it down and turn it into cash that allows them to then buy a piece of jewellery that they’ve always wanted.”

The process is incredibly simple: you log onto Michael Hill’s website, head to Re:cycle and request a recycling kit. A beautiful little dust bag, box, and compostable satchel is sent to your home address so that you can pop your old piece of jewellery safely in the post at no charge. The Michael Hill team of jewellers will then assess and value your old gold, before sharing a quote with you for its worth. If you decide to go ahead, they’ll give you the dollar value in a Michael Hill gift voucher, which you can then use to buy a brand new piece of jewellery. (If you opt out, they’ll mail you back your existing pieces). 

“There’s so many aspects to this,” Bracken shared. “It’s taking something that was once loved and cared for—and maybe is no longer—and bringing it back to life.”

The initiative forms part of the jewellery label’s sustainability strategy—the brand re-uses the gold so it’s introduced back into the supply chain. It was an opportunity that was a no-brainer for Bracken, who quickly noticed the gap in the market after joining Michael Hill as CEO in 2018. 

“When I first joined the business, we had an inventory problem and someone said to me: ‘Well, we could melt it? We can send it back to the vendor and melt it down?’ I was like, ‘Oh. That’s interesting. At the same time, there was a trend in recycled gold. I guess those two things together made me suddenly ponder, ‘Well, is there an opportunity?’ I’m very committed to moving this brand from where it was to where we want it to be.”

In terms of what to purchase with your gift card? Our picks include this chunky gold ring, a delicate pearl bracelet, or a chic paperclip chain necklace.

As for the next big trend in jewellery (if you’re already thinking about what to spend that gift voucher on..), Bracken insists lab grown diamonds are here to stay. “There are really good growers and cutters that are committed to growing their product in a fully sustainable, carbon neutral way. We are seeing that in our business, we don’t see it cannibalising our mined diamonds—it’s a different customer.”

“It’s a more conscious customer that’s buying lab grown diamonds.”

Test out the Michael Hill Re:cycle program for yourself here.