The world’s biggest jeweler now only sources recycled metals

Pandora, known for its affordable sterling-silver charm bracelets, is the world's largest jewelry company by volume: The Danish chain sells more than 100 million pieces annually. This week, it announced that it is now sourcing only 100% recycled silver and gold for its collections.

The move was touted as an important step by a massive company to reduce its environmental footprint. "We wanted to lead by example," Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik said in an interview. "If we can make positive contributions to society through our use of recycled gold and silver, it means anyone can do it."

By working with metals that have already been mined, Pandora won't be digging deeper in search of new materials, allowing the company to substantially reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Mining requires more energy and resources than recycling and is a leading source of mercury pollution....