Breaking the Silver Standard: Alternative Copper-Silver Alloys for Sustainable Jewelry
摘要
Contemporary jewelry has significantly expanded creative possibilities in the development of pieces by incorporating new materials and processes, often underexplored by traditional jewelry practices. In this context, sustainability emerges as a driving force encouraging the search for alternatives that reduce environmental impacts throughout the production chain. In the case of silver, one possible strategy involves the use of alloys with varying copper content. The addition of extra copper can alter the physical and aesthetic properties of the material and contribute to reducing production costs. Within this context, this study aims to investigate the potential of using recycled copper, sourced from electronic waste, in the formulation of Ag–Cu alloys for both traditional and contemporary jewelry. The methodology adopted in this study was structured in two main stages. The first stage involved a literature review aimed at deepening the understanding of sustainability concepts in jewelry. It also explored the physicochemical properties of metal alloys and examined current metal recycling practices. The second stage focused on the development of experimental procedures. Six different Ag–Cu alloy grades were produced. These were subsequently analyzed through casting, rolling, sanding, and polishing procedures. Vickers hardness tests were conducted to assess mechanical performance, along with usability tests to evaluate practical applicability. The results indicate that alloys with up to 75% silver content (Ag750), even when composed with recycled copper, demonstrate satisfactory technical and aesthetic performance for jewelry applications. Thus, the study highlights the feasibility of more sustainable solutions, contributing to the reduction of natural resource extraction and promoting the reuse of materials discarded by the electronics industry.