Precious Metal Refining

All that glitters is not often gold and the same applies to selecting a precious metal refiner for either the jeweler or the jewelry manufacturer. While both generate precious metal scrap, the main difference is the volumes of precious metal scrap produced. Regardless of the differences in volumes, the concerns are the same.

Precious Metal Refining Services understands a customer's need for cost savings, value, reliability, accuracy and safety in handling their precious metal scrap. As a full service, precious metal refiner, we are dedicated to delivering innovative techniques of refining and pride ourselves on complete customer satisfaction. In 1996, our refinery became the first United States based precious metal refiner to earn an ISO 9002 quality certification.

Jewelry scrap contains, gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium. Each source of precious metals presents its own set of protocols, but each shares a common goal; recovering the highest yield in the safest manner. All analysis and testing is performed using procedures that are governed by our quality operation program.

All measuring equipment and instrumentation used are calibrated with standards that are traceable to standards maintained by the National Institute of Standard Technology (NIST) and are supported by certifications to substantiate all claims. We maintain a strict policy and control of all procedures, inspection measuring and test equipment as required by our ISO 9002 Quality Certification.

There are four methods of precious metal recovery:
• Chemical Stripping
• Incineration
• Melting
• Aqua Regia Digestion

Chemical Stripping:
Sometimes finished jewelry product that is electroplated is produced that cannot be used. For whatever reason, these pieces are rejected but the precious metal is recoverable. The most common method of recovery is chemical stripping performed at a precious metal refiner's facility.

Incineration:
In many operations using precious metals, solutions are filtered, spills are contained and reclamation of metal is made by use of a solid material. Any number of situations can arise causing precious metal bearing waste to be absorbed into solid material.

Meltable Materials:
Meltable materials are those precious metal bearing materials that meet a number of criteria to make melting the fastest and most efficient form of precious metal recovery. The most common high grade materials from jewelers and jewelry manufacturers is karat scrap containing various amounts of precious metals to include not only the finished product but also the grindings, sweeps and buffing wipes.

Aqua Regia Digestion Material Recovery:
There are many types of media that do not lend themselves to either melting or stripping. These material must be digested in order to recovery 100% of the available precious metals.

Always remember that it takes more than a furnace or a fancy web page to decide on how to choose a company to refine your precious metals. It takes integrity, pride, relationships and good references. Its very hard to get a second chance at a first impression.

Precious Metal Refining Services realizes the value of your business and takes it's responsibility to serve you very seriously. We realize that we have to earn your business and we will do all that it takes to satisfy your needs. As we have always said, we specialize in what most other refiners do not; repeat customers. At Precious Metal Refining Services, your business truly is precious to us.