STILE DI PALLANTI Italian Jewelry: Our Blog

Gold dust: forbidden to vacuum in our workshop!

December 17, 2008 on 3:37 pm | In Our Workshop | No Comments

There is only one ‘rule’ in our workshop and it is that I am forbidden from vacuuming or washing the floor because of the gold dust that collects on the floor over time.

Even though (as every gold and silversmith does) we are meticulous in collecting the fine silver and gold dust and particles that collect when we are working with our creations, the quantity of gold and silver that collects on the floor and in the filters of the machinery amongst the general dust and dirt is more than suffient to warrant its collection and safe retention.

Whenever we have around 10kg to 15kg of dirt and dust, this is taken to Florence for burning and processing to separate out the precious and semi-precious metals of gold, silver and copper. In total 200g to 300g of metals may be recovered in this way.

One less room to clean isn’t a problem! Wish I had just as good excuses for the others!!