LYLIE IS THE UK JEWELRY BRAND EXPOSING A NEW APPROACH TO LUXURY THROUGH E-WASTE

By: Prachi Khatri

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. The high toxicity in e-waste is not only harmful for the environment but can also pose a serious health risk for human life.

As much as the e-waste recycling is helpful, a large portion of this waste is not properly recycled. With growing environmental concerns and conscious consumerism, companies like Lylie stand as a beacon of hope. According to Forbes, they are the only jewelry brand that uses electronic waste in its jewelry production. Yes—electronic waste! The wild part is, you would never know it!

Source: Lylie Website

Lylie, a UK-based company, is diverting landfill e-waste and using it to design beautiful, handcrafted pieces. Established in 2017 by Eliza Walter, Lylie is currently the only brand working with salvaged metals from e-waste and precious metals. Operated by a female entrepreneur, the company makes jewelry from salvaged e-waste.

According to data, mining one tonne of earth’s core produces an average of less than 30g of gold, whereas for a tonne of e-waste, 300g of gold can be found. Walter has discovered a creative way to turn our landfill sites into goldmines.

The company is not making use of trash for good but creating a legacy in doing so. Exquisite pieces are thoughtfully designed with no harm to the environment, which can be passed down from one generation to another. Its jewelry includes engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and remodeled heirloom pieces into modern, unique jewels.

According to a study by the United Nations, e-waste is projected to increase to 120 million tonnes annually by 2050.  But only 16% of this waste is recycled and the rest ends up in landfills. This huge gap exists as many companies miss the opportunity to reclaim valuable materials. On average, each person in the UK throws away 20-25kgs of e-waste every year.

Source: Lylie Website

Walter recognized this opportunity and market gap. Her work has won a special hallmark from the British Assay Office, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to quality and authenticity. Creating jewelry from electronics has been the company’s mission since the day it was originally founded.

“The beauty of a jewelry piece cannot be extracted from its source.” – Quote by Eliza Walter from the Lylie website.

By tapping into the potential of discharged electronics, Lylie underscored various claims across the world. Careful craftsmanship and consideration for the environment attract customers to its products. Not only are its pieces special but also meaningful. Its Amores collection is a special curation of love messages requested by customers to include in the jewelry. The sentiment jewelry can hold for our loved ones is astonishing, and what's better than a piece to hold on to in life to remember a significant milestone?

Exploiting scrap metal, dental waste and salvaged gold and silver, they make their products exquisite. Every piece is first designed in a wax model, ensuring attention to detail and guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. The finished product is then cast into metal and stone that narrates a tale of sustainability.

Source: Lylie Website

The company promotes a circular economy through its gold exchange program also. Customers can exchange their old, unused jewelry to receive credit towards Lylie pieces. This initiative is not only cutting waste but also increasing access to sustainable luxury, as recycled gold pieces sell for 30% less than newly mined gold.

With environmental issues on the rise, companies like Lylie are setting the standard for sustainable luxury. Lylie provides more than simply jewelry; it gives customers the opportunity to be a part of a movement that leads to a responsible and sustainable future. The emphasis on creativity, artistry, and ethical sourcing makes their jewelry a statement piece that goes beyond style. Choosing Lylie guarantees customers sustainability and uniqueness hand in hand. Every piece of jewelry is helping turn e-waste into classic gems.

As they say, ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,’ and this is exactly what Lylie has achieved.