A general outline of various ways to process and refine jewelers' wastes is given. Because of personal experience and the fact it is in common use, considerable attention is given to the ancient aqua regia process.

A classic method for platinum and palladium is outlined. A small scale silver refining method is described and mention is made of other possibilities. The much used large scale electrolytic process is reviewed and ways of recovering silver from film are listed.

Problems of air and water pollution and safety are mentioned. Some personal ideas about other possible methods and "improvements" are presented.

Although chemical formulas are included, an effort is made to present the information so that they can be ignored without impairing an understanding of the work.

A list of references and suggestions for further reading is given.

Author: Roland Loewen