Turning Old Jewelry into Lasting Support: Designer Gold’s Melting Project

On a counter inside Designer Gold in Hanover sits a simple jar.

Inside it are broken chains, single earrings, worn class rings, tiny charms, and scraps of gold that would otherwise sit forgotten in a jewelry box drawer.

“Everybody seems to have some pieces in their jewelry box that they’re never going to use,” Paul said. “So we just convince people to put them in a little jar.”

That jar became the start of something much bigger.

How the Melting Project Began

More than eight years ago, one of Designer Gold’s former managers suggested trying a small seasonal fundraiser for the Upper Valley Haven. They placed the jar on the counter and invited customers to contribute unwanted gold and silver.

“At the end of the two or three months, we had raised $8,000,” Peggy recalled. After the fundraiser ended, “our customers came in and said, ‘Hey, where’s the jar?’”

They decided to keep it going.

Since then, the Melting Project has raised about $56,000 for the Haven.

“It’s amazing how the stuff adds up,” Paul said.

Scrap gold and silver are collected and melted, with the value donated directly to support the Haven’s work. What begins as a broken clasp or an unmatched earring becomes funding for food, shelter, and stability in the Upper Valley.

Some pieces, however, are too special to melt.

“We’ve made a display here which we’re calling Giving Back,” Peggy explained. “We think we can get more money for the Haven by selling these at 50 percent off the retail value than by melting things down.”

In a display case near the counter, donated items are given a second life. When they sell, the total proceeds benefit the Haven.

A Business Rooted in the Upper Valley

The project reflects Designer Gold’s long history in the region. Paul first came to the Upper Valley as a Dartmouth freshman in 1969 and fell in love with making jewelry. Nearly five decades later, he is still at the bench.

“This is my 49th year,” he said.

Over those years, Designer Gold has become part of people’s most meaningful moments. Engagement rings. Wedding bands. Anniversary gifts. Now, in a quieter but equally meaningful way, the business also helps support households who may be struggling out of sight.

“We know people who you wouldn’t think were in need, but they are,” Peggy said.

“There’s such a huge need, and it’s just an amazing organization,” Paul said. “So why wouldn’t we support it?”

For customers, participating is simple. Bring in unwanted gold or silver. Drop it in the jar.

“Everybody in their jewelry box will have a broken chain, a singleton earring,” Peggy said. “We can turn it into some really valuable money for the Haven,” Paul added.

A small gesture. A steady impact. And over time, it adds up.