Two sisters, Karen and Alice Chave, have created a successful business by turning discarded gold from old iPhones into unique jewelry. They make up to £25,000 (about $33,676) from their work.
From an Idea to a Business
The sisters, aged 24 and 26, noticed that only 22% of all technology is recycled. They wanted to help reduce tech waste while creating something special. With £10,000 (around $13,470) from their savings, they started Incador, meaning “civilization of gold.”
How They Extract Gold
Gold is used in phones because it conducts electricity well and doesn’t rust. An old iPhone has a tiny amount of gold—about 0.034 grams, worth $2. The sisters work with engineers to carefully extract this gold from old devices.
Making Jewelry with a Purpose
Karen and Alice create rings, pendants, necklaces, and earrings using the recycled gold. They want their jewelry to be unique and ethically made. Both sisters have backgrounds in chemical and environmental engineering, so they know the problems caused by traditional gold mining, like worker abuse and environmental damage.
They use small-scale mining and recycled electronic waste, which is better for the environment than large mining operations.
Inspired by Nature and Their Heritage
The sisters, who are Swiss and Vietnamese but grew up mostly in Malaysia, say their love for nature shows in their jewelry designs. They want their pieces to be like art, not just ordinary jewelry.
Challenges and Success
Starting the business wasn’t easy. People doubted them because they were new to it. But Karen and Alice kept learning online and supported each other. They officially launched Incador last summer and now offer over 20 handmade jewelry designs. Prices start at £1,200 (about $1,600).
Giving Back to Communities
For every kilogram of gold they buy, the sisters invest in projects that support health, education, and the environment in mining communities.
Young Entrepreneurs and Side Hustles
Karen and Alice are part of a growing group of young people turning side projects into income. A recent poll found that many Gen Z workers want multiple income sources, and some are already earning extra money with side businesses.
Karen and Alice Chave turned old iPhones into beautiful, ethically made gold jewelry through their business Incador. They care about the environment and communities, making their jewelry unique and meaningful.
