9 BEST SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL JEWELRY BRANDS THAT SHINE RESPONSIBLY

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This blog post is all about the best sustainable and ethical jewelry brands! 

Wearing beautiful jewelry can instantly elevate our looks and make us look chic and put together.

It’s also a great way to express our personality, allowing us to showcase our style and individuality in subtle yet powerful ways.

But did you know all of this comes at a cost?

Of course, jewelry can be expensive, and we often pay a high price financially.

However, the real cost goes far beyond our wallets. 

From unethical working conditions and child labor to environmentally destructive mining practices and waste, the jewelry industry isn’t always as shiny and sparkly as it seems. 

If you’re searching for better options, you’re in the right place! 

In this article, you’ll find 9 of the best sustainable and ethical jewelry brands on the market. 

These companies prioritize fair craftsmanship and use responsibly sourced materials such as recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds to create gorgeous pieces that will last you forever. 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details.

Why should we stop buying conventional jewelry? 

Conventional fine jewelry is typically made of gold or silver, which usually involves mining ore from the earth and separating the metals using chemical or heat-based methods.

The beautiful gemstones and diamonds we have in our jewelry are also extracted through mining. 

The ethical issues raised by conventional fine jewelry

The main issue is that the mining industry is incredibly unethical.

Exploitation, human trafficking, and forced labor are very common, and workers often work in unhealthy and dangerous conditions without safety gear.

These workers are also paid very low wages, which are far below the living wage in their country. 

What’s even worse is that children are often involved in this unsafe industry.

According to the International Labor Organization, around a million children aged 5 to 17 work in small-scale gold mines in Africa, earning as little as $2 a day. 

Another issue is that precious metals, gemstones, and diamonds may come from conflict zones.

It means that, when we buy a gold ring or cute earrings with a sapphire, ruby, or emerald, we may be unknowingly funding violence and war. 

As consumers, it’s difficult to avoid indirectly supporting conflict because the jewelry industry lacks transparency, and the origins of precious metals and gemstones are rarely disclosed.

The environmental impacts of conventional fine jewelry

Another thing to keep in mind is that mining for gold, silver, or diamonds is very unsustainable. 

It generates huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and is very water-intensive, negatively impacting local water resources.

It also generates enormous waste, contaminates the environment with toxic chemicals like cyanide and mercury, and can devastate entire ecosystems. 

Is costume jewelry more sustainable or ethical?

These are the main issues that come with producing conventional fine jewelry.

But costume jewelry isn’t any better. 

Cheaply made pieces aren’t built to last and often tarnish, discolor, or break after a few wears. 

This creates unnecessary waste and encourages people to buy new pieces more regularly. 

Costume jewelry is also typically made from cheap metals and plastic, which have their own environmental impacts.

Their production contributes to pollution and is energy-intensive. 

Not to mention that cheap jewelry can contain high levels of heavy metals, like lead or cadmium!

These can leach into the environment and negatively affect human health, causing issues such as skin irritation, toxicity, or long-term health risks.

What is ethical and sustainable jewelry? 

Ethical and sustainable jewelry refers to pieces that are crafted with quality, the environment, and the people in mind. 

Sustainable jewelry brands make their pieces using traceable and/or recycled metals and ethically sourced, conflict-free gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. 

They make sure that people working in their supply chain are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

They also have a strict Code of Conduct for their suppliers and ban the use of forced and child labor. 

Ethical jewelry brands often make their pieces in partnership with artisans from developing countries.

It means that buying from them helps support the artisan and their family, and the jewelry is typically made by hand. 

Some of these brands even invest their profits back into the artisan community and fund development projects! 

What’s more, sustainable jewelry brands make sure their customers won’t be exposed to harmful chemicals while wearing their pieces.

They also prioritize quality, and their pieces are designed to stand the test of time. 

Lastly, they’re very transparent about their supply chain and have implemented various eco-friendly practices such as using sustainable packaging, utilizing renewable energy, and offsetting their carbon footprint. 

Read more: How to make your wardrobe more sustainable?

How to buy ethical jewelry? What to look for when shopping for sustainable jewelry? 

If you want to buy eco-friendly, ethically sourced jewelry, only buy from companies that are transparent about their supply chain, production methods, and materials. 

You want them to use recycled metals, such as recycled gold or recycled sterling silver, or at least, traceable ones. 

Also, choose ethically sourced gemstones, pearls, and diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds and gems are the best option, but if you want real, natural ones, make sure they come from a conflict-free region. 

To ensure you’re buying ethical diamond jewelry or silver/gold pieces, look for the following certifications: 

• Fairtrade
• Fairmined
• Kimberley Process 
• Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

Another thing to remember: buy from brands that prioritize fair labor practices, pay their workers fair wages, and provide them with safe working conditions. 

You may also want to purchase artisan-made, handcrafted jewelry to get a unique, high-quality piece made with the environment and ethics in mind.  

Buy from brands that have implemented eco-friendly initiatives and focus on durability.

Some even offer repairs and a lifetime guarantee! 

Also, try to avoid jewelry made with animal-derived materials like ivory or horn. 

Read more:

• Why you should quit fast fashion (& how to do it)
• 14 sustainable clothing brands for an eco-friendly, ethical wardrobe

9 best sustainable, ethical jewelry brands that shine responsibly

1. AMYO

Product Range: Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings, Anklets, Piercing, Charms, Nose Jewelry 

Materials: 14K Gold, Sterling Silver, Titanium, Ethically Sourced Gemstones & Conflict-Free Diamonds

AMYO makes modern, timeless fine jewelry that is 100% handcrafted in-house in New York City. 

The brand prioritizes quality craftsmanship and makes sure its pieces never tarnish or tangle and are made to last.

It also has affordable price points, as you can get jewelry for as little as $24!

AMYO sells everything from studs and hoops to pendant necklaces, chain bracelets, and engraved rings.

It also has lots of different evergreen designs to choose from. 

Its jewelry is mainly crafted from 14K gold, including white gold and rose gold, but it also has great options made of sterling silver, titanium, and gold vermeil.

It also uses ethically sourced gemstones and conflict-free diamonds, pearls, and opals. 

Plus, AMYO’s products are sustainably made and produce far less waste than industrially made jewelry!

2. Ana Luisa

Product Range: Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Rings, Charms, Anklets 

Materials: Recycled Solid Gold, Gold-Plated or Rhodium-Plated Recycled Sterling Silver, Gold-Plated Brass, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Recycled Glass, Freshwater Pearls

Ana Luisa is one of the best ethical jewelry brands on the market! 

It crafts its pieces using mostly recycled 10K solid gold and recycled sterling silver, but also GRS-certified recycled glass, brass, lab-grown diamonds, and ethically sourced pearls. 

The majority of its materials are also RJC Code of Practices certified, meaning that its vendors source metals responsibly. 

Whether you choose sleek gold huggie hoop earrings with freshwater pearls, a letter necklace, a cuff bracelet, or a statement ring, all Ana Luisa pieces are tested to stand the test of time.

Everything is designed to be water-resistant, tarnish-free, and hypoallergenic, and is backed by a two-year warranty. 

The jewelry is also made for all sizes and comes in sustainable packaging.

Did I mention that the brand carries the Climate Neutral certification and that it regularly gives back to nonprofits? 

3. GLDN

Product Range: Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Earrings, Anklets, Charms, Pendants, Wedding Bands, Wedding Jewelry

Materials: 14K Gold-Filled, Rose Gold-Filled, Sterling Silver, Gold Vermeil, 14K Or 10K Solid Gold, 14K Palladium White Gold

GLDN creates gorgeous pieces, including wedding bands and jewelry, which can be personalized and custom-made with initials, names, symbols, or dates. 

70% of the brand’s jewelry is made to order, so it creates almost zero waste. 

The company also uses high-quality solid gold and sterling silver, gold fills, vermeil, and ethically sourced gemstones, including 100% conflict-free diamonds. 

GLDN crafts all its pieces by hand and works with 90% domestically-sourced, recycled materials.

It also offers free repairs and donates 10% of its profits to charities supporting social and animal welfare causes. 

4. Mejuri

Product Range: Rings, Anklets, Bracelets, Necklaces, Charms & Pendants, Earrings

Materials: 14K & 10K Recycled Gold, 14K White Gold, 18K Gold Vermeil, Recycled Sterling Silver, Lab-Grown Diamonds & Gemstones, Pearls, Conflict-Free Diamonds

Whether you’re looking for stackable rings, beaded or diamond necklaces, chain bracelets, hoops, or stud earrings, Mejuri has it all. 

Not only that, but the brand is committed to sustainable and ethical practices across its entire business! 

Its gold and silver pieces are made almost entirely from recycled metals and are designed to be hypoallergenic and water-resistant.

Mejuri also offers jewelry made with lab-grown diamonds, traceable gemstones, and freshwater pearls, as well as conflict-free natural diamonds. 

The company has begun sourcing carbon-neutral materials, and it supports different charitable initiatives.

To top it all off, some of its pieces are made of Salmon Gold™, meaning that the gold is fully traceable, supports regenerative mining, and helps restore biodiversity!

Through this jewelry line, Mejuri works to rehabilitate legacy and abandoned mine sites while restoring fish habitats.  

5. ABLE

Product Range: Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Personalized Jewelry

Materials: 14K Gold-Filled, Sterling Silver, 18K Gold-Plated, Gold Vermeil, Mixed Metals

ABLE is a sustainable fashion brand on a mission to empower women to build a secure future for themselves and their families.

The brand has a beautiful jewelry line that is made by hand in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Each piece is created using high-quality materials such as sterling silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated or gold-filled pieces. 

The brand’s jewelry is made to be timeless and modern, and you can choose from various styles available, including stacking rings, charm huggie hoops, letter necklaces, double rings, chain necklaces and bracelets, and even charms in the shape of stars or a cowboy hat. 

ABLE also takes sustainability seriously with thoughtful initiatives and has plenty of affordable options.

Plus, you can customize many of its pieces to add a meaningful, personal touch!

6. AUrate New York

Product Range: Rings, Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Anklets, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands

Materials: 18K Recycled Gold, 14K Recycled Gold, 14K Gold-Plated Vermeil, Ethically Sourced Diamonds, Gemstones & Pearls, Platinum, Sterling Silver 

AUrate New York crafts gorgeous fine jewelry, engravable engagement rings, and wedding bands, 100% handmade from recycled gold, sterling silver, platinum, or gold-plated vermeil. 

The brand also uses ethically sourced gemstones, conflict-free diamonds (both lab-grown and mined), and pearls grown and harvested on family-run farms. 

From white sapphire tennis bracelets and elegant emerald necklaces to diamond studs, bow earrings, and beaded pieces, there’s something for every woman.

I also love that AUrate tests all its pieces to ensure they’re made to last a lifetime! 

Everything is sustainably made and carbon-neutral.

And the company even offers repair services and a lifetime guarantee on its vermeil, 18K, and 14K fine jewelry.  

7. Ten Thousand Villages

Product Range: Rings, Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces

Materials: Brass, Upcycled Materials, Ethically Sourced Shells, Tagua, Enamel, Metals, Wood, Glass

If you’re looking for affordable ethical jewelry and like more unique designs, check out Ten Thousand Villages! 

Each one of its pieces is fair trade, ethically made, and handcrafted by artisans from under-resourced communities around the world. 

While the company sells several classic, timeless pieces, most of its collection features one-of-a-kind designs inspired by nature or global traditions with earthy tones, organic shapes, and natural textures. 

Ten Thousand Villages’ jewelry is also crafted using natural and upcycled materials such as brass, shell, glass, and tagua (vegetable ivory). 

The brand is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization and makes sure to use sustainable practices.

On each product page, you can also learn more about the artisan who crafted the jewelry, which is pretty cool! 

8. Catbird

Product Range: Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Rings, Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Anklets, Charms

Materials: Recycled Solid Gold, Recycled Sterling Silver, Lab-Grown Or Recycled Diamonds, Ethically Sourced Gemstones & Pearls

Catbird creates heirloom-quality, ethical jewelry using mostly recycled solid gold and conflict-free diamonds (both recycled and lab-grown options).

It also has a lovely collection made of recycled sterling silver, as well as gorgeous pieces featuring ethically sourced gemstones and pearls. 

While most pieces are designed for women, the company also has a great collection for men, featuring chain bracelets, necklaces, and bold rings.

Plus, Catbird has gorgeous ethically sourced engagement rings and wedding bands! 

Each piece is thoughtfully made in the brand’s Brooklyn studio.

Choose from signet and stacking rings, lockets, simple chains, and diamond necklaces, studs, drops, pearls, diamond, and hoop earrings, and classic or tennis bracelets. 

You can even buy personalized jewelry, including initial or engravable charms or birthstones. 

What’s more, Catbird works with partners that have implemented sustainable practices, and the brand donates at least 1% of all sales to nonprofits (it has donated over $1.4 million so far)!

9. Obakki

Product Range: Earrings, Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces 

Materials: Upcycled Brass, Silver Or Gold Plating

Looking for handmade artisan jewelry?

You’ll love Obakki! 

The brand partners with skilled artisans from Kenya to create beautiful rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

These pieces are made from 100% upcycled brass sourced from discarded padlocks, coins, or taps that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. 

They’re also either silver- or gold-plated, which gives them their elegant color.

Whether you want a signet ring, drop earrings, chunky chain bracelets or bangles, studs, pendant necklaces or rings featuring a fun geometric shape, Obakki has you covered. 

The brand always pays artisans fairly and reinvests back into their communities and businesses.

Through its foundation, Obakki also funds development work such as projects providing clean water access, educational programs, or other livelihood initiatives. 

Final thoughts on the best ethical and sustainable jewelry brands

I hope you’ve found this article about the best sustainable and ethical jewelry brands helpful and that you could find pieces you will love for years to come! 

Wearing a beautiful necklace or elegant earrings doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet or the people behind the craft.

Thanks to these brands, choosing ethically sourced jewelry pieces has become easier than ever. 

If you liked this post, you may also want to check out: 

• 10 best sustainable sunglasses brands that protect your eyes and the environment
• 8 best non-toxic, natural, phthalate-free & clean perfume brands for safe spritzing
• 9 best natural & non-toxic nail polish brands for a healthier manicure
• 10 best natural, non-toxic, organic & clean makeup brands for a healthy beauty routine
• 10 best natural, non-toxic & organic lipstick & lip gloss brands for a gorgeous smile

Which sustainable jewelry brands have you decided to support?

Please leave a comment!

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can easily find ethical jewelry brands, too. 

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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