Jewelry is not only a beautiful accessory; it serves as an emotional keepsake and future heirloom. Add another layer of meaning when you purchase it from a sustainable jewelry brand. Consciously crafted jewelry, like eco-friendly fashion or green footwear, keeps materials and craftsmanship top of mind. Recycled metals, fair trade gold, conflict-free stones, and even repurposed jewelry components are just a few examples of sustainable materials that are used to maintain a low environmental impact. Apart from a commitment to Mother Nature, investment in skilled labor is also a push toward sustainability—people impact the planet, after all.
So next time you’re searching for a unique trinket to celebrate your best friend, the perfect present for grandma, or a little pick-me-up for yourself, consider buying a thoughtful piece from a company that stands up for the environment. And, trust us: The wide-ranging designs will appeal to minimalists looking for chic gold earrings and those with bohemian flair who want to layer global-inflected elements. From affordable finds to refresh your everyday rotation to luxury gems that will be cherished forever, here are a few standout best sustainable and ethical jewelry brands to discover and add to your (or a loved one’s) jewelry box.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Soko makes gorgeous, sculptural pieces that will appeal to a range of aesthetics. The vast assortment features recycled brass, leftover wood, and reclaimed horn that’s a by-product of the food industry. While the designs and materials are enough to marvel at, the brand was founded on the premise of promoting Kenyan artisans and connecting them to a global selling platform, upending the traditional factory model and providing the makers with economic independence.
Nothing says summertime like colorful jewelry. The whimsical creations from New York-based SVNR (pronounced “souvenir”) are centered around found objects, upcycled and natural materials, and repurposed vintage finds—making every handmade piece unique. Don’t miss the statement-making single earrings or the beaded shell necklaces that would make a lovely anchor to your beachy layers.
For minimalists who prefer modern design, Mejuri is a must-visit destination. The wares range from textured hoops and domed rings to coin pendants and pearl strands. Made with durable precious metals, gold (a majority recycled; the rest responsibly mined) and conflict-free diamonds, this is fine jewelry that is meant to be self-purchases—why wait for someone to gift you?—and enjoyed every day.
Lovers of delicate jewels will likely be familiar with Catbird, the longtime Brooklyn-based shop with a devout following. While they carry independent designers, the whisper-thin chains, barely-there rings, and sweet diamond-accented pieces at reasonable prices are in-house specialties. The best part though? Everything is made in Brooklyn (to minimize their carbon footprint) with ethically sourced gold and conflict-free or recycled diamonds.
With a name loosely translating to “She works” in a local Ugandan dialect, it should come as no surprise that Akola puts women at the forefront. The company was conceived to create meaningful jobs for women in Uganda that not only pay a living wage, but also empower them through leadership and financial literacy programs. As for the global-inspired jewelry, everything uses local and earth-friendly materials such as by-product horn, natural raffia, and recycled glass.
An homage to Africa, from inception to creation, Omi Woods centers around unique designs such as pendants cast from authentic coins (featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021 list), cowrie shells, and sculptural hoops. The whole collection is ethically handcrafted with fair trade African gold, recycled gold vermeil, responsibly sourced sterling silver, and conflict-free Canadian diamonds. Symbolic and collectible, these eye-catching pieces are sure to spark conversation.
Slow fashion and social impact is the name of the game at Nashville-based ABLE. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds are employed throughout the supply chain to produce wardrobe essentials like denim, dresses, and accessories. The personal jewelry is favored for good reason, too: Handmade in Nashville, it’s well under $100 and features eco-conscious materials like recycled silver (metal scraps are melted down and repurposed). And yes—here’s actress Minka Kelly modeling pieces she had a hand in designing.
UK jewelry brand Monica Vinader is known for her sophisticated designs that run the gamut from chunky pendants dangling off textured chains to lovely organic-shaped rings and bangles—all ethically made with recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, and sustainably sourced pearls and gemstones. You can even send in any old gold or silver jewelry (from any brand) to be recycled for a credit to use toward a new piece. In addition to these practices, the company partners with several initiatives, including a biodiversity project to preserve land in its native Norfolk, UK.
For budget-friendly jewelry that can be worn every day, check out the sweet offerings from The Little Market. Come for the classic hoops, dainty chains, and colorful beaded bracelets (and be sure to explore the eco-conscious home goods), but stay for the mission—as a nonprofit fair trade shop, The Little Market strives to uplift women with economic opportunities. Partnering with artisans in over 25 countries to showcase traditional techniques, the company pays living wages and creates safe working environments for underserved groups.
If you are looking to splurge on a fine jewelry piece to a mark a special milestone, gift to a loved one, or just because, Monica Rich Kosann should be on your radar. The covetable and customizable lockets are signatures, but don’t miss the Diamonds Reborn capsule, either: Crafted entirely of recycled gold and repurposed diamonds, the sparkling pieces will lend a special touch to your layers.
Aurate is all about real gold (spot the periodic table symbol?) at affordable prices. In fact, everything is made with 100 percent recycled gold, as well as ethically sourced diamonds and pearls. You’ll want the stacking rings, huggies, and diamond initials to mix and match with your current repertoire.
When a collection is handmade in magical Hawaii, you can expect nature to play an integral part in the ethos and design. Dried botanicals, ocean motifs, and vibrant crystals are framed in recycled metal settings, and will instantly transport you to the islands. The pressed flower pendants and crystal shaker necklaces are popular—you can even customize one with your choice of birthstones (hint: they make a unique gift).
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
It’s almost surprising it took until midway through Atlanta’s third season for the show to train its sights on the fashion industry. Rappers—like Brian Tyree Henry’s Paper Boi—have become perhaps the figures driving fashion culture. And the business of fashion has long struggled to avoid even the most obvious missteps […]
