What we know is that jewelry is a beautiful gift that makes us feel special. But what most of us don’t know is that a lot of this beautiful jewelry doesn’t look pretty for the environment and people. The mining industry harms our planet because the sourcing, processing, and transportation of raw materials requires a lot of water, creates wasteland, and pollutes the environment. In addition, miners often work in undignified conditions and are exploited. The good news is that there are jewelry brands that are turning away from these practices and treat our planet and its people the way they deserve to be treated: like a gem! See our brands roundup below to find your new favorite ethical & sustainable jewelry pieces.
Ethics
100% recycled solid gold, labgrown diamonds, handcrafted, woman-led, inclusive, made-to-order
Product range
Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, wedding & engagement
Price range
$380-$20,000
Based in
Helsinki, Finland
Delivery to
Worldwide
With a passion for making sustainable, long-lasting fine jewelry, KARAAT uses the highest quality materials such as 18-karat recycled gold and the brightest labgrown diamonds to create timeless and meaningful pieces. Focusing on modernizing the outdated diamond jewelry industry and bringing it to this day through transparency and honesty, their jewelry is handcrafted by talented goldsmiths in Milan, Italy and Antwerp, Belgium. In their own words, KARAAT offers the best value for the price in Europe, making fine jewelry more accessible for everyone.
Ethics
Handcrafted by CLED, upcycled, Eco Gem™ quality, ethically sourced, recycled metals, Responsible Jewellery Council-certified, nickel-free, lead-free, cadmium-free
Product range
Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair accessoires
Price range
$50-$250
Based in
Los Angeles, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
When trash becomes treasure: In the U.S., less than 35% of glass bottles are recycled; the rest end up in landfills. CLED took this as an opportunity to recycle glass bottles from Los Angeles restaurants and turn them into stunning, handcrafted jewelry, each with a unique look and blended with 100% post-consumer recycled metals like sterling silver, brass, gold vermeil and gold-filled.
Ethics
Fairtrade, ethically-sourced and recycled materials, handmade
Product range
Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, anklets, custom orders
Price range
$90-$300
Based in
London, United Kingdom
Delivery to
Worldwide
London-based slow fashion brand Brigitta Studio creates contemporary, meaningful, and conceptual jewelry. Each piece tells a story inspired by ancient traditions and honors their culture and the environment. Brigitta uses recycled sterling silver whenever possible and blends it with 9k or 24k recycled gold. The materials are ethically sourced within the UK. All pieces at Brigitta Studio are handcrafted and are only finished after your order is placed – so allow 1-3 weeks for the piece to be shipped to you!
Ethics
Fairtrade, Oekogold, handcrafted, responsibly-sourced gemstones, Responsible Jewellery Council certified
Product range
Earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants
Price range
$430-$1900
Based in
Switzerland
Delivery to
Worldwide
Did you know that the Swiss Alps are home to beautiful gemstones that have been shaped and formed over millions of years? Designer Leni Adam uses high-quality gemstones such as rock crystals, smoky quartz, or amethysts, which she carefully sources from the Swiss Alps, and combines them with recycled precious metals. All of her pieces are handcrafted in the small town of Olten. Traditional classics with a playful, modern twist.
Ethics
Fairtrade, handmade, vegan, recycled, give back, plastic-free
Product range
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants
Price range
$500-$2200
Based in
Germany
Delivery to
EU-countries, Switzerland, and Norway
Maren Jewellery does not only reflect the beauty of our planet but is also in harmony with it. For her timelessly beautiful pieces, designer and founder Helge Maren combines mindful love, luxury, and nature by using recycled 18-karat gold, 925 silver, and lab-grown eco-diamonds only. And she doesn’t start making them until after your order is placed!
Ethics
Fairtrade, Fairmined™ Gold, traceable, lab-grown diamonds
Product range
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches
Price range
$300-$10.000
Based in
Paris, France
Delivery to
Europe
Based out of Paris, JEM combines ethical awareness with French simplicity and truly outstanding architectural shapes. Each piece is ethically handcrafted from Fairmined™ Gold and lab-grown diamonds using traditional techniques in one of the most renowned jeweler’s workshops located in the heart of the Vosges Mountains in France. Thanks to a trackable serial number, every item can be traced back to its origins. Magnifique!
Ethics
Fairtrade, recycled silver
Product range
Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings
Price range
$85-$300
Based in
Finland
Delivery to
Worldwide
TUOHI Jewelry stands out by its futuristic yet timeless shapes. Meant to last you forever, all pieces are made from 100% recycled silver from responsible sources, mainly in Scandinavia. The sustainable jewelry is carefully handcrafted by goldsmiths in Finland who work under safe and fair conditions.
Ethics
Artisan-made, recycled Sterling Silver, gives back, 1% for the Planet member
Product range
Saint pendants, necklaces, earrings, charms, chains, bracelets
Price range
$89-$189
Based in
New Zealand & Bali
Delivery to
Worldwide
Luna & Rose produces beautiful jewellery in a completely closed loop production. Using Recycled Sterling Silver & 9kt Gold for their artisan crafted designs, they also have their Golden Giveback Project where customers can send in old Silver & Gold to be recycled for vouchers. Luna & Rose is designed in New Zealand and lovingly produced in Bali where the brand has a beautiful island store. The mission is to create a jewelry line that is produced in an ethical & sustainable way to leave as little footprint on the planet as possible.
Ethics
Handcrafted by Laura Estrada, latinx-owned, recycled materials
Product range
Earrings, necklace, rings, faux piercings, hair-, face-, and head pieces, ear to ear chains
Price range
$78-$278
Based in
Los Angeles, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
Combining traditional metal-smithing with modern design, artist Laura Estrada creates original sustainable jewelry from recycled brass and sterling silver in her Los Angeles studio. To create her extraordinary earrings, mystic rings, and beautiful necklaces, the artist melds organic shapes and textures inspired by nature. Each piece is uniquely handmade and develops a natural patina over time which gives your jewelry a special touch.
Ethics
Ethical and local manufacturing, recycled metals, responsibly sourced/fair-trade gemstones, handcrafted, genderless
Product range
Body jewelry, bracelets, brooches, rings, earrings, ear cuffs, necklaces, nose rings
Price range
$60-$750
Based in
Berlin, Germany
Delivery to
Europe
Multi-award winner Gina Melosi creates conceptional yet organic shapes that give broken, overlooked, and abandoned objects new life in metals such as ecosilver, recycled sterling silver, recycled bronze, or recycled pinksilver (a mix of silver and copper) and ethically sourced stones. Her outstanding designs can be seen on artists such as Cara Delivigne, Amandla Stenberg, and Zinnia Kumar.
Ethics
Fairtrade, FSC-certified, recycled materials, sustainably-mined
Product range
Earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants
Price range
$70-$2000
Based in
Europe
Delivery to
Worldwide
Inspired by the romantic, yet the melancholic universe of past American poet Emily Dickinson, the Scandinavian brand KINRADEN designs minimalistic, classic jewelry using recycled 18-carat gold and 925 sterling silver. KINRADEN is known for their responsibly sourced signature blackwood diamonds sourced from African blackwood, also called Mpingo. These beautiful black diamonds are kind to nature and people.
Ethics
Ethical and local manufacturing, 100% post-consumer recycled metals, recycled diamonds, traceable responsibly sourced gemstones, handcrafted, gives back
Product range
Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Price range
$295-$5400
Based in
Los Angeles, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
When vintage charm meets contemporary details: JH creates heirloom pieces that are meant to keep forever. Like a meaningful talisman that you have a personal connection with and that becomes a part of your story. Each piece is individually handcrafted by artisans in Los Angeles.
Ethics
Fairtrade, gives back, 1% for the Planet, unisex, Global Services-certified
Product range
Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, body jewelry
Price range
$225-$1550
Based in
Los Angeles, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
Rebecca Mapes (former Winden Jewelry) creates timeless and sustainable jewelry with a vintage look that is crafted mostly from recycled materials. From 100% natural unaltered gemstones to recycled 14k gold selected from responsible sources in the U.S., Rebecca chooses her materials and suppliers with equally conscious thought.
Ethics
Fairtrade, 100% SCS Global Services-certified, unisex
Product range
Rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chains
Price range
$98-$198
Based in
New York, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
Odette designs their pieces in Brooklyn and casts and manufactures locally in New York City via small family-run businesses. Materials used include brass, bronze recycled sterling silver, and 14k gold. Odette is currently in the process of finding a new method to recycle brass. Among the inspiring women who wear Odette are Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, and Paloma Elsesser.
Ethics
Fairtrade gold and recycled sterling silver, conflict-free diamonds, lab grown diamonds
Product range
Earrings, rings, pendants, bangles, cuffs, chokers
Price range
$95-$20.000
Based in
London, UK
Delivery to
Worldwide
Designer couple Antonia Pascale and Christopher James get inspired by nature and art when creating their distinctive-looking sustainable jewelry with a sculptural aesthetic. All pieces are sustainably handcrafted in London using only the finest recycled solid precious metals that are fairly obtained. Their eco-friendly antique ring boxes are really cool.
Ethics
Fairtrade, handmade, recycled materials, conflict-free, gives back, 1% for the Planet, woman-led, inclusive, made-to-order
Product range
Earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, necklaces
Price range
$90-$1.500
Based in
Vancouver, Canada
Delivery to
Canada, USA
The ethical and sustainable jewelry brand from Canada uses recycled metals, fair-trade gold, and conflict-free gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces. From simple to cute and romantic – you can find something for each taste in their dreamy collection. Inclusion and diversity are a great value at Foe & Dear. Their team is made up of a variety of backgrounds/ethnicities. You can also create your own personal Foe & Dear ring here. Handmade in Vancouver, Canada. P.S.: All pieces are made to order!
Ethics
Fairtrade 100% recycled, lab-grown diamonds, handmade
Product range
Earrings, rings, necklaces
Price range
$90-$7.600
Based in
Stockholm, Sweden
Delivery to
Worldwide
As Europe’s first fine sustainable jewelry brand using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds, Norrfolks is a real pioneer. The diamonds come from Europe’s largest lab-grown diamonds supplier, located in Antwerp, Belgium. The gold is reclaimed from post-consumer waste. We love their super simple pieces that go well with anything; a cocktail dress or jeans and t-shirt. Ethically handcrafted by Alfonso, a third-generation manufacturer in Spain.
Ethics
Fairtrade, handmade, eco-friendly
Product range
Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings
Price range
$80-$450
Based in
Los Angeles, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
Get that California look: Sophie Monet brings natural elements into different contexts by creating sustainable jewelry using ethically sourced wood, precious stones, and metals. She draws inspiration from the rich landscape of Venice, California. All of the wood is hand-shaped using unique and rare materials which give each piece its own identity.
Ethics
Fairtrade, handmade, natural materials
Product range
Bracelets & cuffs, brooches, earrings, necklaces, rings, interior, accessories, garments
Price range
$17-$237
Based in
Berlin, Germany
Delivery to
Worldwide
Independent artisans, small family businesses and local fairtrade organizations throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America create the jewelry at FOLKDAYS, which is equally inspired by centuries-old handicraft techniques, local materials and contemporary design influences. Focusing on natural materials only, FOLKDAYS uses 100% brass (gold-plated), 100% sterling silver, gold-plated silver, various gemstones and more. For founder and activist Lisa Jaspers, who advocates for ethical consumption and social entrepreneurship, high-quality goods that bring you joy forever are imperative.
Ethics
Handcrafted by Vanessa Lianne Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), handmade, 100% recycled metals, responsibly sourced gemstones
Product range
Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets
Price range
$98-$3400
Based in
New York, USA
Delivery to
Worldwide
Vanessa Lianne is a trained goldsmith who hand forges each of her jewelry pieces in her Brooklyn studio. We think her sustainable jewelry looks imperfectly perfect with the colorful gemstones. She only uses 100% recycled metals, all-natural stones from ethical sources, and diamonds sourced from vendors that align with the Kimberly process.
Ethics
Fairtrade, recycled metals, carefully sourced gemstones
Product range
Earrings, piercings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants
Price range
$75-$1400
Based in
Paris, France
Delivery to
Europe
Douze designs modern sustainable jewelry made from ethical, recycled 18-karat gold with carefully selected gemstones. All collections are made in workshops in France and named after the women who inspire designer Hermine. Get creative: Douze Paris also invites you to create your own ideal piece of jewelry – follow the steps here.
