Jewelry has a unique power to evoke feelings and memories, carrying a deeper meaning as symbols of love, connection and personal expression. It’s no wonder that we form such a physical connection with jewelry: it tells stories. But what story does a new piece of jewelry tell? Every new piece begins with a story of its own, the idea, the design and the hands that made it, before we begin to add our own memories. That story also includes where its materials come from.

Unfortunately, it’s still challenging to trace the origins of diamonds and precious metals like gold and silver. The jewelry industry continues to face environmental and social issues, including pollution and the exploitation of workers. In some regions, miners, including children, work under dangerous conditions. Metal mining can release toxic substances that pollute water sources and the environment, damage ecosystems and leave land that can no longer be used for forestry or agriculture.

Diamonds, too, have a dark history: they have been used to fund wars. In Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world, diamonds fuelled a brutal civil war. People were forced from their homes, and instead of benefiting the community through investments in education and healthcare, the wealth from diamond mining ended up in the pockets of a few.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked jewelry brands from around the world for their design and craftsmanship. If you’d like to know more about how and where a piece was made, ask the brand directly. Certifications such as Fairmined or Fairtrade Gold can be a good starting point.