9 Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry Brands For Fair Trade Flaunting
Unlike your sustainable underwear, showing off your sustainable jewelry is encouraged.
But, only if it’s courtesy of both sustainable and ethical jewelry making practices.
You see, beautiful bling is often linked with not-so-beautiful armed conflicts, unsafe working conditions, child labor, and the end of ecosystems.
Diamond stud earrings can still be a girl’s best friend, so long as they’re sustainable diamond earrings.
So, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
If you don’t, run to these sustainable jewelry brands paving the way towards a fairer and hands-down more beautiful jewelry industry.
Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.
The Most Eco-Friendly Jewelry Brands For Sustainable Sparkles
ABLE bridges the gap between attainABLE and sustainABLE with their affordable sustainable jewelry—without the trade-off between consumer affordability and fair wages for artisans. Most pieces can be customized, making them personalizABLE too.
For unique materials and semi-precious stones set in one of the most sustainable metals around (recycled and fully recycable brass), flock to Raven + Lily.
Meanwhile, Catbird has us pawing over their exceptional-quality jewelry made from recycled materials. Their beautiful engagement rings are suitable for all eco-friendly wedding dresses.
Skip down to the end to see how we sifted through all the rhinestones to find the ethical diamond jewelry in the rough.
The Full List Of Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry Manufacturers
- ABLE | Visit Store
- Brilliant Earth | Visit Store
- Catbird | Visit Store
- Rays & Riches | Visit Store
- Raven + Lily | Visit Store
- Mejuri | Visit Store
- SOKO | Visit Store
- Aurate | Visit Store
- Praxis Jewelry | Visit Store
1. ABLE
About ABLE
Price Range: $15–$180
ABLE is one of our favorite ethical shoe brands, but really they’re capABLE of head-to-toe accessorizing.
The store is filled with dangle and hoop earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and personalized pieces made from high quality materials.
If you’re looking for an intimate eco-friendly gift idea that screams “I got this just for you”, their 14k Gold Personalized Cuff is a golden choice.
The best part is, their sustainable affordable jewelry will leave you with plenty left in your holiday gifting budget.
ABLE’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
ABLE’s affordable ethical jewelry collection features 14K gold fill, vermeil (a type of high-quality silver plated with gold), brass, nickel-free sterling silver (from recycled silver), and 18K gold plating.
To achieve that sustainable shine, the conscious jewelry brand uses natural solutions rather than the harsh chemicals that are commonly used in the jewelry manufacturing.
We’re reaching out to confirm further details on where these materials are sourced, though they come from US-based vendors.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each ethically made jewelry piece is handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee with fair labor practices.
Transparent with their lowest wages, they released their Nashville wages and Ethiopia wages (which increased the number of those receiving a living wage here from 1/3 to almost 100%).
Keep an eye out here as they release wages of their partners in India, Brazil and Mexico.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The eco-friendly jewelry brand is actively reducing their reliance on individual paper jewelry boxes—along with repurposing shipping boxes and utilizing recycled mailers.
All metal scraps from the production process are sent to a refinery to be melted down into a new sheet of conflict-free gold or silver.
2. Brilliant Earth
*Sponsored inclusion. Learn more here.
About Brilliant Earth
Price Range: $75–$79,950
From wedding rings to sustainable tennis bracelets, Brilliant Earth’s sustainable fine jewelry shines bright like a (conflict-free) diamond.
They make ethical earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, but their stunning diamond and gemstone rings are where they really ring in as one of the best ethical jewelry brands.
Take a look at their top wedding rings to see what we mean. The Olivetta Diamond Ring, with its round and pear-shaped diamonds scattered along the band, is our personal favorite.
If you don’t carat-all for their designs, you can custom create your own ring, necklace, or earrings with the sustainable jewelry materials of your choice (like repurposed carbon.)
Brilliant Earth’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
What is the most ethical metal for jewelry?
Considering their fine jewelry lines are made from 98% recycled gold and 97% recycled silver, Brilliant Earth thinks it’s recycled metal. Recycled platinum is also used, though less frequent due to limited availability.
The rest of their precious metals, like their tungsten, meteorite, and tantalum, are responsibly-sourced, many from RMI-certified mines. A small collection of fair-mined gold is also used.
Meanwhile, their selection of non-mined diamonds and conflict-free stones is unmatched, most of them being lab-grown or recycled.
Twinkling with transparency, their “Beyond conflict-free” ethical diamond jewelry uses blockchains to seamlessly track their journey down the supply chain.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Responsible Jewelry Council-certified and Fair-mined licensed, Brilliant Earth utilizes only mercury-free mining methods that do not finance rebel groups.
A sourcing map discloses the country of origin for both their natural diamonds and colored gemstones.
If there are countries you wish to avoid for ethical concerns, their shopping filters make this easy.
They try to ensure safe and sustainable sourcing by prioritizing small, cost-sharing, and impact-conscious cooperatives rather than mass production mines.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The Certified Carbonfree® brand uses FSC-certified wooden box as eco-friendly packaging for jewelry.
You can read more about their eco efforts—which are organized around six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—in their sustainability report.
Community & charitable giving:
The Brilliant Earth Foundation supports a brilliant range of environmental and social justice organizations, awarding 518k in 2022 to further efforts on responsible sourcing, climate action, and social impact
3. Catbird
About Catbird
Price Range: $14–$15,500
Catbird has us meowing for their artisan jewelry.
With some of the finest eco-friendly jewelry NYC has to offer, do not pop the question before visiting their Brooklyn studio, because…eco-friendly wedding rings, of course!
No one could possibly say no to your planet-friendly proposal with an engagement ring like The Swan Solitaire.
If your relationship status is more “I love you” than “I do”, the ethical fine jewelry brand also has anklets, bracelets, sustainable gold hoop earrings, necklaces, and rings for other, non-knee bending poses.
Catbird’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Some Catbird favorite materials include recycled gold jewelry (and some other recycled metals), lab-grown diamonds, conflict-free precious gems, sustainably harvested freshwater pearls, and fair-trade gold.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Their ethical pearls are sustainably sourced from a third-generation Chinese pearl industry farm and the conflict-free gold is supported by Catbird’s membership of No Dirty Gold.
While hitting those NYC thrift stores, stop by and chat with the Catbird employees about their fair wages, healthcare, retirement plans, and unlimited cold brew coffee.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The larger than life jewelry pieces are made in a small studio with a small supply chain and small carbon footprint.
Community & charitable giving:
The Catbird Giving Fund has contributed more than $1,000,000 to a range of organizations, including Citizens Climate Lobby, Planned Parenthood, and The Adventure Project.
4. Rays & Riches
About Rays & Riches
Price Range: $9–$186
Rays & Riches shines a ray of light on eco sustainable jewelry inspired by the planet.
The minimalist jewelry brand stocks affordable nature-inspired rings, earrings, and ear cuffs that can be perfectly integrated into any minimalist wardrobe.
From golden Single Ear Cuffs to Beaded Spiral Earrings that mix things up a bit, they have environmentally friendly jewelry pieces to mix-and-match every occasion.
Rays & Riches Sustainable & Ethical Practices
Materials:
Their ethical minimalist jewelry is made mostly from recycled materials.
The vast majority of the hypoallergenic gold used by the small business is recycled, while sustainable pearl jewelry and gemstone jewelry are created from repurposed pre-loved jewelry.
A small amount of ethically-sourced metals are utilized from a supplier that has been accredited with standards of ethical, social, human rights, & environmental practices via Responsible Jewellery Council
Supply chain & labor practices:
All pieces are handmade in Italy by the owner herself.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Since recycled metals are prioritized, the recycled jewelry brand’s carbon footprint is low. Any emissions they generate through the unavoidable shipping part are 100% offset.
They’re also combating the plastic problem by opting for eco-friendly jewelry boxes made from Tall oil—a byproduct of paper production.
Mailers are 100% compostable and cardboard boxes are courtesy of 60% FSC recycled materials.
5. Raven + Lily
About Raven + Lily
Price Range: $28–$240
What is sustainable jewelry?
Raven + Lily very well may be the definition.
The eco-friendly jewelry brand is dedicated to positive social and environmental impact, and brings these values to life in their beautiful fair trade products, which include sustainable handbags, and of course, delicate jewels to adorn your fingers, ears, and wrists.
Crafted from upcycled brass in Kenya, their versatile Diaz Small Hoops are practically the only sustainable earrings you need lining your jewelry box.
Raven + Lily’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their nature-inspired creations incorporate precious and semi-precious stones, often in a raw form to preserve the rocks, minerals, and even plants.
These are set in 100% upcycled, hand-polished brass.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The Certified B Corporation is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.
They support 520 artisans and 10 artisan partners around the world, specifically empowering women from underrepresented social groups.
Everyone receives living wages, flexible working hours, paid maternity leave, and respectful workplaces.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Raven + Lily was named by Remake as one of the 10 brands ‘leading the way’ for their sustainability efforts.
Each order comes with sustainable jewelry packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
Community & charitable giving:
1% of the brand’s sales go back to organizations they align with, like Reclaim the Block, NAACP, the SAFE Alliance, and the Women’s Fund at the Austin Community Foundation.
6. Mejuri
About Mejuri
Price Range: $28–$5,900
If you want “fine jewelry for my damn self”, no occasion required, Mejuri can assist.
Their curated collection of sustainable men’s jewelry and women’s jewelry includes elegant, everyday-wear pieces: classic pearl strands, studs, diamond eternity rings, hoop earrings, wedding bands, engagement rings, and fair trade gold chains for men and women alike.
Not that jewelry should be gendered anyway!
This unisex zodiac pendant necklace is a glistening example of jewelry fit for everyone (even those picky Virgos.)
Mejuri’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
You’ll find 14k solid gold (both recycled gold and new), 18k gold vermeil, ethically sourced AAA-grade gemstones and pearls, rhodium-plated sterling silver, and conflict-free diamonds sourced from Kimberley Process-compliant suppliers.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Mejuri believes “traceability is everything”, hence their commitment to 100% traceable fair trade gold.
70% of their gold is made from certified recycled materials. The other 30% comes from small-scale artisanal mines.
Suppliers certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council are prioritized.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Mejuri is a co-founder of Regeneration, an initiative dedicated to rehabilitating legacy mine sites and mining affected environments.
They also support habitat regeneration in mining areas via RESOLVE’s Salmon Gold Initiative.
Community & charitable giving:
The brand is actively partnered with Don’t Ban Equality, a coalition to protect access to reproductive healthcare and advocate for equal rights.
They also have an Empowerment Fund that supports women’s and non-binary people’s access to education. They have donated over $324,000 in post-secondary scholarships so far.
7. SOKO
About SOKO
Price Range: $40–$278
SOKO is a women-led ethical jewelry brand that does things differently by bringing global market access directly to local artisans in Kenya.
And boy is their artisan sustainable jewelry ever stunning, not to mention wearable for just about any occasion.
Pair some Capped Quill Dangle statement earrings with your online dress rental or with some basic sustainable jeans. Either way, you’ll look just as flawless!
SOKO’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Many of SOKO’s responsibly sourced materials have been creatively recycled and repurposed using traditional techniques.
Recycled brass is used to create their sustainable silver jewelry while their eco-friendly gold jewelry is crafted from 24 k gold-plated brass (sourced from vendors meeting Prop 65 regulations).
All colored pieces are crafted from locally-sourced recycled glass.
Some of the ethically made jewelry utilizes horns and bones from the East African food industry, and homemade beads from Kazuri, a Fair Trade women’s collective in Kenya.
Sustainable Sudanese teak off-cuts are also used, like in these Teak Interlocking Bangle Bracelets.
Supply chain & labor practices:
SOKO is a Certified B Corp that ranks for economic development, promoting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to supply chain poverty alleviation.
Their Kenyan artisans earn five times more than the average wage.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
While they’re currently in the process of obtaining their ISO 14001:2015 certification, SOKO already has systems in place to reduce the use of hazardous materials, energy, water, and other natural materials.
Community & charitable giving:
The SOKO Partnership range features pieces that support social organizations—like the United Nations Trust Fund, a program that combats violence against women.
8. Aurate
About Aurate
Price Range: $10–$18,000
Let Aurate show your love with one of their ethical engagement rings.
Or, if you aren’t ready for that type of conscious commitment, try one of their other fine jewelry rings instead.
If the elegant class of sustainable pearl jewelry is your jam, this Venus Organic Pearl Gold Ring made from recycled gold is giving “let’s have a romantic picnic on our sustainable beach towel, first” kind of vibes.
They also have eco-friendly sustainable jewelry for other occasions, including wedding rings, engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
Aurate’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their sustainable gold jewelry puts the AU in Aurate (AU being the chemical symbol for gold.)
The responsibly-sourced pieces are made from 100% recycled gold, and gold-plated vermeil, along with other ethically-sourced precious metals like sterling silver and platinum.
Many designs are finished with sustainably harvested pearls, and conflict-free diamonds and precious gems (per the Kimberley Process).
Supply chain & labor practices:
The brand’s partner mines adhere to strict conditions around fair wages, health and safety, and respect and support for local communities.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Excess materials are recycled and pieces are designed to last, backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Community & charitable giving: The women-owned brand regularly supports local and global organizations alike—like One Tree Planted, Feeding America, and Trevor Project.
9. Praxis Jewelry
About Praxis Jewelry
Price Range: $30–$1,594
Praxis Jewelry put a lot of time and praxis into perfecting their designs.
The Etsy shop sells personalizable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that can be inscribed with hearts and special messages.
Because nothing says I love you quite like a Personalized Cuff Bracelet that says ‘I love you’—maybe literally, if you so choose!
Praxis Jewlery’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The affordable eco-friendly jewelry is made from SCS-certified recycled silver, gold,and platinum as well as conflict-free diamonds.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Allison creates all pieces by hand in her San Diego studio.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Etsy offsets carbon emissions from shipping and packaging of the purchase.
Since items are made-to-order, there is minimal waste involved in the process.
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How We Chose The Best Sustainable Jewelry Brands
Accessorizing with eco-friendly fashion jewelry should allow you to wear your heart on your sleeve (or around your neck or on your finger).
But, what is considered sustainable jewelry?
We referred to our ethical and sustainable jewelry guidelines to answer that question.
Materials:
What materials are sustainable for jewelry?
Reused, reclaimed, and recycled jewelry brands catch our sustainable eyes, as it means no mining (and thus none of the jewelry industry’s major ethical conflicts).
While some claim recycled jewelry is problematic because it may contain unethically mined materials, we say the damage was already done, so it’s better to make maximum use of those materials rather than let them go to waste and encourage the procurement of more.
If materials do come from freshly mined sources, we want them to at least be backed by proof of ethical mining.
Meanwhile, conflict-free diamonds and gemstones usually mean ethically-mined, lab-grown, and recycled diamonds and precious gems.
We’d recommend recycled and lab-grown gemstones as fully traceable claims are hard to prove
- Certifications: The Responsible Jewellery Council, No Dirty Gold, The Kimberley Process, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), SCS Global
Supply chain & labor practices:
Ethical production and use of ethically sourced metals and stones is non-negotiable. A truly conflict-free collection steers clear of any forced/child labor or unsafe work environments.
Fair pay is another key consideration.
- Certifications: ISO 14001, B Corporation (B Corp), Fair Trade Federation
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Emerald may not be your style, but we love it when jewelry has a green hue. We look for things like carbon offset programs, the use of renewable energy and eco-friendly jewelry packaging.
Community & charitable giving:
We love carats with a cause, and the best ethical jewelry brands give back to the community.
While we understand that some artisan makers might be too small to make this happen, it’s definitely a requirement for the bigger sustainable luxury jewelry brands we feature.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable & Ethical Jewelry Brands
All that glitters is not gold.
It’s often just human and environmental suffering disguised as shiny stones.
By supporting sustainable jewelry designers, you are supporting an industry that doesn’t rely on blood (diamonds), sweat, and tears.
Of course, you should scour second hand stores to see if you can score some found objects before buying brand-new bling.
Now, don’t leave us dangling.
Let the earrings do that and forward this list of ethical jewelry companies to your loved ones as a not-so-subtle hint about what you’d like for this year’s anniversary (or ethical gift for Christmas).
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