Best Ethical Jewelry Brands you should know
In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental and social impact, the jewelry industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards ethical and sustainable practices. No longer solely defined by beauty and elegance, jewelry has taken on a new dimension—one that reflects values of responsible sourcing, fair labor, and mindful consumption.
As consumers become more discerning, a rising number of jewelry and ethical diamonds brands are aligning their missions with ethical principles, offering pieces that not only adorn, but also contribute positively to the planet and its people.
In this exploration of the best ethical jewelry brands you need to know, we look at a selection of top names that embrace the ethos of sustainability, transparency, and conscious craftsmanship, based on our research of brands on the market.
Table of content:
What is ethical jewelry?
Ethical jewelry, also known as sustainable jewelry, refers to jewelry that is produced and sourced in a manner that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. The jewelry industry, like many other industries, has faced issues such as environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and unfair labor practices. Ethical jewelry aims to address these concerns by promoting practices that are environmentally friendly, socially just, and transparent. These ethical jewelry are best as a zero waste gift.
What are the key components of ethical jewelry?
The key components of ethical jewelry and ethically sourced diamonds are:
Ethical Sourcing: This involves ensuring that the materials used in jewelry production, such as gemstones, metals, and other components, are sourced responsibly.
Fair Labor Practices: Ethical jewelry makers prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and proper treatment of workers throughout the supply chain
Environmental Responsibility: Ethical jewelry seeks to minimize its environmental impact. This might involve using recycled metals, responsibly sourced gemstones, and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes that reduce waste, energy consumption, and harmful emissions.
Transparency: Ethical diamonds and jewelry brands often provide clear information about their sourcing practices, manufacturing processes, and the origin of materials.
Custom and Artisanal Craftsmanship: Ethical jewelry, along with minimalist jewelry, may emphasize the value of unique designs, custom-made pieces, and artisanal craftsmanship over mass-produced items.
Consumers interested in supporting ethical practices within the jewelry industry should research brands, ask questions about sourcing and production, and choose products that align with their values.
Best Ethical and Sustainable Jewelry Brands
Several jewelry brands were known for their ethical and sustainable practices. While I can't provide real-time information, I can still give you an overview of some of these brands based on their reputation up until that point:
1-GLDN
Best For: Personalized jewelry and modern heirlooms
Ethics: Handmade, 90% recycled materials, donates 10% profits, 85% pieces are made to order
Price Range: $16-$350
GLDN is known for its personalized and handcrafted jewelry made from sustainable materials. They focus on using recycled metals and conflict-free stones. Additionally, they support various charitable causes and prioritize ethical working conditions.
You can also check trust pilot reviews of GLDN.
2-Ten Thousand Villages
Best For: Global handmade pieces
Ethics: Fair Trade Federation member, artisan-made, responsibly sourced & sustainable materials
Price Range: $5– $175
Ten Thousand Villages is a fair-trade organization that collaborates with artisans from around the world to create unique jewelry pieces. They emphasize sustainable practices, fair wages, and supporting marginalized communities.
You can also check trust pilot reviews of Ten Thousand Villages.
3-OmiWoods
Best For: African-inspired gold jewelry
Ethics: Ethical working conditions, fair trade gold & conflict-free metals, fair wages, gives back, carbon-neutral shipping
Price Range: $70 – $267
OmiWoods specializes in creating jewelry with a focus on African and Caribbean heritage. They use ethically sourced materials and promote transparency in their sourcing and production processes.
You can also check trust pilot reviews of Omiwoods.
4-SVNR
Best For: Unique and artistic design
Ethics: SVNR jewelry is made from found, re-used, up-cycled and natural materials.
Price Range: $50 to $400
As upcycled fashion grows, so does upcycled jewelry. SVNR is known for its upcycled and repurposed jewelry made from discarded and vintage materials. They emphasize sustainable practices and their jewelry pieces often showcase a creative blend of colors and materials.
5-Monbouquette
Best For: personal, playful and effortless. Each piece has a functional twist creating multiple ways to wear it.
Ethics: Plastic-free, Reusable, Recycled Packaging, Hand-Selected Freshwater Pearls, Carbon Neutral Shipping
Price Range: Under 200$- Above 500 $
Jenny and Lily Monbouquette are a mother-daughter duo who share a love of avant-garde design and outspoken individuality. In 2014, Jenny started creating jewelry for fun after working as an art advisor for 30 years. Lily's knowledge of fashion was immediately tapped by Jenny, providing them a cause to communicate and work together despite being 3,000 miles apart—Jenny in LA and Lily in New York.
Five years later, Monbouquette has grown, as a sustainable business into a full-fledged line that is produced in the US, created in LA, and is earning praise from editors, celebrities, and ladies all across the country who are mesmerized by their unique designs. Monbouquette offers sustainable fine jewelry made with ethically sourced materials. They are committed to responsible sourcing, ethical craftsmanship, and supporting local communities.
6-Monica Rich Kosann
Best For: Exquisite and personalized pieces, particularly its lockets and creating heirloom-quality that incorporates elements of storytelling, nostalgia, and personalization.
Ethics: Using recycled materials, using shipping boxes made of 70% recycled cardboard, carbon neutral shipping
Price Range: Above 200$
This brand is recognized for its heirloom-quality jewelry and commitment to sustainability. They use recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones, and they also focus on creating timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Remember that the ethical and sustainable landscape in the jewelry industry can evolve over time, so I recommend checking the current status and reputation of these brands, as well as exploring new options that may have emerged since my last update. Look for certifications, transparency in sourcing, and alignment with your personal values when choosing an ethical and sustainable jewelry brand or sustainable clothing brands.
You can also check trust pilot reviews of monica rich kosann.
What are certifications for Ethical Jewelry?
Certifications for ethical diamonds, jewelry, and American made watches help consumers identify jewelry brands and products that adhere to specific standards of responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and fair labor practices. Here are some notable certifications for ethically sourced diamonds and jewelry:
Fairtrade Gold: This certification ensures that the gold used in jewelry has been responsibly sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) Certification: RJC is a global organization that sets standards for responsible business practices in the jewelry supply chain.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS): While not exclusively for ethical considerations, the Kimberley Process aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds (diamonds that finance armed conflict against governments) by certifying that ethical diamonds are conflict-free.
B Corp Certification: Some jewelry brands are certified as B Corporations, which means they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM): ARM offers the Fair-mined certification, which guarantees that precious metals have been responsibly mined and that miners receive fair wages and work under safe conditions.
Carbon Neutral Certification: Some jewelry brands work towards becoming carbon neutral or achieving carbon offset certifications, indicating that their operations have a net-zero carbon footprint.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): While primarily applicable to textiles, GOTS certification can be relevant for jewelry that incorporates organic materials like textiles or fibers.
Ethical Gemstone Certifications: Various certifications exist for specific gemstones, such as the Columbia Gem House Ruby and Sapphire Fair Trade Protocol, which ensures ethically sourced diamonds.
How to ensure the jewelry we purchase is ethically sourced?
Ensuring the ethically sourced diamonds and jewelry you purchase requires research and due diligence. Look into the brand's reputation and values. Check their website, social media, and any available information to understand their commitment to ethical practices.
Look for certifications like Fairtrade Gold. Ethical brands are transparent about their sourcing and production processes. Look for information about where they source their materials, how they ensure fair labor practices, and how they minimize environmental impact. Buying secondhand or vintage rings and jewelry is a sustainable and ethical choice, as it reduces demand for new resources and supports the reuse of existing pieces.
conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of the "Best Ethical Jewelry Brands You Should Know" one thing becomes abundantly clear: the jewelry landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer satisfied with mere material opulence, today's consumers are seeking pieces that embody their values—pieces that tell stories of sustainability, fair practices, and positive impact. As you embark on your journey to adorn yourself with meaning, remember that the choices you make matter. By celebrating these ethical jewelry brands, you're not just enhancing your personal style—you're advocating for a world where every gem sparkles with the light of authenticity, compassion, and sustainability.
