15 Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry Brands For 2022
Our Favorite Ethical Jewelry Brands
We're always searching for ethical jewelry brands and small businesses for sustainable jewelry. We love finding local and woman-owned jewelry companies that dedicate themselves to thoughtful sourcing, fair wages, and give-back initiatives that truly have an impact. Whether it’s a thoughtful addition to our own wardrobe or a sustainable gift for our loved ones, ethical jewelry is an accessory that we can (and do) cherish for a lifetime.
We’ve rounded up our favorite sustainable jewelry brands that pair their values with a dedication to quality and style. Each one of these ethical brands does incredible work—whether it’s sustainably ending cycles of poverty through employment, upholding traditional craft techniques, or sourcing fair-mined gold and other materials, there’s a jewelry brand here that matches your values.
If you’re popping the question (or if you’ve already said yes!), check out our guide to ethical and conflict-free engagement rings.
*Article updated August 2022
1. Mejuri
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Ethically sourced metals & stones, RJC certified responsibly sourced or recycled gold, fair labor, gives back to BIPOC & nonbinary communities
Price Range | $30 (single stud) – $4400 (diamond choker)
Mejuri doesn’t want you to just wear your fine jewelry on special occasions; the brand wants you to wear it every day. Shop here for rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets handcrafted by specialty jewelers in Italy, India, South Korea, and more—without the traditional luxury markups. The materials include cultured freshwater pearls, genuine mineral stones, and diamonds that are ethically sourced from suppliers who follow conflict-free practices. And did we mention it’s all gorgeous? See our honest Mejuri review for more!
Shop Mejuri
2. SOKO
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Certified B Corp, artisan empowerment through globally connected technology, fair trade practices, upcycled & sustainable materials
Price Range | $38 (stud earrings) – $228 (collar necklace)
Fair trade jewelry brand SOKO works with artisans, helping them to build businesses, improve production capacity, and sustainably increase income. Using SOKO’s mobile tools, Kenyan artisans have access to consumers, orders, and payments, and can expand their businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors (and SOKO artisans earn 5X more than the average maker in Kenya). This ethical jewelry collection includes a stunning range of classics and luxury pieces. Inspired by architecture and traditional tribal designs, SOKO’s line has a strong yet minimal aesthetic that eludes to its origins.
Shop Soko
3. AUrate
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Ethical working conditions, seventh-generation artisans, sustainably sourced, conflict-free, & recycled materials, gives back to various causes
Price Range | $50 (ear cuff) – $9000 (diamond necklace)
Born out of NYC, AUrate crafts the delicate, stunning gold jewelry (including engagement pieces) that we love, made with 100 percent recycled gold! Inspired by NYC icons—think historic building doorknobs and the Brooklyn Bridge—the sustainable pieces in this collection come with flair and style, making this line perfect for the modern woman. Crafted by seventh-generation craftspeople (yes, seven), you know you’ll look and feel your best flaunting AUrate. You'll rise to the gold standard in every way.
Shop Aurate
4. Bario Neal
The Good Trade Partner
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Fairmined Certified gold; sustainable & traceable materials, eco-friendly packaging, ethical production in USA
Price Range | $110 (bangle) – $25000+ (custom rings)
For responsibly sourced yet stylish jewelry, we look to Bario Neal. The women-owned, Philadelphia- & Brooklyn-based company handmakes its pieces—from pendant necklaces and bangles to geometric studs and halo rings—using traceable, recycled, and reclaimed diamonds and metals. Even its gold is extracted by small-scale and artisanal miners. The brand’s charitable giving focuses on orgs related to environmental and social impact, like the Natural Resources Defense Council and Black Lives Matter. And if you’re looking for a bespoke bauble, Bario Neal also offers customized services for a wide range of aesthetics (and budgets).
Shop Bario Neal
5. Catbird
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Ethical production in Brooklyn, recycled gold & diamonds, conflict-free stones, gives back via giving fund
Price Range | $14 (earrings) – $13400 (diamond engagement ring)
The woman-owned and -operated brand Catbird makes its jewelry entirely in-house at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. With more than 40 fairly paid jewelers and artisans on-site, the team crafts dainty, delicate, and stunning pieces of jewelry for everyday wear and beyond, as well as stocking other artisan jewelry like engagement and wedding rings. All pieces use recycled gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced stones. Plus, the Catbird Giving Fund donates one percent of all sales (not just profits!) to organizations like the ACLU and the Food Bank of New York City.
Shop Catbird
6. ABLE
Ships To | US & Canada
Ethics | Certified B Corp, female artisan-made, fair wages & working conditions, responsibly sourced materials, lifetime guarantee for repairs & replacements
Price Range | $20 (stacking ring) – $135 (necklace & chain)
ABLE creates sustainable business opportunities for women in Nashville who have overcome adversity. The certified B Corp believes that generational poverty ends when people can provide for themselves and, by empowering women, entire families and communities are uplifted. All of the jewelry pieces are made in-house using responsibly sourced and recycled materials from small-scale vendors offering fair wages and working conditions. ABLE is our one-stop shop for affordable jewelry and accessories.
Shop ABLE
7. Ten Thousand Villages
The Good Trade Partner
Ships To | US
Ethics | Fair Trade Federation member, artisan-made, responsibly sourced & sustainable materials
Price Range | $4.99 (ring) – $175 (pendant)
For over 75 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been a pioneer of the fair trade movement. The company has laid the groundwork for sustainable change in over 30 low-income countries through empowerment and employment opportunities. Jewelry is created by independent small-scale artisan groups, co-ops, and workshops. The pieces are crafted with love using local materials and time-honored skills. Ten Thousand Villages is also our go-to for affordable, handmade gifts from around the world.
Shop Ten Thousand Villages
8. APSE
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Made-to-order production in Washington, recycled metals & responsibly sourced stones, repair & recycling program, gives back to various causes
Price Range | $40 (stacker ring) – $280 (oversized chain)
APSE’s jewelry is all about self-exploration and honoring everyone’s humanity—from the maker to the wearer. Following a made-to-order model, every piece is handmade in Bellingham, WA, using recycled and responsibly sourced materials. APSE will also repair, clean, or recycle your pieces as needed—and the recycling program offers you credit towards a new piece! We’re big fans of how intentional, unique, and fun APSE’s collections are, from chunky gold rings to birth month necklaces.
Shop APSE
9. Cuyana
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Artisan production in NYC, recycled metals & natural stones, Lean Closet initiative
Price Range | $58 (earring embellishment) – $228 (double chain necklace)
We’ve long admired Cuyana’s philosophy of “fewer, better.” Instead of focusing on mass production and poor quality, Cuyana’s team sources out the best materials, makers, and designs for its timeless pieces. Its new line of jewelry is simple yet chic enough to wear day-to-day from the 9-5 hours to happy hours; you can pick up interchangeable embellishments like pearls and rose quartz to swap out as needed on hoops, too. Elevate any look effortlessly.
Shop Cuyana
10. Nisolo
Ships To | US
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, artisan-made, living wages, ethical production, upcycled brass
Price Range | $20 (bracelet) – $35 (earrings)
Nisolo collaborates with local artisans in Peru, Mexico, and Kenya in the creation of its exquisite jewelry collection. From design to production, the Nashville-based brand provides better-than-fair wages and working conditions for its employees. Nisolo isn't only committed to producing beautiful, timeless products; the certified B Corp promises respect and dignity for its employees (and the environment!). For gorgeously designed well-made jewelry that won’t break the bank, shop here.
Shop Nisolo
11. The Little Market
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Nonprofit fair trade shop, ethically made by artisans, gives back, conflict-free materials
Price Range | $22 (bracelet) – $148 (choker)
For dreamy and dainty jewelry that’s also conflict-free, we love The Little Market’s selection. Throw on a beaded bracelet, a drop necklace, or hoop earrings—all of which are ethically made in Cambodia using traditional techniques. (And most pieces are gold-filled so they won’t chip or wear!) As a nonprofit fair trade shop, proceeds support women artisans who receive additional access to skills training and educational opportunities. Beautiful in every way.
Shop The Little Market
12. Accompany
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Certified B Corp, ethically made by artisans, fair trade, gives back to artisans’ communities
Price Range | $30 (stud earrings) – $190 (statement earrings)
Accompany bridges the gap between artisan-made jewelry and direct-to-consumer needs with an easily accessible platform. The company teams up with brands like SOKO and Makua for the most original, ethically made jewelry one can find. Shop pieces from Indigenous communities and jewelry made from responsibly sourced materials (like Japanese glass beads). If you’re looking for a socially conscious platform that believes in one-of-a-kind accessories, Accompany fits the bill.
Shop Accompany
13. Omi Woods
Ships To | Worldwide
Ethics | Ethical working conditions, fair trade gold & conflict-free metals, fair wages, gives back, carbon-neutral shipping
Price Range | $70 (stud earrings) – $270 (coin necklace)
Inspired by her grandmother Doreen Salmon and the African diaspora, Ashley Alexis McFarlane launched Omi Woods as a line of contemporary heirloom jewelry to honor their culture. The fair trade African gold is sourced from small-scale artisanal mines dedicated to fair wages and labor, and all fine metals are conflict-free; the supply chain is intentional every step of the way. Omi Woods’ stunning line of necklaces, earrings, and even anklets are rich, full of meaning, and a thoughtful gift to pass on to future generations.
Shop Omi Woods
14. Noémie
Based In | Worldwide (contact for details)
Ethics | Recyclable packaging, family-owned factories in LA & Thailand, reclaimed metals, conflict-free, & lab grown stones
Price Range | $190 (mini diamond earring) – $12550 (four-carat diamond hoops)
For fine jewelry that will last forever, consider Noémie. This luxury brand works directly with makers in Los Angeles and Bangkok for the most gorgeous pieces that involve conflict-free diamonds, AAA gemstones, and recycled 18K gold. By shipping directly to you, Noémie cuts down on costs so many collections are substantially cheaper than other brand-named jewelry stores. While the pieces are still an investment, Noémie offers financing options, free lifetime warranties, and custom designs for the sustainable jewelry of your dreams.
Shop NOéMIE
15. WWAKE
Based In | Worldwide
Ethics | Upcycled diamonds, fair trade gemstones, & Certified Green Refinery recycled gold, local production, low-waste production, gives back to marginalized communities
Price Range | $49 (single earring) – $32000+ (one-of-a-kind ring)
WWAKE sees its jewelry as a connection to the earth; that’s why the brand only works with natural stones and materials. Take, for instance, the gorgeous opals responsibly sourced from Australia, or the “Post Consumer Recycled” diamonds that have been upcycled from other jewelry. Made locally in NYC, the newly transformed pieces are a sight to see—from the one-of-a-kind heirloom rings to the layering necklaces. All styles come with a complimentary one-year warranty, and specific rings include up to three years of coverage. A sustainable splurge, indeed.
Shop WWAKE
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