Sustainable Jewelry Guide: Ethical Brands You will love
What Is Jewelry, and Why Do We Advocate for Sustainable Jewelry?
Is jewelry merely an adornment, or does it hold deeper meaning—representing memories, milestones, and identity? Does it reflect our cultural, social, or spiritual heritage? The pieces we choose to wear tell a story, but do we ever consider the hidden narratives behind them? Like the clothes we put on, jewelry carries an untold journey—where it was made, how its precious stones or metals were sourced, who crafted these intricate designs, and whether those artisans were treated fairly and paid a living wage.
As we admire a striking ring, necklace, or statement piece that completes an outfit, do we focus only on its beauty, or can we pause to consider the ethics behind its creation? Too often, the brilliance of jewelry conceals a darker reality—one of environmental damage, unethical labor practices, and hidden supply chains that many brands prefer to keep in the shadows. Advocating for sustainable jewelry means shedding light on these issues, supporting responsible sourcing, fair wages, and eco-friendly practices that ensure beauty is never at the cost of people or the planet.
Sustainable jewelry brands prioritize ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and fair labor practices, fostering a more transparent and conscious industry. Rather than relying on newly mined materials, these brands incorporate recycled precious metals such as gold and silver, reducing the demand for extraction and minimizing ecological harm. Many also embrace lab-grown diamonds and gemstones—visually and chemically identical to natural stones—offering a conflict-free, lower-impact alternative to traditional mining.
Beyond materials, sustainability in jewelry extends to responsible production methods, including reducing energy consumption, limiting chemical waste, and ensuring ethical supply chains that provide fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans. Many brands also commit to eco-friendly packaging, avoiding plastic in favor of biodegradable or recycled materials. Choosing sustainable jewelry means investing in timeless craftsmanship while actively supporting a shift toward a more ethical, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible industry.
Sustainability in jewelry also embraces vintage and second-hand pieces, which offer a timeless and eco-conscious alternative. Choosing pre-loved jewelry, including real diamonds and gemstones, keeps these heirlooms in circulation, reducing the demand for new mining while preserving their history and craftsmanship.
Similarly, ethnic and artisanal jewelry—often crafted from locally sourced, less conventional materials—carries the intrinsic beauty of the cultures and communities that create them. Supporting these pieces fosters inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and economic empowerment for artisans worldwide. True sustainability is not just about the materials we choose but also about honoring diverse traditions, craftsmanship, and the stories woven into every piece.
Ultimately, creating a more sustainable future requires collective action—using our purchasing power to support brands that align with our values. We are curating a collection of jewelry brands that put people and the planet first, crafting exquisite pieces that meet the conscious consumer’s demand for ethical, sustainable, and inclusive choices. Explore some of our favorites now, and check back as we continue to discover and share inspiring brands, fostering meaningful partnerships along the way.
Featured Brands
FUTURA Jewelry
FUTURA redefines what it means to wear gold, honoring the legacy of timeless jewelry while setting a new standard for ethical luxury. Inspired by history’s most iconic designs—from the regal adornments of Cleopatra to the effortless elegance of Catherine Deneuve—FUTURA carefully selects and revives only the most exquisite pieces. Each creation is handcrafted in NYC using Certified 18kt Fairmined Ecological gold, ensuring that beauty and responsibility go hand in hand. By choosing FUTURA, you’re not just wearing jewelry—you’re embracing a legacy of craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless style.
The Truth About Gold
Gold mining is one of the most environmentally destructive industries, with small-scale miners—around 15 million worldwide—relying on toxic mercury to extract gold from ore. The United Nations has identified mercury as one of the greatest threats to our planet’s future, as its vapors travel vast distances, contaminating ecosystems, accumulating in wildlife, and severely impacting human health, including the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Shockingly, artisanal gold mining is responsible for 38% of global mercury emissions, making it a major contributor to what the UN has called a “worldwide crisis.”
The gold in many jewelry pieces today comes at an immense cost to both people and the planet. As conscious consumers, we must demand greater transparency, support ethical sourcing, and choose recycled or fair-mined gold to help drive change in an industry long shrouded in environmental and social harm.
You can learn more here, thanks to FUTURA’S generous efforts to educate consumers.
Lizzie Fortunato
Lizzie Fortunato is a jewelry and accessories brand that seamlessly blends luxury with storytelling, championing intentional production and artisanal craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully designed in their Soho, NY studio and brought to life by a network of skilled makers, including metalsmiths, embroiderers, and stone setters, many of whom are women working from home to support their families. The brand is known for its hand-crafted statement jewelry, 14-karat fine pieces, and unique accessories, all created using limited, recycled, and globally sourced materials. Inspired by travels to Morocco, India, Japan, Italy, and beyond, as well as fine art and architecture, Lizzie Fortunato’s designs transport the wearer and transform everyday adornment into an art form. Their creations are not just accessories but coveted art objects—crafted with care, designed to tell a story, and made to be cherished for years to come.
AGMES
AGMES is committed to sustainability at every stage—from sourcing to production and shipping. They prioritize responsible materials, using mostly recycled metals and striving for Fairmined certification to ensure ethical and environmentally sound practices. Their freshwater pearls come from chemical-free farms where natural filtration reduces pollution. With a focus on timeless design, AGMES creates sculptural, heirloom-quality pieces made to last for generations. A zero-waste approach ensures that scrap metal is reused, and water filtration captures metal particles before discharge. Sustainability is an ongoing process, and AGMES continues to evolve, always aiming for a gentler impact on the planet.
BARIO NEAL
Bario Neal is a Philadelphia-based jewelry brand dedicated to ethical sourcing and sustainable craftsmanship. Founded in 2008 by Anna Bario and Page Neal, they lead the way in responsible jewelry making with handcrafted, made-to-order designs that minimize waste. Using only reclaimed metals, Fairmined gold, and ethically sourced gemstones, they prioritize transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility. With a commitment to small-scale production and artisan collaboration, Bario Neal creates timeless, conscious pieces that honor both people and the planet.
GLDN
GLDN embodies the perfect balance of sustainability, craftsmanship, and affordability. Most pieces are thoughtfully made to order, reducing waste while celebrating personal storytelling through timeless, handcrafted jewelry. With over 90% recycled metals and a commitment to ethical sourcing, GLDN proves that conscious design can be both beautiful and accessible. Their dedication to giving back further enriches their mission, making every purchase a meaningful investment in both style and sustainability.