We’re always on the hunt for ethical jewellery brands that champion conscious production and thoughtful design. Here’re our favourite brands creating sustainable sparkly things.
Jewellery can be a dirty business; a single gold wedding band produces up to 20 tonnes of waste. Yikes. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Whether your priority is recycled materials, cultured diamonds, traditional craftsmanship, ethical working conditions, or giving back to communities in need, these brands have got your core values covered. Next time you’re looking for a conscious gift, a trinket for yourself, or something special to pop the question, start your search with these 12 ethical jewellery brands.
Scéona
Identifying as ‘radically sustainable’ fine jewellery, Scéona creates beautiful earrings and rings inspired by nature and minimalism. Using luxurious materials, like 18 carat recycled gold and cultured diamonds, it aims to offer an alternative to the traditional jewellery industry. Its gold comes from ‘urban mining’; the production of precious metals from waste and metal scrap. At the same time, cultured diamonds are created in a lab. Meaning each piece is crafted without the use of intrusive mining methods. Upping its conscious credentials even further, Scéona is slavery, chemicals, plastic, and carbon-free. Respect.
Courbet
When it comes to mainstream diamonds, they are typically classified using the four Cs: carat, colour, clarity, and cut. To these four, Courbet adds a fifth; conscious. To create its covetable range, Courbet uses only lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold. Planning on popping the question? Check out its range of engagement and wedding bands; who could say no to one of these beauties?
Cahana Jewelry
Founded by Danish designer, Rikke Brogaard, Cahana jewellery is handmade (at a family-run factory in Jaipur, India under fair conditions), consciously produced, and thoughtfully designed. Its collections include colourful gemstone earrings, rings, and bracelets, and the signature affirmation lockets. Each locket comes with a small paper scroll upon which you can write an affirmation, goal, or wish. Cahana is a brand on a mission to support and empower women through all of life’s changes; amen sister. Currently, 30% of its jewellery is recycled, and it’s working towards achieving 100% recycled production.
FLO JEWELLERY
Launching in 2015, FLO JEWELLERY is on a mission to inspire hope and positivity. Taking inspiration from ancient cultures and wisdom, its collections showcase ancient symbols with a modern twist. In particular, its signature Chakras and Sacred Geometry collections intentionally serve as a reminder to always be the best version of yourself. The brand also only works with ethical, family-run businesses assuring quality plus fair and sustainable production.
Eden + Elie
Eden + Elie is a Singapore-based jewellery brand focused on using hand-weaving techniques to create functional, wearable pieces with a modern contemporary aesthetic. Local and proud, it designs jewellery to last a lifetime in material and style. They are also transparent about their supply chain and the sourcing of their suppliers, ensuring that they are ethical and fair-trade all the way through. We’re officially obsessed with the brand at GITNB HQ; pretty much the entire team has a piece from its range.
Six Degrees
Six Degrees sells unique fair trade and handmade items from social enterprises and artisans in developing countries. With a key focus in social consciousness, the products sourced are also sustainably made with upcycled materials. Six Degrees also supports Missione Possibile Hong Kong, a charity working with and developing two schools and operating a mobile clinic in rural Cambodia. They donate 10% of their annual profit to their work. You’ll find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets galore.
Just Gaya’s
Supporting Asian artisans, Just Gaya curates a distinctive collection and gives access to the regional market. Through their support, Just Gaya preserves the beauty of traditional craftsmanship while helping to maintain a steady income for local communities. Its range is limited to earrings, but if bright, bold colours are your bag, its collection of tier and fan tassel designs need to be on your radar. Fret not; only natural plant-based dyes are used to create the head-turning hues.
PURNAMA
Purnama creates unique necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are bold and edgy. Locally produced, eco-friendly and socially conscious, each collection has a meaningful story behind it. Like its Pokhara collection which provides local Nepali women with work and education. The Java Collection which aims to empower local Indonesian artists and inspire water conversation. And its Fight For Education Collection where 100% of profit goes towards educating children in Indonesia, Thailand, and Nepal.
Atelier Agape
If you’re on the hunt for a trinket to celebrate motherhood, look no further than Atelier Agape. Expect necklaces, bracelets, and anklets celebrating the bond between mother and child. Each piece can be uniquely personalised and is crafted from silver or gold. An artisan group handcrafts 80% of the jewellery from this ethical brand in rural Jaipur, India. Aided by SETU, a Fair Trade organisation, you’ll also be helping marginalised, independent artisans obtain a fair wage, safe working conditions and other benefits.
Local Eclectic
Calling all magpies; we’ve found you a treasure trove filled with beautifully unique sparkly things. Local Eclectic is a female-founded, female-run platform showcasing one-of-a-kind jewellery from designers across the globe. Every piece of its fine jewellery is made with ethically sourced materials, and it has an entire sustainable collection brimming with vintage rings, necklaces and earrings. Whatever your budget or style, you’ll find something covetable here.
Green Gaea
An eco-conscious shopping platform that supports real people around the globe; what’s not to love about Green Gaea? You’ll find everything from Palo Santo and homewares to bags and accessories on this carefully curated marketplace. But it’s the eclectic jewellery collection that we’re all over. The handmade and eco-friendly collections are created by its artisan partners who are supported through ethical working conditions and fair wages. In particular, check out the bold, bright tasselled earrings and zodiac inspired necklaces. Cute.
Aglaia & Co
A beautiful French brand creating simple, elegant designs in silver, gold, and precious gemstones. This is a brand on a journey to continually improve its practices and process. Currently, 30% of its jewellery is created using recycled silver. And this year its goal is to create a complete collection using recycled metals. It also aims to have full traceability of its gemstones in the medium term. Its collections are produced locally by French craftsmen, in a bid to reduce the environmental impact of production. And finally, it returns 5% of each sale to charity.
*Lead image: Courtesy of Sceona
