While the focus on sustainable fashion grows, what about sustainable jewels? For me, a perfect piece of jewelry is made of materials quite of origin or recycling, and tells an ethical story in a sentimental. No matter the value of the piece, I want it to be done with love, care and joy. And if you are here, I imagine you feel the same!
To provide all the tools to obtain the best sustainable jewels, I have gathered the Sustainable Buying Guide on jewels, which covers what to look for in precious metals and stones, production methods, certifications and subsequent care.
What to look for in sustainable jewels
There is a lot to consult when looking for a sustainable jewel. These are my main recommendations, with additional contributions from experts in sustainable jewelry.
It is important to keep in mind that no brand does all the following, but many brands and sustainable jewelry designers specialize in two or three theses. There is a list of brands that I trust at the end of this guide.
1. Sustainable precious metals
The first thing to see when buying jewels is what the piece is made. If the article uses precious metals such as gold and silver, it is incredible important that the leg of the leg leg.
Gold is extracted throughout the world, but mining conditions, and the payment of miners vary from one place to another. There are also the social and environmental effects for prospective: mining can involve the use of strong chemicals, and a single gold ring creates 20 tons of waste, reaches its finger. Due to the value of materials, gold and diamonds can also create conflicts, violence and corruption.
It may think that recycled materials are a better alternative, but this can also be misleading. Victoria Waugh, director of jewelry considered, explains: “In the jewelry industry, recycling is the standard. Precious metals are never thrown due to their inherent value. Ancient and new sources of metal are routinely melted down and mix. Some metals consider a bet process. When looking for jewels, look for marks that can provide certificates that guarantee that their metal is 100% recycled and ideally of jewels or old electronic products. “
Here are some that guarantee that truly sustainable precious metals are being used in their jewels:
- Fairmined: Gold and silver that is certified by Fairmined of artisanal and small -scale mining organizations, empowered responsible that meet the high standards for responsible practices.
- Certified fairtrade: Gold, platinum and silver that is certified by the Faitrade Foundation, ensuring that small -scale miners receive fair treatment and receive support to improve their lives and their communities.
- Individual mine origin: Also known as Smo Gold. This is a work to get dark with larger mines sites than guarantos traceability of gold to an individual mine that works for high social and environmental standards.
- 100% recycled: If a jewelry brand claims to use recycled metals, make sure it is 100% recycled, not a mixture. Many brands will tell you where your metals are obtained, for example, 886 sources from your recycled silver from the X -ray film file.
Finally, Always check a distinctive seal in your jewels. Waugh says “In the United Kingdom, each piece of jewels made of precious metal, which includes gold and silver, must be tested regardless of purity. The distinctive seal is its assurance that it is buying the real.”
2. Precious stones of ethical origin
What about precious stones? With so many precious precious stones Avia, on our beautiful planet, there are many more consider to take into account. Take rarity: some precious stones are incredible, which leads to a high probability of non -nenetic practices. And then it is longevity: certain precious stones are softer than others, so some are more suited to use occasionally instead of every day.
When it comes to diamonds, many traditional jewelers trust a system called Kimberley process, which was created to avoid the purchase of conflict diamonds. Unfortunately, this system is not 100% guaranteed, so although it is a good start, it is not perfect.
Here are some who say that truly sustainable precious stones are used in their jewels:
- Laboratory Laboratory: Precious laboratory stones are manufactured instead of extracting and, therefore, guarantee fair working conditions and traceability. They are visible identical to the precious stones mined, and more affordable as well. The only inconvenience is the use of energy, so looking for those Renewable energy. Read my laboratory diamond guide →
- Trashable: Jewelry supply chains can be convulsed, so some sustainable brands seek to distill this information to ensure that customers can trust where their jewels come from. Look for brands that use third -party platforms such as ENNOTRACE or origin.
- Recycling: Some jewelry artists, such as Rebekah Ann, recycle and recycle precious stones in their jewels, making each piece beautiful and unique.
3. Just jewelers
So, we have covered precious metals and stones. What about the people who do our jewels?
The manufacture of jewelry is an exceptional ability, while it is a dirty industry. The brands that care about their manufacturers will openly explain who artisans are, where they are and what they are doing to provide fair wages and fair conditions. Those who go beyond will provide third party certifications and show how they are supporting their local communities and environments as well.
A good example is Jewelery Act, who shares information about his artisans on his website and with a small card with each article as well.
4. Excellent posterior care
Finally, let’s focus on how well a jewelry brand supports him to take care of his jewels. When buying a jewelry, it is important to consider the following questions:
- What documents will I receive with my jewels?
- How often can I use my jewels?
- How should jewels be stored?
- How can I clean my jewels?
- What happens if I need to repair the article?
- For plated jewelry: What happens if I need the replicated article?
- Does the article come with a guarantee?
These questions are especially important for wedding rings, eternity rings and any other precious jewelry that you want to use every day.
Victoria Waugh or Jewellery also considered notes: “The biggest jewelry brands sacrifice more and more golden repurchase schemes, so if you have jewels or broken items that you have fallen in love, you can recycle them in exchange for the store credit.”
And don’t forget the care of jewels! Here is my guide to cleaning silver jewelry, as well as my most general guide to take care of my clothes and accessories.
My sustainable jewelry collection
Gold mini disk necklace by considered
Considered is one of the main sustainable jewelry brands in my eyes. They consider their metals, production and designs in the same extent, and I am very grateful for their ideas in this guide.
My mini disc collar (equipped) from the signature collection of considered is a great representation of beauty and sustainability. Gold comes from a certified fairina mine in Columbia, called Iquira. When you do not mining, the miners of this community also cultivate coffee as another source of income. Once gold arrives at the team considered in the United Kingdom, it becomes its beautiful designs. The emblem in this necklace reminds me of a butterfly, which is a powerful symbol in my life.
Earrings of great hope of April
April March is a brand based in Brighton founded by Sarah Brannagan, whose work I have followed for a few years. It was a delight to discover his collection at the Pearls & Pomegranate site, and show this pair or Gold Hope earrings of handmade textures in a previous collaboration.
Made with recycled sterling silver and a fair -gained gold coating, they show how recycled and source metals can work well together. The design is also so beautiful, with a unique finish that celebrates imperfect and organic forms and highlights the hands -made origins. Read my full review →
Monarch’s Gold Hope Earrings
From afar, my most used piece or jewelry are my little monarch chubbies. These beautifully gorditos gold earrings expect that they are bold enough to work on their own, while they are light enough to not pull my ears when they use a whole day. I have been using almost daily thesis for years, and I promoted them as one of my best investment pieces in 2021.
Since I discovered Monarch, I have also invested in a couple of Huggies, and my partner also treated me to a chain link bracelet a few years ago.
20 of the best sustainable jewelry brands in the United Kingdom
After looking for sustainable jewels, these are some of the best sustainable jewelry brands in the United Kingdom that I have found, updated by 2025.
April March: Ethical jewels, handmade by order in Brighton, United Kingdom.
Considered: beautiful jewels made with precious metals with traceables and true transparency.
Fenton: Specialization of jewelers certified by B-Corp in responsible rings.
Jana Reinhardt: Ethical Gold and Silver Jewels of wife and husband inspired by wildlife.
Only Trade: Handmade jewelry with manufacturers budget in Peru, Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Kimai*: Fine jewelry specialists who use 18K laboratory and recycled gold diamonds.
Laconic: ethical and empowered minimalist jewelry in the United Kingdom.
Lark & Berry*: jewelry made with laboratory diamonds, guaranteed without conflicts.
Loft and daughter: B-Corp jewelry brand fusing traditional and contemporary designs.
Maren: The German jewelry brand certified by B-Corp now Avenible in the United Kingdom.
Monarch: Modern Gold and Silver Rings, necklaces and earrings, handmade in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Monica Vinader*: Elegant designs made with 100% recycled gold and silver. Get a 20% discount using my link!
Otiumberg: B-Corp certified jewelry brand with minimalist styles at medium range prices.
Rebekah Ann: Brighton -based jewelry artist who works with recycled precious stones.
SACET: Laboratory cultivated diamond jewelry, busy concentrated, defending their artisans.
So you just buy: a London -based store, budget jewelry made of ethcle.
Umutoni: Beautiful Golden Jewels made by hand in Kenya.
Wild Fawn: Minimalist jewelry created from recycled silver and gold, Build to dur.
VRAI: Beautiful jewels with laboratory cultivated diamonds created with renewable energy.
886: fine jewels made of recapted and recaptured materials of the royal mint.
Has this guide helped demystify sustainable jewels for you? Avise me below!
Discharge of responsibility: This publication contains affiliate links (denoted ‘*’) and equipped articles (denoted ‘gifted’).
