Just like ethical fashion, the world of responsible jewellery has come a long way in recent years. There are now more beautiful, consciously made brands than ever, so if you’re a jewellery fan, you can elevate your look without the guilt factor.
While it’s easy to be swayed by cheaper, trend-led pieces, they often lose their appeal after a season or two. More importantly, their origins — and durability — can be questionable, making them a less sustainable choice in the long run.
If you’re ready to invest in ethical jewellery pieces — whether it be gold, rose gold or the best silver jewellery — that have been consciously sourced and made, you’ve come to the right place.
What is ethical jewellery?
It’s impossible to find a 100% sustainable brand full stop, but companies and designers are learning about the process all the time. However jewellery labels that offer eco-conscious products might focus on the following:
- Using materials you can trace back to the source, to ensure they’ve been produced in an ethical way, eg, fair trade materials, Single Mine Origin gold and conflict-free diamonds
- Using recycled materials such as gemstones and metals
- Using sustainable lab-grown diamonds
- Not using child labour and ensuring fair wages and working hours
- Not using practices that pollute or impact the environment in a negative way
- Often awarded B-Corp certifications
What are ethical diamonds?
When you are buying mined diamonds, you want to be able to fully trace their origins, to make sure they don’t come from areas controlled by rebels, who then use the money to buy weapons or finance war activities.
You want to make sure the jeweller you are buying from adheres to the Kimberley Process, which ensures that exported diamonds are conflict-free (thanks to this, 99.8% of diamonds were certified conflict-free in 2023). Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about provenance. It’s worth doing your own research, as certain countries known for exporting diamonds don’t necessarily adhere to strict labor laws or environmentally-friendly practices.
You can also go down the antique route as you’re effectively recycling an older diamond, though you won’t be guaranteed that they have come from a conflict-free region or were mined responsibly.
Being conflict-free doesn’t mean diamonds are ethical, as you want to make sure the workers are paid fair wages, work a fair number of hours. Diamond mining can also have a negative impact on the environment, such as high air pollution and deforestation, so it’s worth asking your jeweller about that too.
What are Lab-grown diamonds?
More and more jewellery brands are venturing into lab grown diamonds. Pandora launched its first collection in 2021 to great success, whilst brands such as Lark & Berry, Leo & Lumi and Kimai all focus on creating jewellery with man-made diamonds.
There is still some confusion around the process, with many people unsure as to whether lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. The short answer is no. However you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, as the quality is the same: think carat, cut, colour and clarity. They are created in a rough uncut form, and then cut and polished into shape, much like a mined diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds also tend to be slightly more affordable than mined diamonds. By cutting out the mining process, there is typically less of a mark-up. However, the value of natural diamonds remains incomparable due to their rarity, uniqueness and finite supply.
Shop the best ethical jewellery brands:
Want to know where to shop for some beautiful ethical jewellery brands? From Missoma to Kimai, Idyl to Roxanne First, scroll down to treat yourself to some of our favourites (in no particular order).
Missoma
Pioneers of ‘demi-fine’ jewellery, Missoma design cult-status pieces that champion self-expression – handcrafted, responsibly sourced, and designed in-house in their studios in Notting Hill, London. Sustainability has become a core part of Missoma’s mission, and they are passionately committed to pushing themselves and their industry to build a better future. Having already achieved so much over the last few years – from partnering with environmental charity TreeSisters since 2018, to their recycled metals (100% of Missoma’s new silver and gold vermeil collections are made from recycled silver), Kimberley Process certified diamonds, and becoming members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Why we recommend: In addition to its celeb-approved designs, Missoma continues its dedication to transparency with clear information on its website about its factories and manufacturing processes.
Missoma
Lucy Williams Chunky Hoop Earrings
Missoma
Magma Gemstone Charm Choker
Monica Vinader
As far as transparency goes, Monica Vinader has an entire section dedicated to exactly that on the brand’s website. The label has introduced a new product passport as a part of its sustainability program, which allows you to trace a product’s journey from conception to completion.
Why we recommend: In addition, Monica Vinader only uses 100% recycled gold and sterling silver, helping to reduce the brand’s emissions by 2/3. As far as diamonds are concerned, all are responsibly sourced.
Monica Vinader
Multi-Gemstone Beaded Necklace
Monica Vinader
Gold Vermeil Siren Muse Bold Bangle
Otiumberg
Sister-owned brand, Otiumberg, was created with the mission of making jewellery with personalised significance. Whether this be a symbolic bond, a story, a milestone, or a simple reminder. The B-corp certified label has quickly become a favourite among the fashion set for its minimalistic yet chic designs made from recycled precious metals and through an ethical production.
Why we recommend: From its materials to its packaging, the brand continuously seeks ways to make more sustainable business choices by conducting regular Life Cycle Assessment reports, which can be found on its website.
Otiumberg
Tiny Diamond Initial Tag Pendant
Otiumberg
Diamond Quotidien Hoops
Kimai
Kimaï is paving the way as an innovative jewellery brand whose mission is to redefine modern luxury. It uses lab-grown diamonds and fully recycled 18kt gold to create unique pieces of jewellery with complete visibility.
Why we recommend: The lab-grown diamonds used are chemically and physically identical to mined ones without ethical or environmental consequences, plus they offer a bespoke engagement ring service.
kimai
Amelia Marquise Ring
Roxanne First
Roxanne First jewellery is a great destination if you’re looking for fine jewellery with conflict-free and ethical diamonds and metals, as well as precious stones. Designer Rocky handpicks suppliers whom she visits personally, ensuring every piece is made from responsibly sourced materials.
Why we recommend: The prices are fair, too, as the brand has cut the middleman and sells directly to the consumer, meaning you get affordable diamonds without compromising on quality.
Roxanne First
Pavé Diamond Happy Signet Ring
Roxanne First
Diamond & Green Sapphire Oval Hoop Earrings
Loveness Lee
Using recycled silver, Loveness Lee promotes a fresh perspective to jewellery design. Embracing natural forms and shapes, its pieces are handmade in London and feature unique textures that are synonymous with the brand. Pushing the boundaries for traditional everyday jewellery, they credit nature as its biggest collaborator.
Why we recommend: The brand also offers a free aftercare program, and 10% of profits from their new White Sapphire Collection go to the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Loveness Lee Jewellery
Saorsa Earrings
Loveness Lee
Shimeji Emerald Ring
Heavenly London
The brand creates beautiful and sustainable jewellery with a contemporary twist. Founded by a mother and daughter duo in 1993, the B Corp-certified brand focuses on using precious metals from accredited manufacturers with complete transparency of who they are and accreditations available on their website.
Why we recommend it: In addition to its environmental focus, Heavenly London also supports various charities such as Women’s Aid, Womankind Worldwide, and CARE’s Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Heavenly London
The Gold Wolf Ring
Heavenly London
The Gold Forget Me-Knot Earrings
Milly Grace
Milly Grace creates responsibly made, high-quality pieces without the traditional retail markup. She only works with ethically credited suppliers and strives towards a circular economy.
Why we recommend: Sourcing recycled 925 sterling silver (from unwanted jewellery or unused electronic and medical equipment), the brand is FSC certified, and uses recyclable branded packaging.
Milly Grace
Gold Crystal Dome Huggies
Milly Grace
Gold Paperclip Bracelet
YSSO
All of YSSO’s designs are made by hand in recycled bronze and gold in a small family-run foundry and workshop in Greece. The demi-fine jewellery brand creates Mediterranean-inspired pieces in small quantities to prevent overproduction, and the timeless designs are made to be worn and loved for years to come.
Why we recommend: YSSO also uses carbon-neutral delivery, and its boxes are fully recyclable and designed to be reused for storage and display.
Shyla
Shyla is a morally motivated jewellery brand founded by London-based designer Alice Blofeld. Inspired by her love for vintage jewellery, she creates carved hydro glass hoop earrings and chunky glass stone rings using recycled materials.
Why we recommend: Shyla works with several small charities, educating some of the poorest women in India by teaching them a craft they can learn to support and sustain their families. It also uses recycled gold and silver and all packaging is recycled.
Shyla Jewellery
Rafelli Citrine Earrings
Shyla Jewellery
Rafelli Citrine Earrings
Wilhelmina Garcia
Launched in 2012, this jewellery brand is inspired by Wonderland. The designer, Rocio Canals, is the multifaceted creative behind the name Wilhelmina Garcia, a pseudonym and magical persona that she created to design. She reinvented herself again through jewellery, where she tells stories.
Why we recommend: The brand produces on demand and delivers in approximately 20 days. It does this to reduce its environmental impact by producing at a smaller scale using recycled materials.
Wilhelmina Garcia
Cheetah Ring
Wilhelmina Garcia
Bailarina Necklace
By Pariah
By Pariah is a seasonless brand that prioritises timeless pieces that can be shared for many generations. Focusing on sustainability, the brand works exclusively with 100% recycled 14K gold and sterling silver while using natural stones and adhering to a conflict-free diamond policy.
Why we recommend: By Pariah solidly promotes the concept that luxury jewellery should honour both the planet and its people, created with care and intention.
By Pariah
Diamond and Gold Earring Stack
By Pariah
Diamond Aura Necklace
Voice International
This brand exists to empower women in Uganda by offering them creative, sustainable employment with a fair wage and working conditions, enabling them to rise above the poverty line and achieve their dreams. The artisans handcraft stunning jewellery and accessories from sterling silver, brass, recycled paper and sustainably-sourced sisal, rattan and Ankole. Standout pieces include the striking Ankole Strength hexagonal stud and pendant duo, delicate hammered silver stacking rings and a collection inspired by the naturally different shapes and textures of beans.
Why we recommend: Designs are plastic-free, and the packaging is recyclable. Every product comes with a signed card, building a connection between the wearer and the artisan who created it with skill, passion and love.
Voice International
Brass Trio Bangle
Voice International
Pinto Ring
Del Rio Jewels
All packaging is made from recycled materials sourced from in Jaipur, India. Del Rio Jewels has chosen a small packaging factory to work with as it employs unmarried women, some with children, to help provide them with a means to sustain their lives.
Why we recommend it: Founder, Henna values a Sense of community and supporting women. Each Del Rio Jewels piece is handmade by a family in Turkey, and Henna works with them to design the jewellery together.
Del Rio Jewels
Faro Flatback Earrings
Del Rio Jewels
Ishq Earrings
Astley Clarke
The jewellery brand only works with noble metals, semi-precious and precious gemstones, plus natural diamonds, which are responsibly sourced and adhere to the Kimberley Process. Additionally, they also offer lab-grown diamonds depending on preference. They are proud supporters of The World Land Trust, a charity that safeguards biodiversity and helps protect endangered species and habitats.
Why we recommend: Astley Clarke is committed to being a responsible, environmentally-conscious brand. It ensures suppliers and employees are paid a fair wage.
Astley Clarke
Gold & Silver Aurora U-Hoop Huggie
Astley Clarke
Gold Flare White Topaz Cushion Cut Signet Ring
AUVERE
Launched by Gina Love and Steven Feldman, a husband-and-wife team, AUVERE focuses on everyday jewellery that makes you ‘feel confident and assured you are receiving pieces made with materials that are carefully, transparently, responsibly and ethically obtained’.
Why we recommend: In addition to being a family-owned business, the brand’s gold is fair mined and Fairtrade accredited, diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process, and coloured gemstones are all traceable.
AUVERE
Shop the Linear Maze Pendant and Chain
AUVERE
Shop the Linear Maze Pendant and Chain
Stellar 79
Launched by two sisters who believe in empowering women and embracing individuality and self-expression, STELLAR 79 jewellery is created with a conscience. It utilises the finest quality ethically sourced gemstones, and commits to environmental responsibility through recyclable packaging.
Why we recommend: All jewellery is designed by the sisters in London and handmade in Jaipur, India, where skilled artisans work their magic to bring each individual piece to life while adhering to strict ethical guidelines.
STELLAR 79
Gaia White Topaz Curb Chain Bracelet
Kastur
All ethically sourced and made, Kastur Jewels even runs a humanitarian initiative programme which is at the heart of the brand. Founder, Rajvi Vora has worked directly with International humanitarian development programmes for over 8 years across the globe from the Horn of Africa to Afghanistan.
Why we recommend: Combining tradition and elegance with its designs, Rajvi also personally manages the humanitarian initiatives so that she can research and oversee their direct impact.
Kastur
Simple Blue Topaz & Diamond Stud Earrings
Kastur
Quartz Enamel Ring
Lark and Berry
Lark & Berry are using innovative technology to culture diamonds, meaning everything is grown in a laboratory. By recreating the exact climate and atmosphere in which diamonds typically grow, the cultured diamonds fall within the purest category of diamonds.
Why we recommend: The cultured process leads to less waste, less water loss, and less impact on the environment. It also ensures that all stones are conflict-free and their origin is entirely trackable.
Lark and Berry
Blossom Earrings
Lark & Berry
Flora Luz Engagement Ring
Bar Jewellery
As a brand, Bar Jewellery is dedicated to using 100% recycled silver and brass, thereby eliminating the need for mining.
Why we recommend: The brand continues to reduce both its waste and its CO2 emissions. Plus, they use 100% recycled packaging, which is 100% plastic-free.
Bar Jewellery
Impasto Earrings
Bar Jewellery
Attraverso Ring
Spells Of Love
Worn by Kate Middleton and Kendall Jenner, Spells of Love is certainly in demand. The label sources all of its stones ethically and with fully traceable practices.
We recommend: In addition to its celeb-loved pieces, the Thailand factory where Spells of Love’s products are made is also part of the UN Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council, ensuring standards are maintained.
Spells Of Love
Double Strand Beaded Satellite Necklace
Spells Of Love
Topaz and Pearl Drop Earrings
Edge of Ember
Edge of Ember is committed to making jewellery that doesn’t harm people or the planet. The brand uses ethically sourced gemstones as well as lab-grown diamonds, alongside recycled gold and silver.
Why we recommend: The brand partners with suppliers across India, Thailand, Italy and China and only works with factories that comply with the International Labour Organisation, ensuring the social and environmental standards are maintained. Plus, their unique designs make for totally timeless pieces.
Edge of Ember
Shop the Initial and Birthstone Necklace
EDGE of EMBER
Heart White Sapphire Bracelet
Rachel Jackson London
Rachel Jackson partners with workshops certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. The brand has increased its use of certified recycled silver and gold, shifted towards lab-grown diamonds, and utilises 100% sustainably sourced, plastic-free, and recyclable packaging.
Why we recommend: Aside from the aforementioned, the brand’s pieces are also loved by the fashion set and celebrities alike, with loyal admirers including Kylie Jenner and Clara Amfo.
Vendor
Lucky Star Stud Earrings
Vendor
Vitality Carnelian T
Dower & Hall
Since its inception in 1990, Dower & Hall has always worked exclusively with recycled materials. The brand lovingly handcrafts each of its pieces in London and creates a timeless, classic range that can be worn for years to come.
Why we recommend: Using recycled silver and gold allows Dower & Hall to lower its CO2 emissions and conserve water. The brand also ethically sources all its diamonds and gemstones.
Dower & Hall
Celeste Sapphire Locket
Dower & Hall
Hammered Disc & White Freshwater Pearl Nomad Earrings
By Alona
Made to be loved for generations, By Alona was founded by jewellery designer Alona Shelemy. Blending her passions, ancestry, and mission to empower women through her designs, the brand is known for its timeless yet contemporary pieces.
Why we recommend: By Alona holds a strong commitment to sustainability. Running on a small-batch production scheme, they also use responsibly sourced materials and donate 10% of proceeds to ocean conservation charities and Future Dreams Charity, which holds a personal connection to Alona.
BY ALONA
Veronica Pearl Necklace
BY ALONA
Scarlet Bracelet
Renné Jewellery
Renné Jewellery uses 100% recycled sterling silver and gold, in order to appeal to more environmentally conscious customers. The brand now uses silver that has been recycled from previous jewellery pieces, as well as gift wear, medical and electronic industries.
Why we recommend: Renné Jewellery is also aware of the waste it creates and has found a way to minimise it by melting down its scrap metal to create new pieces in its collections.
Renné Jewellery
Trinity Ring
Renné Jewellery
Baby Lana Bangle
Daniella Draper
Daniella Draper jewellery is crafted on British soil, a testament to their commitment to local craftsmanship. Founded in 2008, the brand continues to run as an independently family-run business.
Why we recommend: All materials are carefully procured from trusted suppliers and hold certifications from renowned organisations like the Responsible Jewellery Council, Kimberley Process, the World Diamond Council (System of Warranties), and the International Coloured Gemstone Association. Plus, all metals are 100% recycled.
Daniella Draper
Silver Midi Signature Ring
Daniella Draper
Silver Juno Blue Topaz Trace Chain Necklace
The Diamond Store
The Diamond Store not only sources the highest-quality gemstones from conflict-free areas but also produces its own lab-grown diamonds, specialising in coloured gems. These diamonds are considered more sustainable or environmentally ethical, as they haven’t been extracted from the ground, so their production has far less impact on our planet.
Why we recommend: The process used to create lab-grown diamonds is much faster than that used to mine diamonds, so their price is more attainable, and you can often get more for your budget.
The Diamond Store
White Gold Ring
The Diamond Store
Diamond Kisses Bracelet