Image via Laura Elizabeth Lady Luck Horseshoe Necklace
We’re constantly searching for ethical brands that dedicate themselves to the greater good. Whether treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, sustainable jewelry is something everyone can love and appreciate. Here are just a few of our favorite ethical jewelry brands!
What Makes a Jewelry Brand Ethical?
Ethical jewelry is traceable, meaning its origins can be traced down the supply chain – so much so that you know exactly where the materials come from and how they were sourced. Ethical jewelry companies also incorporate sustainability into every part of the business, including minimizing waste and carbon footprints.
Laura Elizabeth
Laura Elizabeth uses 100% recycled brass and sterling silver to create beautiful, handmade vegan jewelry. All products are cast in Los Angeles in a building that disposes of waste sustainably, leaving less of a carbon footprint. Employees are paid fairly and work no more than eight hours per day. Not to mention, Laura Elizabeth produces products in small batches to prevent extra waste, all paper products are printed locally, and all packaging is recyclable.
Our Pick: Laura Elizabeth Lady Luck Horseshoe Necklace ($165, shop here)
Common Era
Common Era is a 100% woman-owned small business that uses ethically recycled gold and silver in its products, inspired by mythology, history, and fearless women throughout the ages. Moreover, 3% of all profits are donated to the Animal Welfare Institute. The brand also maintains ongoing donations to various other organizations.
Our Pick: Common Era Magic Sator Square Gold Talisman Necklace ($250, shop here)
Aid Through Trade
Aid Through Trade, a leader in fair trade fashion, was founded in 1993 by a former Peace Corps volunteer inspired by artisans in Nepal. While jewelry designs varied, the one constant was that women’s lives improved dramatically when they had an income. This led to the creation of a jewelry brand that works with artisans in fair and ethical ways.
Our Pick: Aid Through Trade Chic Happens Roll-On Bracelets Set of 3 ($38, shop here)
Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages’ mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to market through long-term, fair trade relationships. It ensures makers earn a fair wage and have safe work environments, and it invests in partnerships that empower women and communities.
Our Pick: Ten Thousand Villages Ember Beaded Teardrop Earrings Handcrafted in Guatemala ($29.99, shop here)
Illi
Looking for ethically made fine jewelry? Look no further than Illi, which creates jewelry with lab-grown diamonds and gemstones with 100% recycled metals. Illi also uses carbon-neutral shipping and donates 1% of all sales to charity.
Do you have any favorite ethical jewelry brands? Share them with us in the comments below!