6 Awesome Ethical Jewellery Brands You’ll Love!

Jewellery has been around for centuries. It plays a huge part in cultural, family, and individual identity. Whether it’s a beautiful engagement ring, a necklace from a loved one, or cufflinks to show off your more sophisticated side, jewellery is part of almost everyone’s wardrobe. But as we’ve shared before, jewellery has its own set of unique problems both in the environmental and human sectors. 

Today, more brands recognise the need and demand for ethical products.

Jewellery is a huge part of our culture, and it’s our responsibility to change how it’s made.

By buying from brands committed to the environment, and only use ethically sourced materials, you are doing your part as a conscientious consumer. 

Below are six ethical jewellery brands that are doing their part to make the world a better place.

While none of these ethical jewellery brands are perfect, they are each striving to end forced labour, use better materials, and decrease overall carbon consumption. 

31 Bits

31 Bits is a US-based casual jewellery company. In partnership with Ugandan and Indonesian artisans, the brand offers beautiful, timeless pieces that are sure to catch your eye.

The company also offers the women that make the jewellery so much more than fair wages.

By partnering with 31 Bits, these artisans have access to a wide range of resources.

From healthcare and counseling to financial and business classes, this company offers their workers a chance to use their skills to secure a safe future. 

In addition, 31 Bits secures materials locally to not only minimize carbon output via transportation, but also to help the local economy and to support the success of other local business owners.

By buying from these businesses, 31 Bits supports not only its own workers but other communities as well. 

SOKO

Soko is an artisan jewellery brand based in San Fransisco. Created by artisans in Kenya, each piece combines natural elements with modern minimalism.

The jewellery uses locally sourced materials, such as brass, leftover wood scraps, and reclaimed bone.

By focusing on local materials, they, in turn, lessen their carbon footprint. Plus, artisans get to express themselves with materials they’re used to working with. 

Soko focuses on putting the artisan first.

On average, their artisans earn five times more than workshops, and have more flexibility with design and individuality.

As a B Corp, Soko upholds a high set of standards.

They ensure their workers’ fair compensation and that they have a chance to sell globally through the use of technology. Plus, their jewelleries are unique and beautiful. 

Vashi

Vashi is an ethical, fine-jewellery service based in London. Specialising in one-of-a-kind engagement rings, the brand offers buyers a chance to take part in the process.

With workshops in every store, Vashi listens to the wants and needs of each customer, and crafts a unique piece of ethical jewellery.

Because pieces are made-to-order, the company produces less waste than other stores. It also ensures a more transparent supply chain, as pieces are locally made by employees. 

All of the diamonds used in Vashi rings are certified by the Kimberley Process.

Not only that, but the brand only uses the most well-respected suppliers to ensure the diamonds are conflict-free. For example, they no longer source from Zimbabwe after the reports about human rights abuse in the diamond mines.

In addition, most gold and precious metals are recycled and backed by The Responsible Jewellery Council. 

Vashi admits that its ethics process is an ever-evolving thing, and vows to continuously update its policies based on new information as it emerges.  

Lylie’s

Lylie’s is an English-based company that believes in upending this traditional industry. With collections for men and women, the brand offers a wide selection of products.

From necklaces and earrings to cufflinks and pendants, there is sure to be something to fit your style and wants. 

Using materials “mined” from e-Waste, dental waste, and other scraps, Lylie’s creates unique pieces you’d be proud to show off.

Most electronics have some gold and precious metal elements in them. By salvaging these from unwanted electronics, the company helps to keep parts out of the landfill.

They also prevent unnecessary gold mining from happening. In addition, Lylie’s offers a recycling program for all customers. In exchange for a credit, you can bring in old jewellery or electronics. 

On top of using recycled materials, all the jewelleries are handcrafted in England, so you can be certain it’s not from forced or sweatshop labour. By using local labour, the company can meet employee needs, and that workers feel comfortable and secure. 

Emma Aitchison 

Emma Aitchison is an English-based indie jeweller. Inspired by nature, her designs are unique and handcrafted in the UK. Emma Aitchison aims to create well-loved, beautiful pieces without harming the environment.

At it’s very core, nature is front and center, without compromising style and quality.

As an independent jewellery company, they work hard to achieve sustainability. 

Emma Aitchison knows that it is an ever-changing process, and as such, continuously works hard to achieve sustainability goals.

One of the ways they do that is by becoming carbon neutral. Another is by increasing sustainable shipping methods. The brand is striving to achieve this is by relying solely on bike couriers where possible.

Finally, Emma Aitchson uses only ethically sourced or recycled gemstones and metals. All in all making this a great choice if you want to support a small business that is doing its part for the world. 

Bloody Mary Metal

Jewellery is often touted as dainty and feminine. But, not everyone is into that style. For alternative jewellery that is still ethical, look no further than Bloody Mary Metal. With an exclusive “dark” side and “light” side, the brand offers styles to fit all your tastes. The dark side includes unique, gothic-inspired pieces with dark stones and heavy metals, while the light side includes pastel gemstones and a more dainty look. 

The company ensures that they source all their gemstones from ethical suppliers, and without the use of child or forced labour. While presently, only some of their items are completely certified fair trade, they are working towards making the entire supply chain fair trade and eco-friendly. 

Whether you’re looking for a fine engagement ring or a gothic necklace, it has never been easier to find ethical jewellery brands that represent a larger trend in ethical fashion. By supporting these ethical jewellery brands, you can help make the demand for ethical fashion greater. Plus, you can look stylish without sacrificing your values.