The fashion industry hasn’t historically been known for its sustainability. Jewelry making, specifically, is one of the most taxing industries on the environment – involving mining, large emissions, exorbitant water use, and a lot of labor. Is sustainable jewelry even a thing then?
Although the materials used to make jewelry have a large environmental footprint, and tend to involve unfair labor practices and worker exploitation, it is possible to shop ethically! As more and more people become aware of the environmental issues behind these industries, the need for sustainable solutions only grows. As a result, finding products and companies that also care about sustainability has never been easier.
Buying jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank or harm people and the planet. Meaning, ethical jewelry is in, and unsustainable jewelry is out! We no longer have to sacrifice personality and affordability for ethics. So, here are some ethical jewelers who create great pieces without compromising integrity.
Looking for affordable yet adorable options that back up better-for-the-planet claims? Check out Ana Luisa. They use eco-friendly and recycled materials and have been carbon-neutral since 2020. Although their price points are inexpensive, they don’t skimp on quality. This brand prides itself on ensuring product longevity by implementing serious on-site materials testing. Even their silver jewelry is tarnish-resistant!
If you want to support a jeweler with fair prices and handmade pieces look no further than Automic Gold. They have amazing sustainability and ethics ratings with a focus on quality solid metals (no fill metals used here!) and inclusivity. Not only that, but everything is made in the US and the majority of materials are sourced in the US too. Automic Gold offers dainty and timeless pieces but also many unique pieces as well. All products are made in-house by a small team and they also offer repairs and custom designs to ensure each product is made to last and suit the buyer.
Not solely a jeweler, Able is an ethical fashion brand that offers ethical jewelry from an accessible price point. This brand offers filled jewelry but is handcrafted in the US with recycled materials. Able regularly audits suppliers and works to ensure workers’ rights are upheld. They have an array of styles available but most notably they create modern, simple, and dainty pieces that are chic without breaking the bank.
Etsy isn’t a specific jeweler, but it is an amazing place to support small businesses at various price points. To ensure you’re shopping ethically, look for handmade and made-to-order items. You can also find shops that are located close to you or items made from sustainable materials through Etsy. Supporting small businesses helps shorten supply chains and reduces chances for exploitation which is rampant in the fashion industry. So you can make sure you’re supporting an artisan instead of a large corporation!
Consignment Shops
On par with Etsy, you can also find jewelry second-hand either at local thrift stores or consignment retailers like The RealReal. Buying vintage or pre-loved jewelry extends the lifespan of these materials (ensuring a cyclic system!) making it a great sustainable and ethical option. Plus, these options tend to be more unique, classic, and one-of-a-kind making it a great low-impact gift option.
The road to a sustainable fashion industry is a convoluted one. Large-scale there’s a dire need to adhere to fair wages, conflict-free, and low environmental impact supply chains. But small-scale things are more complicated and nuanced. To make manageable changes, let’s focus on quality over quantity and choose better options. Do you have any ethical jewelry brands you love to rock?