The Ultimate Guide to More Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery

Every piece of ARTICLE22 jewellery, like these stunning gold snake earrings, is locally handcrafted in Laos using recycled materials from Vietnam War bombs, plane parts, military hardware, and other aluminium scraps. This sustainable jewellery brand embodies the innovation that the fashion industry needs more of—using recycled materials to produce beautiful globally-marketable products, while equipping locals artisans with new skill sets and providing them with a sustainable source of income. ARTICLE22 gives back to clear more unexploded bombs in Laos, and a proportion of profit is used to support community development for workers. The range is available in sizes S-XL.

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Raven + Lily supports local female artisans to create handmade jewellery, bags, and homewares. This US brand's products are eco-friendly and empower communities through fair wages, healthcare, and education.

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Shop Raven + Lily @ Cerqular.

FUTURA Jewelry is a New York based ethical jewellery brand. Each piece of FUTURA Jewelry is handcrafted with mercury-free 18kt Certified Fairmined Ecological gold. The brand's gold comes from the three certified Fairmined mines in the world that mine for gold without the use of toxic chemicals including mercury and cyanide.

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Lovingly crafted in Malawi, Mayamiko takes ethical to the next level with its unique and beautiful fair trade fashion and accessories. With a stunning mix of modern and traditional textiles and cuts from Africa, Asia, and Italy, this 100% PETA-certified vegan brand should be high on your list for colourful clothes and accessories. A leading advocate for better labour rights, the brand has also created the Mayamiko Trust, a charity working in the community to train and empower disadvantaged women. We love these elegant Khuto earrings.

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ABLE is a US-based clothing and accessories brands, that works with communities all over the world to make a meaningful impact, producing slow fashion that pays a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circumstances. Most pieces are made from recycled silver, they opt for natural solutions in the manufacturing process and scraps are melted down into new pieces of gold and silver for reuse.

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Adele Dejak’s designs are bold and sophisticated. Made ethically in Kenya from environment-friendly materials, Adele Dejak respects the traditions of the past. These beautifully constructed brass earrings are perfect for any fashionista. The beauty in them is that they can be worn with a range of outfits, from casual to classy.

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TAMGA Designs is out to prove how colourful and exciting more sustainable fashion can be, serving up gorgeous, flowy designs that will glide you into warmer weather with poise and grace. The brand also has a jewellery collection. More responsibly made by artisans in Taxco, Mexico using local metals and gemstones, this small-batch offering has been designed to add a touch of glamour to your Provence treasures.

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Beautifully handmade and constructed from Fair Trade brass, these heart stud earrings are cute everyday pieces. Even better, they are nickel free and made by Bombolulu—a Fair Trade social business in Kenya that creates unique handmade jewellery.

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Shop People Tree UK.

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Greek brand Théla creates handcrafted fashion and lifestyle accessories with plastic waste. From waste to yarn to you, it crafts pieces using eco-friendly materials working with partners from disadvantaged communities, and is entirely vegan! For an understated, elegant look, we’re loving the long drop Anafiotika earrings. Sustainably made in India using upcycled plastic, finish your outfit with these chic, minimalist, sterling silver gems!

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The Hidden Treasure Coin Necklace is an ode to organic beauty. It features four beautiful sapphires, embedded into one of Holly Ryan’s signature pendants. Each necklace is unique and therein lies its beauty. If something you purchase from Holly Ryan has lost its lustre, the brand offers an in-house repair service and also invites you to return the pieces you no longer wear. That’s the kind of circularity we love to see!

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Truly embodying ethical fashion practices, Jyoti – Fair Works employs people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups in India, uses only organic cotton in production, and no animal products! These simple ethical earrings are a wonderful everyday companion and can be combined perfectly with the smaller version—called Earring CHANDRAPUR—in case you have more than two ear holes.

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Radically wearable jewellery. Queer-owned and featuring minimalist designs made from reclaimed materials, Automic Gold is setting new standards for ethical jewellery. Made from solid 14k reclaimed gold, this classic bracelet is as simple as it is sexy making it a perfect and elegant jewellery piece. With its impeccable shine and luxurious look, this is one solid gold bracelet you’ll never want to be without.

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Kimai is an ethical and fairtrade fine jewellery brand based in Antwerp. This gorgeous subtle necklace is handcrafted from 18k solid recycled gold and lab grown diamonds. It is the ultimate ‘less is more’.

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AGMES is a modern jewellery line inspired by urban landscapes, architecture, and modern art. These handcrafted rings are available in sterling silver and 14k solid yellow gold, perfect for everyday wear.

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YU STEPANEL is an independent jewellery brand based in London that celebrates a slower pace of living and wearing. How stunning are these prawn earrings made from ecosilver and 22ct gold?

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Shop YU STEPANEL @ Staiy.

Shop YU STEPANEL.

All Blues is a Stockholm-based brand that beautifully curates jewellery for men and women from recycled materials. The brand’s modern, utilitarian flair elevates any outfit or pairing. These snake earrings are no exception, featuring recycled 925 sterling silver with a polished finish.

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Affordable and ethical? Yes, please. Made to fit close to the ear for a clean, modern look, the Huggie Hoop looks good on its own or when paired with other earrings. All Nisolo jewellery is handmade by artisans in Kenya using upcycled brass.

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Shop Nisolo @ Made Trade.

Shop Nisolo.

A contemporary design made from sculptural resin, the Fie Bangle is a striking look. Make a statement with this minimalist bangle by pairing with the matching Kleine Earrings. This piece is made entirely by hand by Zai Design Hive, a family-run operation in the Philippines.

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Shop Elk.

Laura Lombardi is an eponymous jewellery line made and designed in New York that features the latest trends AND ethics. The Omega Chain is a beautifully crafted patterned brass chain necklace, linked by hand in the brand’s NYC studio. The necklace is adjustable in length and features a lobster-claw closure.

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A member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Stella McCartney has set some excellent environmental standards across the luxury fashion industry. Stella uses some eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester and organic cotton, and has a strategy in place to reduce waste across its entire supply chain. It has also adopted the ETI Code of Conduct that includes a living wage definition.

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Shop Stella McCartney @ LVR Sustainable.

Shop Stella McCartney Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Stella McCartney Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Stella McCartney.