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ethical earrings
12 Mar
ethical earrings

The Ultimate Guide to More Ethical and Sustainable Earrings

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Earrings have been a popular adornment throughout history, but the boom of overconsumption and ultra fast fashion has led to poorly-made earrings that will end up in the trash after just a few wears. Here are our picks for more sustainable earrings made by responsible brands. 

Do earrings the right way

Adorning our ears can be tricky at the best of times. We have to decide if we want to layer small hoops with larger ones, maybe fit some studs in between, or rock an ear cuff. Not to mention matching our earrings with our vibe and sense of style. At times, the sheer amount of shapes and sizes and colours earrings come in can feel overwhelming. Most of us can remember a time when purchasing a pair of earrings was a novelty, often given as a gift during celebrations and momentous occasions. With the dawn of fast fashion and ever-accelerating trends, we are drawn and even expected to spend more often, leaving us with poorly made, tarnished pieces that may end up in a landfill—the opposite of sustainable.

While this can all feel a bit daunting, thankfully the increasing global focus on sustainability in the fashion industry has also raised questions about the environmental impacts and ethics of the earrings we wear. From what kind of gold or silver was used to whose hands touched it, this ultimate guide is here to bridge that gap, bringing you a shining list of brands that create beautiful, more ethical, and sustainable earrings, and have all been rated “Good” or “Great” by us.

Below you can find minimal and organic waterpool studs by Emma Aitchison Jewellery @ Rêve En Vert (UK), affordable and ethically sourced everyday pull-through hoops by boma (US), and if you’re looking for something futuristic, All Blues (Sweden) turn ear cuff is effortless, cool, and made from recycled 925 sterling silver. With that, happy browsing.

ARTICLE22

Rated: Good
emma watson wearing silver hoop earrings

Laos Dome Earrings – Ships internationally from the US

Every piece of ARTICLE22 jewellery is locally handcrafted in Laos using recycled materials from Vietnam War bombs, plane parts, military hardware, and other aluminium scraps. The 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. These ARTICLE22 unique silver dome earrings were worn by our lovely supporter Emma Watson! The jewellery range is available in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ARTICLE22.

People Tree

Rated: Great
woman wearing gold earrings

Wing Stud Earrings in Brass – Ships internationally from the UK

Sustainable fashion pioneer and leader People Tree is a ‘Great’ ethical brand and one of our favourites. These handmade, Fair Trade brass wing stud more sustainable earrings are sure to make an impression. Nickel free and made by Bombolulu—a Fair Trade social business in Kenya that ensures opportunities for people who have physical disabilities—you can be sure that your purchase helps to spread wings.

See the rating.

Shop People Tree EU.

Nisolo

Rated: Good
gold triangle hoop earrings

Upcycled Brass Soft Diamond Hoop – Ships internationally from the US

Nisolo is an American brand that prioritizes living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change. Elevate any outfit with these uniquely shaped modern hoops. Handmade with upcycled materials by independent artisans in Kenya, these beauties are sure to stand out!

See the rating.

Shop Nisolo @ Made Trade.

Shop Nisolo.

ABLE

Rated: Good
Someone wearing responsibly-made gold hoops by ABLE.

Filigree Hoops – Ships within the US and Canada

ABLE is a brand that works with communities to make a meaningful impact, producing slow fashion that pays a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circumstances. The vintage-inspired Filigree hoops are 14k gold-filled with intricate floral detailing. Make like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and wear these gorgeous essentials for years to come.

See the rating.

Shop ABLE.

Two Days Off

Rated: Great
woman wearing small gold hoop earrings

Araceli Gold Hoops – Ships internationally from the US

Simple, sexy, and sure to make an impression. The Araceli Gold Hoops can be worn out or everyday. These 18K gold plated hoops feature a pure sterling silver base, ensuring that your ears are never irritated. Two Days Off is an LA based brand that works to bring a sense of ease to your wardrobe and your mind.

See the rating.

Shop Two Days Off.

Bario Neal

Rated: Good
person wearing circ dinos drop in silver by Bario Neal

Circ Dinos Drops Silver – Ships internationally from the US

These minimalistic chic drops are designed to thread onto the Nikko Hoops or Nikko Huggies. Made of reclaimed Sterling Silver, you can exercise your creative flair with multi-layered looks or an artistic drop for everyday. Bario Neal is an ethical custom jewellery designer that creates handmade rings and fine jewellery with conflict-free diamonds and other gemstones.

Emma Aitchison Jewellery

Rated: Good
woman wearing small gold hoop earrings by emma aitchison

Waterpool Earrings – Ships internationally from the UK

It’s hard to have a classic collection without a simple stud. Minimal and organic, these little studs are super easy to wear. They have been created by hand allowing each one to be different. Inspired by the ocean and made from recycled brass, the Waterpool more sustainable earrings are sure to make a great addition to your jewellery collection for years to come.

See the rating.

Shop Emma Aitchison.

TAMGA Designs

Rated: Good
woman wearing gold pendant earrings by tamga designs

Mireya Drop Earrings – Ships internationally from Canada

Adorn your ears with the Mireya Drop Earrings to add a wow-factor and complete your ensemble! The delicate 2mm chain hangs elegantly from the stud earring, complete with a striking Abalone pendant. Each gemstone embodies a unique display of colour and markings, almost like the human fingerprint, with no two pieces exactly the same. Handmade in Taxco, Mexico, using locally sourced metals and gemstone, Mireya evokes a feeling of style and grace as you take on the day in your TAMGA treasures.

See the rating.

Shop TAMGA Designs.

Automic Gold

Rated: Great
woman wearing 2 gold hoop earrings

Mini Seamless Huggie Hoops – Ships internationally from the US

Radically wearable jewellery. Queer-owned and featuring minimalist designs made from reclaimed materials, Automic Gold is setting new standards for more ethical jewellery and sustainable earrings. “Wear these 14k solid gold hoops as a nose or septum ring; a cartilage piercing, or use it for as a tragus, helix or conch earring. It can even be used as a belly button or nipple ring.” These versatile, gold huggies are great for all types of piercings and are so smooth, you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing them!

See the rating.

Shop Automic Gold.

All Blues

Rated: Good
woman wearing double silver hoop earrings

Turn Ear Cuff – Ships internationally from Sweden

A look into the future. Handcrafted in Stockholm, this silver turn ear cuff is effortless, cool, and made from recycled 925 sterling silver. It’s a great option for those who want the look of a helix ear piercing without the pain! Want more? Pair them with the turn ring to complete the look.

See the rating.

Shop All Blues.

Laura Lombardi

Rated: Good
woman wearing ethical gold loop earrings by laura lombardi

Cara Hoop – Ships internationally from the US

Laura Lombardi is an eponymous jewellery line made and designed in New York that features the latest trends AND ethics. The Cara Hoop is classic and sexy, featuring a brass twisted wire hoop crafted by hand in the brand’s NYC studio. Love!

See the rating.

Shop Laura Lombardi.

AGMES

Rated: Good
woman wearing silver and pearl pendant earrings by agmes

Baroque Luca Earrings – Ships internationally from the US

AGMES is a modern jewellery line inspired by urban landscapes, architecture, and modern art. The Baroque Luca Earrings are no exception, featuring a dreamy sterling silver post with a Baroque Freshwater Pearl. Handmade in NYC, these beauties exude elegance and are sure to last through many seasons.

See the rating.

Shop AGMES.

Kimai

Rated: Good
woman wearing rose gold and diamond pendant earrings by kimai

Comet Earring – Ships internationally from the UK

Kimai is an ethical and fairtrade fine jewellery brand that is taking lab grown diamonds to a new level. Handmade in Antwerp, the Comet Earring is gorgeously crafted from 18K solid recycled gold and 5 brilliant-cut lab grown diamonds. Proving asymmetrical design is beautiful, the Comet blurs the lines between a clip and hoop earring. A bold and brilliant style, the earring hugs the earlobe, complementing the curve of the female form with a standout piece of jewellery.

See the rating.

Shop Kimai.

J.Hannah

Rated: Good
woman wearing small gold hoops by j hannah

Duet Earrings – Ships internationally from the US

An abstract study in duos: the Duet Earrings are inspired by interlocking hoop door knockers and are part of a collection that further explores the possibility of shape and proportion. This stunning duo is hand fabricated locally in Los Angeles using 100% post-consumer recycled gold and silver that are certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council and SCS Global Services to be more ethically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.

See the rating.

Shop J. Hannah.

YU STEPANEL

Rated: Good
woman wearing gold and ecosilver prawn earrings by YU STEPANEL

Prawn Earrings – Ships internationally from the UK

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?!

See the rating.

Shop YU STEPANEL @ Staiy.

Shop YU STEPANEL.

Quazi Design

Rated: Great
small half moon gold earrings by quazi

Moon Studs – Ships internationally from Swaziland

More sustainable design for social impact. Quazi Design’s Moon Studs are doing just that. Handmade from waste newspaper and encased in brass, these studs are sure to meet all your ethical standards. Made to last, each stud is dipped in varnish for durability, ensuring quality with each purchase.

See the rating.

Shop Quazi Design.

Boma

Rated: Good
woman wearing silver boma earrings

Essential Pull Through Hoops – Ships within the US

Boma is a jewellery brand that believes in honesty, kindness, and safety for all, valuing and respecting people and the planet. These 925 sterling silver precious metal essential hoops are safe to wear everyday, all day. Affordable and ethically sourced from recycled precious metals from New Mexico, these hoops are sure to match your style and ethics!

See the rating.

Shop Boma.

Alighieri

Rated: Good
woman wearing gold pendant earrings by alighieri

La Lacrima Clip-On Mono Earring – Ships internationally from the UK

Alighieri is a collection of jewellery inspired by Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’, with each piece corresponding to one of the poet’s 100 poems. La Lacrima earrings are clip-ons handcrafted from 24ct gold plated bronze in Hatton Garden, London. These stand-outs are sure to ruffle some feathers while looking good in the process.

See the rating.

Shop Alighieri @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Alighieri.

Orit Elhanati

Rated: Good
colourful studded earrings by orit elhanati

Opal Earring – Ships internationally from Denmark

Orit Elhanati creates handcrafted jewellery in Denmark, drawing on inspiration from Nordic minimalistic lines and the mysterious energy and surroundings from the Middle East. The Opal Earring is part of Elhanati’s fine jewellery collection, featuring a white or blue opal made with 18K solid yellow gold. Beautiful!

See the rating.

Shop Orit Elhanati.

Meadowlark Jewellery

Rated: Good
woman wearing silver large fan earrings by meadowlark

Vita Earrings Large – Ships internationally from New Zealand

Sometimes, you just want to look like a mermaid. How stunning are these undulated fan shaped more sustainable earrings that can help you do just that? Inspired by a vintage Italian lamp from Carlo Giorgi and made from sterling silver to last a lifetime.

See the rating.

Shop Meadowlark Jewellery.

Lilian von Trapp

Rated: Great
small gold stud earrings by lilian von trapp

Synergy Diamond Studs Small – Ships to the US, Canada, and Europe from Germany

Lilian von Trapp is a contemporary jewellery brand that offers minimal and timeless designs, handcrafted from solid 14K recycled gold. For an ethical pair of classic diamond studs, look no further. These beauties are made from vintage diamonds, and come backed in rose, white, or yellow gold.

See the rating.

Shop Lilian von Trapp.

HoMie

Rated: Good
woman wearing gold hoop homie earrings

Gold Hoop – Ships internationally from Australia

HoMie is a streetwear clothing social enterprise that donates 100% of its profits to support people experiencing homelessness or hardship. These classic, thin gold hoops are affordable and made sustainably with gold-plated sterling silver. Neat!

See the rating.

Shop HoMie.

Props to you for making it this far! Whether you are someone who seeks to exude effortless cool or ethereal elegance, we hope this guide will keep you feeling confident in your purchases and yourself through the seasons ahead!

Editor's note

Feature image via AGMES, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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