The Best Sustainable Jewellery Brands

At a glance

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” is an outdated statement for 2020. Of course, not many of us would complain about a little Lorraine Schwartz – but, that being said as our minds move to the provenance of our purchases, this too applies to our trinkets and treasures. According to the 2020 Lyst Report, sustainable jewellery is a key search trend in 2020. “Repurposed jewellery” has increased 90% year-on-year, while searches for “ethical jewellery” are up 60% over the same period.

We’ve moved from blood diamonds to blockchain diamonds as leaders such as De Beers hone in on traceability and efficacy of the world’s most beautiful gems. At the more accessible end of the jewellery spectrum, a collection of crafters have championed upcycling materials, guaranteed safe working conditions and strive to support artisans. With unique pieces made to order, sustainable supply chains of jewellery frequently shun the tendency to over produce unlike practices of high street retailers (ref. H & M earing stand during a seasonal sale).

What makes jewellery sustainable and ethical? Factors you should consider include the sourcing, the social and environmental conditions within the supply chain, intuitive use of materials and how you, as the end customer care for these pieces!

Be sure to check Besma’s from Curiously Conscious in-depth explanation here.

If you’re looking for further guidance, the Responsible Jewellery Council are the leading global organisation for setting the ethical and environmental jewellery standard. Reviewing their members will give you a clear picture on the naughty versus nice list.

As with clothes, the most sustainable options are often the ones that already exist so we can stop facilitating excessive production. Jewellery can often be timeless and revived so do go for a rummage in your mothers’ collection and perusing in the Aladdin Caves vintage stores. For memorable investment pieces, head to Net A Porter’s dedicated Net Sustain collection.

Whether you’re on patrol for stackable bracelets, Zoom conference-worthy earrings, statement chains or simple elegant pieces for layering, this S & S edit shares some of my favourite sustainable sparklers.

The sustainable jewellery edit

Article 22

For the history fans. Named after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 22 transform unexploded ordnance (UXO) such as military ammunition or undetonated explosives into jewerlry with meaning. Crafted in Lao, each Article 22 piece gives back to support traditional artisan communities, village development and further the continuum of de-mining efforts. Purchasing from Article 22 directly contributes to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) which safely clears over 80 million unexploded bombs sitting in Lao. For example, the Article 22 Peace is All Around bangle at USD$70 directly clears 4m2 of Laotian landscape.

Be sure to catch the Wardrobe crisis episode on Article 22 here.

Yala

It’s no surprise why Yala won Jewellery Brand of the Year at the 2019 Sustainable Lifestyle Awards.

Founded by Audrey Migot-Adholla, Yala brings bold and playful designs to the table. Using the principle of umoja ni nguvu, translating to ‘unity is strength’, the designs are crafted by over 150 artisans based in Kenya. Not only is each design entirely unique, but the talented hands that make these pieces all receive fair wages within a safe and healthy work environment.

Yala’s intuitive use of materials should also be celebrated. Their best-selling zero waste brass pendant is made from random surplus shaped brass pieces that separate from other remnants during the casting process and sits on a delicate 14k gold chain.

You can shop Yala via Akojo Market here.

Emma Aitchison

Hand made to order in the UK, Emma Aitchison’s collection uses 100% recycled metals. With gorgeous gold rings and items that use gemstones in circulation, Emma Aitchison have perfected responsible jewellery. What’s more, their studio uses green energy and their packaging is formed from cork instead of foam to line boxes. The brand’s focus on customer care is essential to the philosophy of sustainable jewellery which looks to preserve and extend the life our favourite accessories, for this reason they also offer repleating and polishing services! One of everything please and thank you.

Rachel Bates

Opulent and exquisite, Rachel Bates specialises in ethical luxury costume jewellery as well as other trinkets and treasures. Rachel’s approach to sustainability means that each item is made to order, minimising excessive waste and unnecessary environmental impacts. Through her various collaborations, she champions small scale artisans committed to responsible sourcing and manufacturing with her efforts being recognised by both the ESG Mark and Positive Luxury Butterfly. The brand will also soon be launching sustainable cotton dust bags in various sizes and personalisation options to complete all purchases. My magpie eyes are firmly on the earing selection so be sure to take a look at the Rachel Bates designs as well as elegant crystalware and home accessories here.

Toke

Sustainability is about supporting small businesses as much as it is environmental management. Founded in 2019, Toke is the brainchild of creative Luisa Howe. With a background in fine art Luisa has designed delicate, dainty rings and jewellery that uses recycled metals. You can shop Toke via Etsy or Wearth.

Accompany

Truly one of a kind, Accompany collaborates with indigenous communities in Latin America to translate their traditional arts and crafts into statement pieces using distinctive techniques, colours and materials. Their handmade items blend cultural heritage elements into wearable jewellery.

The Maguey earings are handwoven by women of the Kankuama people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. They are made from fibres extracted from a type of native agave plant called “Maguey.” The body of the earrings are handwoven in the Zenu Reserve in Tuchin Cordoba with “caña flecha” and all workers are paid a fair working wage.

Meadowlark

This New Zealand based atelier produces exquisite responsibly made jewellery. Meadowlark has three pillars; Respect for People, Respect for our Planet and Design Integrity. The team’s focus is circularity and traceability of their materials; for example, all pieces can be repaired and recycled into new creations. Waste is not an option in the jeweller’s workroom as they recycle all scrap metal back into their system. The brand is constantly developing their sustainability policies and last year, they introduced traceable sapphires into their collection. The Meadowlark head office is powered by renewable energy and the papers used in look books, posers and packaging are all Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) approved. I wouldn’t know what to pick first, head over to the website to see why.

31 Bits

31 Bits are raising the bar on social standards with their forward-thinking family first policies as well as importance placed on cultural preservation and dignified careers. Their fair wage policy for artisans across the world in Uganda and Bali are often double what other workshops within those areas would pay.

Star Fish

The Star Fish project employs trafficked women to create their collection. This social enterprise cares for those who have experienced human trafficking and exploitation by offering them long term independence and career development. To date, through their efforts in creating Star Fish jewellery the project has employed and given freedom to over 150 women and supported thousands through their community outreach programmes.

Learn more here.