Style-wise, there’s nothing like feeling like you’ve come into your own. My personal style has evolved a lot in recent years and I must admit my confidence has grown and evolved as well.
And I say this because when I was in college, my personal style was very colorful, loud, and made a statement.
Now, as a young adult, my style is very neutral, edgy with a feminine touch, and very classic. Looking back, I laugh at how my outfits looked, but cry at the many mistakes I made as well.
As glad as I am that I had fun exploring my personal style, I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t invest in my wardrobe sooner.
Aside from a foundational wardrobe, I wish I had invested in everyday jewelry like diamond studs, dainty rings, and delicate yet layering necklaces. Well, I’m making up for lost time now.
As I learn more about living sustainably, it’s been so fun to discover brands with integrity and a mission to help better our world. However, before we dive in today’s post, let’s talk ethical jewelry.
What is ethical jewelry?
Long story short, ethical jewelry is the practice of producing jewelry that does not pollute or affect the environment in a bad way. Additionally, the process of making jewelry also has no negative impact on the people who make it.
Brands who make jewelry ethically are ones who use best practices where you can trace materials back to the source. This is to make sure they use conflict-free diamonds and keep fair trade in mind. Part of the process can include using synthetic diamonds and/or recycled materials such as gemstones.
In terms of people, ethical business practices also involve not using child labor and ensuring fair wages/working hours.
That said, I’m SO excited to share with you seven modern everyday and ethical jewelry brands I have discovered and love.
AURATE
If you’re looking for barely-there, well-made and ethical jewelry, AUrate is a brand I’d look to for modern, everyday pieces. AUrate only uses 100% recycled gold. Additionally, they track every single diamond from mine to workshop and strictly follow the Kimberly Process. AUrate also supports student literacy in New York. For every purchase made, AUrate puts a book directly in the hands of a child that needs it.
The respect I have for this brand just increased. So much so that I ordered my second stackable ring and I’m sure it won’t be my last!
If you’re interested in their affordable ethical jewelry collection, you can try-before-you-buy at home!
ANNA SHEFFIELD
Anna Sheffield’s collection doesn’t fit the boho style you’d find when searching ‘ethical jewelry’. And I love that as I’m partial to modern jewelry! I mean, have you seen a pinky ring this beautiful? What’s better is that they care about their business’ impact on our planet. And that speaks volumes to me.
Anna Sheffield is committed to sustainability, ethical production, and responsible practices. Gem sourcing and using recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds is just the surface of their brand’s deep ethics.
MEJURI
I have heard so much about Mejuri within this last year.
And after checking out their brand, I had to include them in this post. Their pieces are absolutely beautiful and fairly-priced. Mejuri only uses high quality, socially-responsible diamonds sourced from suppliers who follow ethical practices.
LARK & BARRY
Lark & Barry is on the higher-end in terms of pricing. Prices range from just under $280 to a little over $4,000.
Lark & Barry’s method to help our planet is using innovative technology to create diamonds, which means they’re growing everything in a lab. The process they use results in less waste, water loss, and less impact on the environment. Additionally, they also ensure all stones are conflict-free with an entirely trackable origin.
My favorite pieces would have to be their Veto Sapphire Slim Ring and matching necklace.
NOEMIE
Noemie is very high-end in terms of pricing, but they have what you need. From everyday jewelry to sustainable fine jewelry for those special moments in life, they’ve got you covered!
I love that Noemie has high standards by searching for ethically-sourced stones. On top of that, they choose to adhere to the Kimberly Process as well.
I’m obsessed with their graduate ring and their 3 diamond stacking ring!
GO RINGS
I recently got this Bezel Stackable Ring when I was on a trip for my relay triathlon. My friends and I stopped by Magnolia in Waco and came across this mom-and-daughter booth.
Go Rings originally started as a way to fund raise for a mission trip to 11 countries. Go Rings is very unique in the fact that their collection is hand-made and that they help provide a solution to a big problem every charitable cause faces: fundraising. I think it’s awesome that 30% of each purchase “goes to individuals & organizations who partner with us monthly, raising money to go do good.”
VRAI
I had to include Vrai, a beautiful sustainable jewelry company, that makes fine jewelry and sustainably-created engagement rings. Check out this statement on their website, “We use Diamond Foundry-created diamonds in our jewelry. Diamond Foundry utilizes 100% renewable solar and wind energy sources to create diamonds in plasma that are atomically and chemically identical to mined diamonds. Our diamonds are traceable, transparently priced and without the human and environmental toll of mining.”
Personally, I’m very partial to their 6-diamond ear arc, which is an earring style I’m a huge fan of!
And that kicks off the new week! I hope this list helps narrow down the search for those of you who are looking for modern and ethical everyday jewelry!
What´s your favorite ethical jewelry brand?
First two images are of my own jewelry collection. Other images are via Anna Sheffield, Mejuri, Lark & Barry, Noemi, Go Rings, and Vrai
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Nakturnal for partnering with me on this post! All thoughts and opinions are my own. As always, thank you for supporting my sponsors!
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Stefan
November 22, 2019I love these! Great post!
Huong
November 22, 2019Thank you!!!
Rachel
November 18, 2019You know I never really thought about how making jewelry could be harmful to the creator as well as the environment. I am so happy to know that these companies take both into consideration and we as consumers can feel that much happier that we get what we want and can feel good about it at the same time! I am glad you partnered with Naktural. Your personalized H ring looks so perfect in your collection!
Huong
November 19, 2019Thanks, Rachel! I never thought jewelry was a focus as fashion is a topic that gets the spotlight often times. Thank you! My personalized ring is from AUrate!
Sarah Ferguson
November 18, 2019I love your focus on sustainability in fashion and jewelry, another area where we need to pay attention and do better in how we treat our environment.
Huong
November 18, 2019Thank you so much, Sarah! Many people don’t think about jewelry when it comes to making an impact on the environment, but it’s a part of the fashion world as well.