The best ethical jewellery brands to shop in 2024

As with ethical fashion, there are many more gorgeous ethical jewellery brands on the market now than there were just a few seasons ago, meaning you can accessorize easily, without a side of guilt, and crucially, no matter your budget.

You might be tempted to afford cheap, trend-led pieces, but you might fall out of love with them in a season, but more importantly, you don't know how they're made, and how long they'll last.

If you want to invest in ethical jewellery pieces that have been consciously sourced and made, you've come to the right place.

What is ethical jewellery?

It's impossible to find a truly sustainable brand full stop, and companies and designers are learning about the process all the time. But jewellery labels that offer eco-conscious products might focus on the following:

• Using materials you can trace back to the source, to ensure they've been produced in an ethical way, eg, fair trade materials and conflict-free diamonds
• Using recycled materials, such as gemstones
• Using lab-grown diamonds
• Not using child labour and ensuring fair wages and working hours
• Not using practices that pollute or impact the environment in a negative way

What are ethical diamonds?

When you are buying mined diamonds, you want to be able to fully trace their origins, to make sure they don't come from areas controlled by rebels, who then use the money to buy weapons or finance war activities.

You want to make sure the jeweller you are buying from adheres to the Kimberley Process, which ensures that exported diamonds are conflict-free (thanks to this, 99.8% of diamonds were certified conflict-free in 2023). Don't be afraid to ask them questions about provenance. It's worth doing your own research, as certain countries known for exporting diamonds don't necessarily adhere to strict labor laws or environmentally-friendly practices.

You can also go down the antique route as you're effectively recycling an older diamond, though you won't be guaranteed that they have come from a conflict-free region or were mined responsibly.

Being conflict-free doesn't mean diamonds are ethical, as you want to make sure the workers are paid fair wages, work a fair number of hours. Diamond mining can also have a negative impact on the environment, such as high air pollution and deforestation, so it's worth asking your jeweller about that too.

Lab-grown diamonds

More and more jewellery brands are venturing into lab grown diamonds. Pandora launched its first collection in 2021 to great success, whilst brands such as Lark & Berry, Leo & Lumi and Kimai all focus on creating jewellery with man-made diamonds.

There is still some confusion around the process, with many people unsure as to whether lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. The short answer is yes. In fact, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, as the quality is the same: think carat, cut, colour and clarity. They are created in a rough uncut form, and then cut and polished into shape, much like a mined diamond. More importantly, there is no doubt they are ethically and sustainably sourced.

Lab-grown diamonds also tend to be a little cheaper than mined diamonds, as you are cutting out the mining process so there is less of a mark-up.

Shop the best ethical jewellery brands:

Want to know where to shop some beautiful ethical jewellery brands? From Missoma to Kimai, Idyl to Roxanne First, scroll down to treat yourself to some of our favourites (in no particular order). 

Missoma

Pioneers of ‘demi-fine’ jewellery, Missoma design cult-status pieces that champion self-expression – handcrafted, responsibly sourced, and designed in-house in their studios in Notting Hill, London. Sustainability has become a core part of Missoma’s mission, and they are passionately committed to pushing themselves and their industry to build a better future. Having already achieved so much over the last few years – from partnering with environmental charity TreeSisters since 2018, to their recycled metals (100% of Missoma’s new silver and gold vermeil collections are made from recycled silver), Kimberley Process certified diamonds, and becoming members of the Responsible Jewellery Council – Missoma are dedicated to giving you an extra layer of transparency this year, bringing you up to speed when it comes to their factories and manufacturing processes.

Monica Vinader

As far as transparency goes, Monica Vinader has an entire section dedicated to exactly that on the brand's website. The label has introduced a new product passport as a part of its sustainability program which allows you to trace a product's journey from conception to completion. 

In addition to this, Monica Vinader only uses 100% recycled gold and sterling silver, helping to reduce the brand's emissions by 2/3. And as far as diamonds are concerned, all of them are responsibly sourced. 

Zoe Morton

Zoe Morton established her namesake label with the mission to challenge the jewellery industry and create a product people can be proud of wearing, but also with a design focus on pieces that remind you of travels and the special moments in life – a way to carry those memories with you physically. With a traceable supply chain and production in the UK and Bali, ZM Jewellery also work with Ecologi to off-set the brand’s carbon footprint and plant a tree for every order placed.

Kimai

Kimaï is paving the way as an innovative jewellery brand whose mission is to redefine modern luxury by using lab-grown diamonds and fully recycled 18kt gold to create unique pieces of jewellery with complete visibility. The lab-grown diamonds used are chemically and physically identical to mined ones without ethical or environmental consequences. We're in love with their new alternative engagement ring collection.

Roxanne First

Roxanne First jewellery is a great destination if you're looking for fine jewellery with conflict-free and ethical diamonds and metals, as well as precious stones. Designer Rocky handpicks suppliers who she visits personally, ensuring every piece is made from responsibly sourced materials. The prices are fair too, as the brand have cut the middle man and sell direct to the consumer, meaning you get affordable diamonds, without compromising on quality.

Atteya

Atteya, from the Arabic ‘Atiya’ meaning gift, is an ethical fine jewellery brand for the modern and conscious. Inspired by ancient talismans and natural forms found on travels far and near, Atteya jewellery holds a unique and timeless individuality. It's made from recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones, and handmade using green energy in England. Atteya’s ethical gifts are categorised into three overarching collections, In Wood, In Water and Talisman, evolving naturally over time. The brand also gives back 5% of its profits to social and environmental charities.

Francesca Dot

The brand creates beautiful and sustainable jewellery with a contemporary twist. Their collections include the Flower Collection - an edit of necklaces featuring 'birth month' flowers, the Stone Collection and a number of stunning rings, earrings and necklaces. All Francesca Dot jewellery is sustainable and ethically produced, made from recycled 925 sterling silver & 18kt gold, from Responsible Jewellery Council certified companies. In addition to using sustainable materials, Francesca Dot's pieces are produced in small production runs, from artisan jewelers. They are passionate about the planet, and ensure all packaging is made from recyclable or reusable materials.

Milly Grace

Milly Grace creates responsibly made high-quality pieces without the traditional retail mark-up. She only works with ethically credited suppliers, and works towards a circular economy by: sourcing recycled 925 sterling silver (from unwanted jewellery or unused electronic and medical equipment), FSC certified recyclable branded packaging.

YSSO

All of YSSO's designs are made by hand in recycled bronze and gold in a small family-run foundry and workshop in Greece. The demi-fine jewellery brand creates Mediterranean-inspired pieces in small quantities to prevent overproduction, and the timeless designs are made to be worn and loved for years to come. YSSO also uses carbon neutral delivery and their boxes are designed to be reused for storage and display, as well as being fully recyclable.

Shyla

Shyla is a morally motivated jewellery brand founded by London-based designer Alice Blofeld. Inspired by her love for vintage jewellery, she creates carved hydro glass hoop earrings and chunky glass stone rings using recycled materials. Shyla works with several small charities educating some of the poorest women in India by teaching them a craft they can learn to support and sustain their families. It also uses recycled gold and silver and all packaging is recycled.

Wilhelmina Garcia

Launched in 2012, this jewellery brand is inspired by Wonderland. The designer, Rocio Canals, is the multifaceted creative that goes behind the name of Wilhelmina Garcia a pseudonym and magical persona that she created to design and reinvented herself again through the jewellery where she tells stories.

Idyl

Idyl stands for sustainability, inclusivity, and revolutionary modularity. Idyl’s pieces are crafted with ethically-sourced lab-grown diamonds and 100% traceable solid gold. It launched with a variety of different classic diamond stud sizes that were made to fit multiple add-ons to create countless looks at accessible price points.The designs are beautifully minimalistic, but created with ever-evolving style in mind. Equality and fairness are also at the forefront of all the brand does, which is why part of the profits go to Global Fund for Women, a global champion for the human rights of women and girls.

Voice International

This brand exists to empower women in Uganda by offering them creative, sustainable employment with a fair wage and working conditions, enabling them to rise above the poverty line and achieve their dreams.The artisans handcraft stunning jewellery and accessories from sterling silver, brass, recycled paper and sustainably-sourced sisal, rattan and Ankole. All designs are plastic free, and the packaging is recyclable.Standout pieces include the striking Ankole Strength hexagonal stud and pendant duo, delicate hammered silver stacking rings and a collection inspired by the naturally different shapes and textures of beans.Every product comes with a signed card, building a connection between the wearer and the artisan who created it with skill, passion and love.

Del Rio Jewels

All packaging is made from recycled materials sourced from in Jaipur, India. Del Rio Jewels has chosen a small packaging factory to work with as it employs unmarried women, some with children, to help provide them with a means to sustain their lives. Sense of community and supporting woman are core values to founder Henna. Each Del Rio Jewels piece is all handmade by a family in Turkey, with Henna working with them to design the jewellery together.

Rhimani

All materials are sustainably sourced, the beads are glass and the silver is sterling silver 925. The packaging is also all completely biodegradable. Rhimani supports conservation and education in Kenya and will always continue to do so. The founder of Rhimani's true love is supporting these causes and doing what she can to help them survive. A portion of each and every purchase is put aside and they donate at least 10% of makings towards charities that focus on deprived communities in Kenya, and critical areas of African wildlife conservation.

Wolf and Zephyr

Designing with a conscience, the brand source recycled sterling silver and gold and use eco-friendly packaging throughout every process. Tori Shay designs each piece in the UK, which are then handcrafted and brought to life by artisans in an ethical workshop in India, where attention to detail and quality are equally as crucial. As a brand it’s extremely important for Wolf & Zephyr to reduce harmful impacts to the environment and ensure the safety of children and the planet.

Astley Clarke

The jewellery brand only works with noble metals, semi-precious and precious gemstones, and natural diamonds, which are responsibly sourced and adhere to the Kimberley Process. They are proud supporters of Theirworld, a charity that champions women’s and children’s causes in the developing world. Astley Clarke is committed to being a responsible, environmentally-conscious brand. It ensures suppliers and employees are paid a fair wage.

AUVERE

Launched by a husband and wife team Gina Love and Steven Feldman, AUVERE focus on every day jewellery that make you ‘feel confident and assured you are receiving pieces made with materials that are carefully, transparently, responsibly and ethically obtained’. The gold is fair mined and fairtrade accredited, diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process and coloured gemstones are all traced.

Stellar 79

Launched by two sisters who believe in empowering women, embracing individuality and expression of style, STELLAR 79 jewellery is created with a conscience, adhering to strict ethical guidelines, using the finest quality ethically sourced gemstones and being environmentally friendly, using recyclable packaging.All jewellery is designed by the sisters in London and is hand-made in Jaipur, India where skilled artisans, work their magic to make each individual piece come alive.

Kastur

All ethically sourced and made, Kastur Jewels even runs a humanitarian initiative programme which is at the heart of the brand. Founder, Rajvi Vora has worked directly with International humanitarian development programmes for over 8 years across the globe from the Horn of Africa to Afghanistan, meaning Rajvi personally manages the humanitarian initiatives so that she can research and oversee it’s direct impact.

Lark and Berry

Lark & Berry are using innovative technology to culture diamonds, meaning everything is grown in a laboratory. Re-creating the exact climate and atmosphere diamonds usually grow in the cultured diamonds sit within the purest category of diamonds. The cultured process leads to less waste, less water loss and less impact on the environment - as well as ensuring all stones are conflict free with their origin entirely trackable.

Bar Jewellery

As a brand, Bar Jewellery is dedicated to using 100% recycled silver and brass, there by eliminating the need for mining. In turn the brand has reduced both its waste and its CO2 emissions. 

Bar Jewellery also uses 100% recycled packaging which is 100% plastic free. 

Spells Of Love

Worn by the likes of Kate Middleton and Kendall Jenner, Spells of Love is certainly in demand. The label sources all of its stones ethically, with fully traceable practises. The Thailand factory where Spells of Loves' products are made is also a part of UN Global Compacts and Responsible Jewellery Council, ensuring standards are maintained. 

Edge of Ember

Edge of Ember is committed to making jewellery that doesn't harm people or the planet. The brand uses ethically sourced gemstones as well as lab-grown diamonds, alongside recycled gold and silver. 

The brand partners with suppliers across India, Thailand, Italy and China and only works with factories that comply with the International Labour Organisation, ensuring the social and environmental standards are maintained. 

Pearls and Pomegranates

Pearls and Pomegranates is not a brand per se, but rather a digital retailer that stocks handcrafted sustainable jewellery brands by independent brands. From fine jewellery to more affordable pieces, this is a one-stop shop for all your ethical jewellery needs. 

Rachel Jackson London

Rachel Jackson partners with workshops that are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. The brand has increased its use of certified recycled silver and gold, and has shifted towards the use of lab-grown diamonds and uses 100% sustainably sourced, plastic free and recyclable packaging.

Dower & Hall

Since its inception in 1990, Dower & Hall has always worked exclusively with recycled materials. The brand lovingly handcrafts each of its pieces in London and creates a timeless, classic range that can be worn for years to come. 

Using recycled silver and gold helps Dower & Hall to reduce its CO2 emissions and water usage. The brand also sources all of its diamonds and gemstones in an ethical way. 

Matilde Jewellery

Made to be loved for generations, Matilde Jewellery prides itself on creating classic jewellery that will stand the test of time. In terms of sustainability, the brand solely utilises recycled 14ct gold and lab-grown diamonds, as well as biodegradable and compostable packaging. 

Renne Jewellery

Renne Jewellery uses 100% recycled sterling silver and gold, in order to appeal to more environmentally conscious customers. The brand now uses silver that has been recycled from previous jewellery pieces, as well as gift wear, medical and electronic industries. 

Renne Jewellery is also aware of the waste it creates and has found a way to minimise it by melting down its scrap metal to create new pieces in its collections. 

Daniella Draper

Daniella Draper jewellery is crafted on British soil, a testament to their commitment to local craftsmanship. All materials are carefully procured from trusted suppliers and hold certifications from renowned organisations like the Responsible Jewellery Council, Kimberley Process, the World Diamond Council (System of Warranties), and the International Coloured Gemstone Association. Plus, all metals are 100% recycled. 

The Diamond Store

The Diamond Store not only sources the highest quality gemstones from conflict-free areas, they also product their own lab-grown diamonds, specialising in coloured gems. They are considered more sustainable or environmentally ethical, as they haven’t been extracted from the ground, so their production has far less impact on our planet.

The process used to create lab grown diamonds is much faster than mined diamonds, so their price is more attainable, and you can often get more for your budget.