Editor’s Note
This article highlights the environmental and ethical challenges of conventional jewelry production while showcasing brands that offer sustainable alternatives using recycled materials and lab-grown gems.
Match your jewelry to your sustainable wardrobe with these jewelry brands committed to ethical and responsible materials, from recycled gold to lab-grown diamonds.
But when it comes to jewelry, all that glitters is not gold. Industrial jewelry mining for the likes of diamonds and precious metals causes a number of environmental issues, including land erosion, pollution, and waste. The industry is also rife with human rights violations, routinely exploiting children and Indigenous people for labor.
A 2021 survey by First Insight and Wharton’s Baker Retailing Center found that 68 percent of U.S. shoppers are willing to spend more on sustainable products, up from 58 percent in 2019. In an effort to meet the growing demand for ethical jewelry, brands are increasingly opting to use conflict-free stones, recycled metals, and other repurposed jewelry components.
Want to incorporate more sustainable jewelry pieces into your collection? Here are some of the best luxury brands to shop for recycled jewelry.
Savannah Friedkin’s fine jewelry brand only launched in spring 2024, but it’s already becoming a leader in the conversation about sustainable materials. Friedkin’s stunning collections feature 100 percent certified recycled precious metals and climate-neutral lab-grown diamonds. The label distinguishes itself as one of the earliest adopters of the SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamonds certification, a comprehensive standard developed by SCS Global Services. Friedkin personally audits suppliers to ensure ethical practices, including renewable energy use and fair labor standards. Her commitment to transparency addresses the lack of traceability in the jewelry industry.
Vrai emphasizes supply chain traceability and made-to-order production, which helps limit excess inventory and waste. Its settings are crafted using recycled gold and platinum, and the brand publishes clear information about its sourcing and production standards.
Beyond diamonds, Pandora has committed to using 100 percent recycled silver and gold across its jewelry, significantly reducing the environmental impact tied to metal extraction. The brand has also set science-based climate targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and publicly reports on progress related to emissions, sourcing, and labor standards. For shoppers seeking more accessible fine jewelry with clearer ethical and environmental guardrails, Pandora represents a mainstream brand taking measurable, verifiable steps toward lower-impact production.
Luximpact is bridging the old and the new. It’s taking inspiration from the legacy French jewelry maker who brought elegance to Europe before lying dormant for more than a century following the founder’s death. Now, Luximpact is bringing the name back to life but with a commitment to sustainability. The brand’s jewelry is made entirely from recycled and reclaimed gold and lab-grown diamonds.
The Royal Mint has been making coins for the U.K. for more than a thousand years. It’s now released its first-ever luxury jewelry line, made from gold that’s sourced from upcycled electronic waste. It’s the first jewelry collection made entirely from e-waste-sourced gold, according to the company. The 886 Collection is named after the Royal Mint’s establishment date and is designed by jewelry designer Dominic Jones.
Founded in 2017 by actor, musician, and designer Nikki Reed, Bayou With Love carries ethical fashion, home, and beauty products, as well as accessories and jewelry made with sustainably created diamonds and recycled gold. The brand transforms e-waste into luxurious pieces using gold recovered from computer motherboards.
In the words of Founder, Noura Sakkijha, Mejuri is all about “women celebrating themselves”. All of its pieces are timeless, yet with a contemporary flair, and a price range that runs from affordable to luxury. One of Mejuri’s top priorities is traceability, which is why it prioritizes working with suppliers certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. And as of 2021, 100 percent of its gold is completely traceable. A large portion of its gold materials is also recycled. The brand is committed to only using conflict-free stones, providing fair wages to staff, and including recycled materials in its collections.
Another Los Angeles-based jewelry brand, Bagatiba specializes in timeless and handcrafted sustainable pieces. The brand spearheads closed-loop upcycling and sustainability initiatives, which include managing energy consumption, using recycled metals, eliminating single-use plastics, and using recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Ecksand considers itself a pioneer in sustainable jewelry.
Everything the Montreal-based jeweler makes uses recycled gold. In addition to lab-grown diamonds, it also uses recycled diamonds “of the highest quality” as an eco-conscious option.
Whether buying what’s on offer or building a custom piece, Ecksand helps you wear your values in the most sustainable and luxurious way possible.
