When it comes to jewelry, we find that choosing minimalist pieces is worth the investment. As fashion trends change rapidly (hello, fast fashion), fine jewelry evokes a sense of eternal style; simplicity is always in.
These brands craft the very best in fine jewelry while also adhering to sustainable standards, and they all focus on ethical production and using recycled and upcycled materials. So what are you waiting for? Add some everyday sparkle with one of these sustainable and stylish fine jewelry pieces.
Looking for the perfect *special occasion* piece? Here are our favorite conflict-free and fair trade engagement rings.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Elegant
1. Ana Luisa
Price Range | $39—$275
Ana Luisa is founded on the principle of delivering high quality, accessible and ethical jewelry that stands the test of time. Premium recycled gold, silver and glass are just some of the sustainable materials used throughout their pieces that are then crafted into beautiful and tarnish-free jewelry. This is achieved using responsible, carbon-neutral production practices. The outcome is stunning fine jewelry and dainty everyday pieces that are completely water-resistant and hypoallergenic. Ana Luisa attests to their life-long quality with a 2-year warranty so you know you’re getting the absolute best for your buck.
2. Mejuri
Price Range | $10—$4,400
Gift a loved one—or yourself—one of Mejuri’s fine jewelry essentials. This team-wide favorite (read our Mejuri review!) ethically sources its gold, diamonds, and stones, and offers extended 60 day returns and warranties on most pieces. This is our go-to for milestone gifts or just to round out our daily collection.
3. AIDEN JAE
Price Range | $55—$420
AIDEN JAE consciously crafts fine jewelry that’s sentimental and inspired by nature. Founded by Brooklyn native Randi Salvato, AIDEN JAE grew as an outlet to elevate self expression and connection to the natural world. This purpose is reflected in the brand’s jewelry as all pieces use 9k recycled solid gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced stones. From the slightly softer yellow tone of 9k to the classic 14k standard, these solid gold designs are accessible at a range of price points. Plus, unlike gold-plated and vermeil jewelry, solid gold provides durability that will last a lifetime even with daily wear and washing. These perks in addition to carbon neutral shipping and a commitment to giving back to environmental initiatives makes it easy for us to support this sustainable jewelry brand!
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4. Bario Neal
Price Range | $90—$25,000+ (custom)
For thoughtful sourcing and style, you can’t beat Bario Neal. The women-owned handmade jeweler is an industry leader when it comes to ethics: its metals are recycled, its stones traceable from mine to market, and its gold Fairmined certified. From textured bands and hammered bracelets to enamel ear studs and pendant necklaces, you can expect peak quality and consideration. A maker of engagement and wedding rings too, the jeweler is a longtime supporter of LGBTQIA rights and worldwide marriage equality. (They also offer custom services, from personalizations to reusing heirloom materials.) Love is love is love—read more about how much we love Bario Neal here!
5. Nisolo
Price Range | $20—$35
Nisolo’s jewelry is both modern and minimalist, yet its curves and shapes are sure to stand out. This certified B Corp ensures that all pieces are ethically made, and makers enjoy living wages and fair working conditions. (And everything here is carbon-neutral, too!) If you are looking for a go-to minimalist jewelry source that won’t break the bank, this is it: Nisolo is the perfect place to shop for minimal jewelry like ethical hoops, links, cuffs, bangles and more!
6. Boden
Price Range | $38—$90
Boden’s jewelry will leave you dazzled. This UK sustainable brand uses responsibly sourced materials for its apparel and jewelry collections, including metal, glass, and gold. Their statement earrings will steal the show wherever you go, and their playful necklaces will add just the pop of color you need. Boden ships worldwide.
7. Automic Gold
Price Range | $49—$3,300
Automic Gold is raising the (gold) bar when it comes to sustainability, inclusivity, and identity, and is the source for minimalist gold jewelry. This queer-owned studio works with only 100 percent reclaimed solid gold and ethically mined gemstones for everyday accessories for all genders and sizes—ranging from size 2 to 16 in rings. Versatile pieces that are showstoppers on their own but layered together add flair to any look. We love their nose ring line, too!
8. Catbird
Price Range | $14—$12,500
Catbird works with dozens of artisans in-house and independent designers like Erica Weiner, Wwake, and Kataoka, and all materials are ethically sourced and conflict-free. At least one percent of sales are donated each year, chosen entirely by employees—with over $1,000,000 donated and counting. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist necklace or dainty jewelry, you’re sure to find something to love. We’ve found some of our favorite pieces to put on (and never take off!) at Catbird.
9. Nyrelle
Price Range | $10—$1,600
Nyrelle’s mission is to create 100 percent traceable fine jewelry, including natural gems, certified conflict-free diamonds, and fair trade and recycled gold. (To help make that possible, Nyrelle has a lifetime buyback guarantee where they’ll buy your piece back for 20 percent of the purchase price and recycle your piece into something new!) We love this conscious fine jewelry brand’s capsule collections, engravable pieces, and sets for parents and kids or best friends to share.
10. Linjer
Price Range | $20—$1,095
Fine gold rings with pearls? Luxury eco-conscious diamond necklaces? Linjer has it all—and at affordable prices. This sustainable brand ethically and responsibly sources its materials and offsets carbon emissions from every order. Team favorites include their gold vermeil and white topaz rings, pearl hug earrings, and the collection of Zodiac Charm Necklaces. If you’re on the hunt for delicate jewelry brands that create dainty rings with ethical gemstones look no further!
11. Fenna&Fei
Price Range | $10—$42
Acetate jewelry and hair accessories are back in—think tortoiseshell clips and color-blocked earrings. But not all acetate jewelry is sustainable. Fenna&Fei however uses eco-friendly plant cellulose acetate instead, with nature-inspired colors. Millennials and Gen Z (and beyond!) are sure to love these colorful, conscious looks to add a glowy wash of color and geometry to their daily looks.
