As much as I love finding cool, trendy jewelry, recently it has become equally important for me to find ethically made jewelry. Ethically made jewelry are products designed with eco-friendly materials or artisanally made. Jewelry brands can also be ethically made through their creation process, meaning brands can be part of programs that provide fair wages and uplift communities. This may sound like a tall order, but there are tons of jewelry companies right now that are checking off all of my boxes in terms of ethics.
From sourcing environmentally friendly materials to helping women break the cycle of poverty and provide for themselves and their families, these companies are bettering our world in more ways than one. For all of you globally-minded people out there, start shopping:
1. Ten Thousand Villages
Friday Earrings, Ten Thousand Villages, $13; shop now
Ten Thousand Villages has been a leader in the fair trade movement for over 70 years. All of their jewelry is hand made by small artisan groups in over 30 developing countries. Ten Thousand Villages allows them to take control and provide for themselves while utilizing local material and tradition.
2. The Giving Keys
Dainty Key Necklace, The Giving Keys, $45; shop now
The Giving Keys creates unique jewelry out of repurposed keys and provides jobs to people in Los Angeles transitioning out of homelessness. They even offer their employees benefits, paid time off, and education and case management appointments all whilst providing a safe and supportive community.
3. Starfish Project
Bonnie Blue Resin Hoop Earrings, Starfish Project, $35; shop now
Starfish Project provides Holistic Care Programs and job opportunities to women in Asia escaping human trafficking and exploitation. Their Holistic Care Programs offer these women vocational training, healthcare, shelter, counseling, and education grants for both themselves and their children.
4. Pura Vida
Boarding 4 Breast Cancer Bracelet, Pura Vida, $6; shop now
Pura Vida sources its products from over 800 artisans in Costa Rica, El Salvador, India and more. They provide these people with a steady income so that they can support themselves and their families, as well as a positive work environment. Furthermore, their Charity Collection bracelets have raised almost $1.9 million for charities such as cancer groups and clean ocean movements, to name a few.
5. Soko
Double Bar Ring, Soko, $48; shop now
Soko has called themselves the pioneers of “Ethical Fast Fashion”, which may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s true! They partner with artisans all over the world and give them access to technology that will build their business, improve their production capacity, and provide steady income.
Next time you’re in the market for new jewelry (which is always, TBH), check out one of these companies so you can look good and do good at the same time.
