Whatever the occasion you best believe we take every opportunity to gift ourselves and our loved ones dazzling jewels. Whether it be a thoughtful birthday gift, a little something to say "well done" or simply because it's Earth Day, whatever the reason or season ethical jewellery will forever be at the top of wishlist.
It might sound trivial at first but voting with your wallet this season and every season after that can have a major impact. Given that fashion is the second most polluting industry after the oil and gas sector, it makes perfect sense that many of us are shifting towards more sustainable shopping habits. But the jewellery sphere is often left unaddressed – which brings us onto the issue of ethics.
What is ethical jewellery?
In essence, ethical jewellery is fully traceable, and its materials are sustainably sourced. The key here is that the brand in question is transparent about its manufacturing processes and exerts an extremely minimal impact on the environment.
But pushing recycled materials and sustainable gemstones aside for a moment, the concept of ethical jewellery is just as intrinsically linked, if not more so, with people. Skilled artisans are entitled to fair wages and safe working conditions, and, naturally, ethical jewellery doesn’t fund conflict. Rightfully so, the 'blood diamonds' controversy had a profound impact, and so, we have taken the opportunity to shed some light on the brands that are leading the way.
Scroll on for the luxury pieces of ethical jewellery that we'd love to give and receive this Earth Day...
Nura Irregular Pearl Friendship Bracelet
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader prides itself on designing jewellery with a circular approach in mind, “we'll mend your pieces for free and buy back unwanted jewellery from any brand, so nothing goes to waste. This gorgeous pearl bracelet made from gold vermeil, like all Monica Vinader pieces, comes with a ‘Product Passport’ allowing you to trace the origin of your jewellery, from design to doorstep
Ally Ring
Kimai
Every Kimai piece is handmade to order in Antwerp using only solid 18k gold. Founders Jessica and Sidney started Kimai after being “frustrated by the lack of transparency in the industry. A diamond often exchanges hands over 20 times after being mined, making it almost impossible to know where it definitely came from and under what conditions it was pulled from the earth.” This Ally ring is made from 18k recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds, making for the perfect dainty delight.
9ct Gold Personalised Handformed Heart Pendant Necklace
Wild Fawn
Handmade in London by an all-female team using recycled sterling silver & solid 9ct gold, Wild Fawn prides themselves on creating jewellery for the sustainable & environmentally aware. “Every time you buy from sustainable, independent brands you help make a positive change to the fashion industry.” This particular necklace can be engraved with personalised handwriting, making for an extra special gift.
Heart Signet Ring
Daisy
Cult jewellery fave Daisy has always had an aim to “create sustainable jewellery with meaning, without compromising on design or quality.” Every single piece of jewellery is crafted from 100% recycled materials, their packaging is eco-friendly and for every item purchased, Daisy x 4ocean removes 10 small plastic bottles from our oceans. This heart signet ring is the perfect gift for those wanting decadent jewellery and a cleaner, greener earth.
Nura Reef Thin Bangle
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader is a jewellery brand on a constant mission to create decadent pieces that don't harm the planet. From ethical sourcing to supply chain transparency, every step in Monica Vinader's process is accounted for. This simple yet elegant bangle is perfect to wear all year round and will no doubt get compliments.
Silver Diamond Style Eternity Ring
Lily & Roo
Made in the UK from recycled metals Lily & Roo are passionate about ethical practice. “All of our Diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process, meaning each stone is ethical and conflict-free from mine to market. This delicate Silver Diamond Style Eternity Ring really is as beautiful as it looks and would look even more beautiful paired alongside an existing sentimental ring stack.
Emerald Cut Green Garnet Hoop
Roxanne First
Designed to last a lifetime, all Roxanne First pieces are made from high-quality, ethically sourced materials. These Green Garnet Hoops are made from responsibly sourced emeralds and 14ct yellow gold. The slight pop of green against the shiny gold structure is perfect for spring.
The Aphrodite Choker
Alighieri
One of Alighieri’s founding principles is to "put people and planet first". Each piece begins its life as a hand-crafted wax fragment, sculpted by the brand’s founder Rosh Mahtani, and then it is passed onto expert casters who make up the UK’s historic jewellery manufacturing districts. This boldly beautiful handcrafted Aphrodite Choker is the ultimate statement piece for those who love a bit of blood glamour.
Nura Irregular Pearl Friendship Bracelet
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader prides itself on designing jewellery with a circular approach in mind, “we'll mend your pieces for free and buy back unwanted jewellery from any brand, so nothing goes to waste. This gorgeous pearl bracelet made from gold vermeil, like all Monica Vinader pieces, comes with a ‘Product Passport’ allowing you to trace the origin of your jewellery, from design to doorstep
Ally Ring
Kimai
Every Kimai piece is handmade to order in Antwerp using only solid 18k gold. Founders Jessica and Sidney started Kimai after being “frustrated by the lack of transparency in the industry. A diamond often exchanges hands over 20 times after being mined, making it almost impossible to know where it definitely came from and under what conditions it was pulled from the earth.” This Ally ring is made from 18k recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds, making for the perfect dainty delight.
9ct Gold Personalised Handformed Heart Pendant Necklace
Wild Fawn
Handmade in London by an all-female team using recycled sterling silver & solid 9ct gold, Wild Fawn prides themselves on creating jewellery for the sustainable & environmentally aware. “Every time you buy from sustainable, independent brands you help make a positive change to the fashion industry.” This particular necklace can be engraved with personalised handwriting, making for an extra special gift.
Heart Signet Ring
Daisy
Cult jewellery fave Daisy has always had an aim to “create sustainable jewellery with meaning, without compromising on design or quality.” Every single piece of jewellery is crafted from 100% recycled materials, their packaging is eco-friendly and for every item purchased, Daisy x 4ocean removes 10 small plastic bottles from our oceans. This heart signet ring is the perfect gift for those wanting decadent jewellery and a cleaner, greener earth.
Nura Reef Thin Bangle
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader is a jewellery brand on a constant mission to create decadent pieces that don't harm the planet. From ethical sourcing to supply chain transparency, every step in Monica Vinader's process is accounted for. This simple yet elegant bangle is perfect to wear all year round and will no doubt get compliments.
Silver Diamond Style Eternity Ring
Lily & Roo
Made in the UK from recycled metals Lily & Roo are passionate about ethical practice. “All of our Diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process, meaning each stone is ethical and conflict-free from mine to market. This delicate Silver Diamond Style Eternity Ring really is as beautiful as it looks and would look even more beautiful paired alongside an existing sentimental ring stack.
Emerald Cut Green Garnet Hoop
Roxanne First
Designed to last a lifetime, all Roxanne First pieces are made from high-quality, ethically sourced materials. These Green Garnet Hoops are made from responsibly sourced emeralds and 14ct yellow gold. The slight pop of green against the shiny gold structure is perfect for spring.
The Aphrodite Choker
Alighieri
One of Alighieri’s founding principles is to "put people and planet first". Each piece begins its life as a hand-crafted wax fragment, sculpted by the brand’s founder Rosh Mahtani, and then it is passed onto expert casters who make up the UK’s historic jewellery manufacturing districts. This boldly beautiful handcrafted Aphrodite Choker is the ultimate statement piece for those who love a bit of blood glamour.
How we chose:
Elegance: At the forefront of our pursuit for the perfect adornments is the unparalleled sophistication these ethical luxury jewelry pieces bring to any ensemble. Each selection in this compilation is a testament to our personal admiration, sourced exclusively from revered brands in the world of luxury ethical jewellery.
Design: Opt for nothing less than ethical luxury jewellery that seamlessly blends opulence with charm. The diversity of choices ensures a stylish and curated aesthetic for your spring wardrobe.
Investment: Whether you're budget-conscious or seeking premium indulgence, our list caters to all, featuring affordable options alongside luxurious investments to enhance your outfits with ethical and exquisite jewellery.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Features Writer. With a love for all things fashion (the quirkier the better), I can usually be found playing dress-up in my own wardrobe, watching Gilmore Girls for the 8th time or finding new outfit inspo and DIY musts on TikTok, nothing in my closet is safe from a safety-pin bow embellishment. I have been in the styling world for almost 5 years now, specialising in editorial features, luxury campaigns and music videos. As for the world of magazines, I have worked for various digital and print publications around the world, focusing on fashion. Basically, fashion is my bread and butter.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.