Just like clothing, fast-fashion jewellery can cause significant environmental damage. Choosing sustainable jewellery lets you add the right touch to any ensemble while protecting the planet.

How do you know the piece you chose didn’t hurt the environment or people during production? Here’s a crash course on what materials, processes and ethical practices to look for to ensure your next accessory is sustainable.

What Is Sustainable Jewelry?

From the harvesting of the materials to the processes used, sustainable jewellery production hinges on three core principles:

Ethical sourcing: Recycling and repurposing, preserving the regional environment and following fair-trade principles.
Eco-friendly production methods: Reducing emissions and pollution.
Social responsibility: Living wages and acceptable working conditions.

Benefits of Sustainable Jewelry Production

Sustainable jewellery production is critical for protecting the environment and labourers. Here are three ways greener jewellery-making processes aid the planet.

1. Minimizing Displacement and Environmental Changes

When mining companies buy vast swaths of land, they displace those living there. Even those who don’t immediately relocate for mining infrastructure often find their way of life irreparably ruined. Mines degrade the soil farmers rely on, lower regional biodiversity and pollute waterways with dangerous chemicals like cyanide.

Irresponsible mining practices destroy forests — including old-growth ones — which can accelerate climate change. They also increase pollution, making it harder for natural landscapes to rebound from the intrusion.

2. Preventing Child Labor and Human Rights Abuses

Conditions in many mines often have few regulations to prevent cave-ins and exposure to dust and toxins causing disease and death. Many children in such regions have little choice but to work in the mines to support ageing family members already sickened by such labour. Often, they miss out on attending school and opportunities to escape dire circumstances.

3. Avoiding Conflict Fuel

The term “blood” or conflict diamond refers to gemstones used by rebel forces to fund armed conflicts and undermine legitimate governments. The industry addressed the issue in 2003 by creating the Kimberley Process. Today, 80 governments use this process to control the import and export of raw diamonds, requiring regional governments to officially certify their contents.

When shopping on a jewellery website, look for a statement on where they source their diamonds to see if they follow best practices.

Identifying Ethically-Made Sustainable Jewelry

You’re out shopping and see an irresistible piece. How can you tell if it qualifies as sustainable jewellery? Ask the vendor. Those who track their supply chain through industry-wide certification processes will inform you of their practices — they may even have handouts covering their corporate responsibility.

Another method is buying directly from the jewellery maker — craft fairs and swap meets are good places to find local artisans. Although you must still inquire about the materials and processes used, you can generally rest assured your purchase supports your neighbour in their small business venture.

Here are some sustainability factors to consider.

1. Materials Sourcing

Gemstones are so valuable because they’re mostly indestructible. In fact, diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth. Scratched or cloudy stones spring to life with minor cleaning and polishing. Additionally, most metals, like gold, are infinitely recyclable. If your jeweller tells you a piece is recycled or repurposed, it doesn’t impact its quality. It simply means that the ring or necklace is sustainable.

2. Transparency and Traceability

You can only guarantee sustainability if the seller knows where the gemstone originated. When buying gemstones and fine jewellery, seek certification through the Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices, which should outline the chain of command and the processes used to create the piece.

Remember that less precious jewellery can still result from unsustainable practices. Where did those plastic beads in your friendship bracelet come from, and what happens when you dispose of them? They often stem from fossil fuels, which aren’t sustainable and create pollution.

Look for recycled beads or stick to beads made from recycled glass or clay, which biodegrades more readily. You can even find recycled yarn for further sustainability.

3. Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

The methods used for mining gemstones significantly impact their environmental and human rights impact. Seek pieces made from smaller artisanal operations that certify working conditions and restore the local ecology when operations cease.

Your Guide to Sustainable Jewelry

Jewellery should make you look — and feel — good. Kick guilt and doubt to the curb by asking the right questions about sustainable jewellery before you buy. Seeking unique pieces crafted with love pays off in eco-friendly jewellery you're proud to flaunt. Let your emotions guide your choices as you find that one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or someone you adore.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a green living writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She writes about low-waste beauty, fashion and more. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.

A Guide to Sustainable Jewellry: Understanding Ethical Practices