Do you want to up your jewelry game on a budget and want to keep it on the more ethical and sustainable side of the spectrum. I’ve got your back. In this post, I’m sharing with you the 17 most stylish and trend-forward conscious jewelry brands you can actually afford.
When talking about affordable clothing and accessories I always want to make sure that the price range is not much above fast fashion prices. Because if you’re used to these prices you probably don’t want to buy stuff that costs 3-times as much. So I usually go to the Zara website and check their prices, and try to keep my imaginary budget around that amount.
Zara necklaces average at around $50 so my requirement for a jewelry brand being “affordable” is that I can purchase a necklace for under $50. Even though most of these ethical jewelry brands are creating fine jewelry which looks more luxurious and lasts longer than the knickknacks you can find at fast fashion stores.
Of course, we’re talking about jewelry here, so usually, the upper price limit for these brands is the sky.
Most of these brands have a wedding or engagement lines as well which is definitely worth checking out if you’re about to get engaged or married.
The following brands are not only affordable, but they are also super stylish, and they all try to produce their pieces of jewelry more sustainably and ethically.
Mejuri
Location: Canada
Sustainability & Ethics: ethical factories, fair pricing, high-quality materials, ethically sourced diamonds
What to buy: stackable rings
Wedding & Engagement: yes
Men’s: no
Mejuri is bringing you affordable, everyday luxury through their gorgeous fine jewelry. They produce in small quantities but there’s a new collection every week. So everything you get from the brand is going to be very unique and special.
They work with manufacturers from all around the world. Most of their partners are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.
The reason why Mejuri can offer ethical jewelry at such an affordable price is that its markup is much lower than traditional jewelry brands. So they earn less profit but this way they are able to make everyday luxury accessible for a much wider audience.
Mejuri favors materials that are high-quality and enduring. They use 14k gold which still looks very luxurious, but it’s more suitable for everyday wear than 18k gold. The brand also uses 925 sterling silver, gold vermeil, gemstones, and conflict-free diamonds.
>>> SHOP AT MEJURI.COM >>>
Catbird Jewelry
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: in-house studio, ethically sourced diamonds, women owned-and-operated business, lifetime warranty on wedding and engagement rings, charity
What to buy: earrings and ear cuffs
Wedding & Engagement: yes
Men’s: no
The Brooklyn-bases Catbird has its own jewelry line but they also resell from other New York jewelers. Both their own line and the featured brands create beautiful pieces that are unique but suitable for everyday wear.
Catbird jewelry pieces are manufactured in their own local studio in Brooklyn. The studio employs more than 40 people, it’s dog-friendly, and it seems like a great place to work. They don’t have anything to hide, you can even go check out the studio for yourself on the first Friday of every month!
The diamonds and metals Catbird uses are all either recycled or ethically-sourced.
At least 1% of Catbird’s sales are donated to non-profit organizations and charities that align with the brand’s core beliefs. They vote as a company on which organization to support.
Catbird manages to offer jewelry at an affordable price because of in-house production. They have been able to cut-out the middle-man which is win-win for both the brand and us, consumers too!
>>> SHOP AT CATBIRDNYC.COM >>>
Monica Vinader
Location: UK
Sustainability & Ethics: Responsible Jewellery Council member, ethically-sourced diamonds, charity
What to buy: statement jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: yes
Monica Vinader is a UK-based jewelry designer who makes everyday fine jewelry affordable and ethical. Her jewelry is bold and trendy, perfect for those cool statement pieces.
The brand only works with manufacturers (family-owned businesses) of the highest standard. Monica Vinader is part of the Responsible Jewellery Council and sets the standards high for herself and for the whole jewelry industry. She is committed to constantly reviewing and improving her process to maintain excellence.
All Monica Vinader jewelry is handmade by talented craftsmen. The brand also offers a 5-year warranty and lifetime repair.
They work with ethically-sourced, conflict-free diamonds. As for gold, they use gold vermeil, which is a special gold coating that makes the items more durable than solid gold.
The brand also supports charities that help to empower women and children in third world countries.
>>> SHOP AT MONICAVINADER.COM (AFFILIATE) >>>
See also in: 30 Eco-Fashion Brands From The UK We Can’t Stop Talking About
GLDN
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: made to order, in-house studio, charity
What to buy: dainty necklaces
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
GLDN believes that jewelry should be personal, something that has meaning to you. They are also of the opinion that quality jewelry should be available and affordable for the everyday woman.
The brand achieves this by manufacturing by local jewelers in its in-house studio. Everything they create is made to order, so no unnecessary waste is created. By having a local, in-house studio, GLDN has the advantage of being able to sell directly to the customers, without having a middleman which would definitely raise their prices.
GLDN is a believer in giving back and having a positive impact on the world. The brand donates 10% of its profit to organizations like the Global Fund for Women, the National Immigration Law Center, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
I love everything GLDN stands for! Empowering women through gorgeous pieces of jewelry, by providing ethical and local job opportunities to them, and by supporting organizations who work on empowering women and children.
31 Bits
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: ethically made by artisans in Bali and Uganda, fair wages, preserving tradition
What to buy: traditional pieces with a modern twist
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
The idea behind 31 Bits is to provide dignified jobs to artisans in Bali and Uganda and offer beautiful, on-trend, affordable, and ethically-made jewelry to customers.
The brand was founded by 3 college friends who realized what a great impact they can have on people’s lives by working with artisans in developing countries. They saw how amazing skills these craftsmen have so they provided them access to the global market. The artisans have meaningful, well-paying jobs in a supportive environment.
31 Bits designs jewelry which is modern and on-trend, but it brings into play the traditional techniques these craftsmen are so good at. This duality creates pieces that are truly unique and special, that have an interesting story to tell, and that you can wear with pride.
31 Bits pieces are great conversation starters about ethical fashion, fair wages, and tradition!
Machete
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: natural and renewable materials (bio-acetate), ethically sourced silver and gold, charity
What to buy: acetate hoop earrings
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Acetate jewelry, especially earrings are so hot right now! And our current obsession with them suggests that they are going to stay in style for a long time.
Machete is the king of ethically made and sustainable bio-acetate jewelry, but they also sell silver and gold pieces that are made with ethically sourced metals. Their jewelry and accessories are all handmade in one of their small studios around the world.
In addition to acetate, Machete also uses recycled brass, ethically sourced silver and gold, and hypoallergenic stainless steel (for earring posts).
The brand also committed to giving back. It contributes a portion of its profit to organizations such as SCAD Design for Sustainability Scholarship, Every Mother Counts, and Human Rights First.
Machete is a brand that is operating by example. They try to reduce waste in their offices as well, and they ship their products in sustainable packaging.
I love Machete because it proves that you can be trendy and sustainable at the same time!
>>> SHOP AT EXPRESS.COM (AFFILIATE) >>>
>>> SHOP AT SHOPMACHETE.COM >>>
Tribe Alive
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: empowering women in need, fair trade, designed to last
What to buy: minimalist jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Tribe Alive is an ethical and sustainable fashion brand that has a small collection of minimalist style, ethical jewelry. Their pieces are soft and feminine and they are made by artisans from all around the world.
The brand believes in a fashion industry that honors the makers and the Earth as much as the consumer. They measure their success by the positive impact they create in the world, instead of measuring it by the profit they earn.
Tribe Alive is a certified B Corporation and a member of the Fair Trade Federation. They started out with eight women in 2014 and today they provide a livelihood to over 280 artisans in Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, India, and Peru. And they are doing this all as ethically, sustainably, and transparently as possible.
Tribe Alive’s beautiful and elegant jewelry is perfect for today’s conscious women who are voting for a more kind and conscious future of fashion.
>>> SHOP AT TRIBEALIVE.COM >>>
Soko
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: certified B-Corp, ethically-made by artisans in Kenya, recycled brass
What to buy: statement jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Soko is an Americain jewelry company that provides ethical jobs to artisans in Kenya. The brand offers stylish and affordable jewelry which are also great conversation starters about ethical, fair-trade fashion.
The way the brand works is very different than what we’re used to. Kenyan artisans work as freelancers for Soko. They use the “virtual factory”, Soko’s mobile application to receive orders and payments. As a result, the craftsmen are able to earn five times more than the average jewelry workers in developing countries.
As the main material, Soko uses brass which is a more affordable alternative to gold. They repurpose brass purchased from local vendors to give it a new life. The brand recently started selling 24K gold-plated brass which gives the pieces a more polished and luxurious finish.
Soko jewelry is perfect for that everyday bling we all need in our lives.
>>> SHOP AT SHOPSOKO.COM (AFFILIATE) >>>
SiiZU
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: transparency, ethical factories, planting trees
What to buy: personalized jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
SiiZu is an ethical clothing brand that has a stunning jewelry collection. I especially love the pieces of jewelry you can personalize with your initials or other small charms.
The brand is working on creating beautiful, high-quality clothing and accessories with sustainability in mind at an affordable price. SiiZu also partners up with Americain Forest to plant trees and to lower the brand’s carbon footprint.
In addition, the brand donates 100% of the earnings from its Loyal Jewelry Collection to the non-profit Girl Rising. Girl Rising helps girls from all around the world to have a proper education.
SiiZu jewelry is made of 14K gold-plated brass and it is perfect for those special, personal pieces, or even gifts.
>>> SHOP AT SIIZU.COM (AFFILIATE) >>>
Boma
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: own ethical factory in Thailand, recycled silver and stones, charity
What to buy: minimalist jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Boma jewelry is delicate and minimalist. The brand believes in:
“Jewelry and values that are worthy to be passed to the next generation.”
The current CEO herself, Suzanne Vetiallart also took over the company from her parents. And she makes sure that the company has a positive impact on the world and on the people who work for them.
The brand owns a factory in Thailand which makes jewelry production easier, more ethical, and also more affordable. By working directly with jewelers, Boma can make sure that they work in proper conditions, for a fair wage. While they can also work with a much lower price than the average because they don’t have to pay for the middlemen. Boma workers receive at least a living wage, a 90-day maternity leave, education scholarships, and wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, and team sports.
Such a great company, such beautiful pieces of jewelry!
>>> SHOP AT BOMAJEWELRY.COM >>>
Hello Ashto
Location: Canada
Sustainability & Ethics: handmade, small business
What to buy: statement earrings
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Hello Ashto earrings are handmade by Ashton. She’s a graphic designer who had started making polymer clay earrings as a hobby. Her earrings have a minimalist aesthetic yet they are great statement pieces. I love how stylish they are!
>>> SHOP AT HELLOASHTO.COM >>>
Wild Fawn Jewellery
Location: UK
Sustainability & Ethics: handmade in in-house studio, recycled silver and gold, Fairtrade gold
What to buy: dainty rings and necklaces
Wedding & Engagement: coming soon
Men’s: no
Wild Fawn is a London-based jewelry brand that creates beautiful, feminine pieces. The brand uses solid silver and 9K gold which are either recycled or certified Fairtrade. Solid metals keep their colors for longer. Using solid materials instead of plating also has the advantage that the item can be melted and upcycled into new jewelry later.
Silver and gold are also hypoallergenic, so it may be better for people with sensitive skin.
The pieces are made to order and handmade in their own London studio by a small team. This helps reducing waste and it also keeps the prices low.
Wild Fawn pieces arrive in recycled or recyclable packaging (mostly paper).
If you’re looking for gorgeous handmade jewelry that is also sustainable, Wild Fawn Jewellery is the perfect brand for you!
>>> SHOP AT WILDFAWNJEWELLERY.COM >>>
See also in: 30 Eco-Fashion Brands From The UK We Can’t Stop Talking About
Mountainside
Location: USA
Sustainability & Ethics: handmade, made to order, sustainable materials
What to buy: timeless pieces
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Mountainside Jewelry combines traditional, organic forms and techniques with modern lifestyles and aesthetics. The vintage-inspired Mountainside pieces are bold, but they are also timeless. The brand has a wide selection of delicate and statement pieces that pair so well together. And their prices are also very reasonable!
The collections are handcrafted and made to order. The brand is against mass production and wants to celebrate the beauty, and uniqueness of each individual piece.
They use sustainable and ethically sourced materials such as conflict-free diamonds, recycled brass, or sterling silver.
Mountainside also has a “general store” both online and in their California store where you can find various lifestyle items from other ethical companies. It is definitely worth checking it out!
By purchasing Mountainside jewelry pieces you support a small, ethical business, and you help the designer, Amber Duncan, to continue creating gorgeous jewelry!
>>> SHOP AT MOUNTAINSIDEMADE.COM >>>
STUDIO ADORN
Location: UK
Sustainability & Ethics: recycled materials, in-house studio, small business
What to buy: minimalist silver jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Studio Adorn was founded in 2017 by British designer, Bonnie Doonan. She creates beautiful, minimalist jewelry for everyday wear. The pieces are simple, but they are far from being boring.
The brand uses recycled 9K gold for gold jewelry. And for the silver, you have the option to choose recycled eco silver, instead of regular silver for only a small difference in price.
Studio Adorn jewelry is made in Norwich, in the UK in a studio shared with other female creatives.
At Studio Adorn you can also customize your jewelry. You can commission the minimalist jewelry piece of your dreams crafted only for you (or someone you love)! It would make the perfect personalized gift!
Next time you’re looking for minimalist jewelry made from recycled gold or silver at an affordable price, don’t forget to check out Studio Adorn!
>>> SHOP AT STUDIOADORNJEWELLERY.COM >>>
See also in: 30 Eco-Fashion Brands From The UK We Can’t Stop Talking About
Nouare
Location: UK
Sustainability & Ethics: handmade, planting trees, recycled silver and gold
What to buy: pendent necklaces, create your own ring
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: yes
Nouare is a jewelry brand created by Marie B. She makes hand-crafted sustainable jewelry to empower women. The aesthetic of the brand is feminine, timeless, and versatile. Their pieces are also strong and durable, so they will last for a long time. You can also have your jewelry repaired which can prolong their lives even more. Nouare jewelry is very fairly priced so they are great for adding some everyday luxury to your life.
Nouare pieces are handmade in London with certified recycled gold, or silver. The brand also pledged to plant one tree per purchase. And even their packaging is eco-friendly. You receive your order in either a reusable cotton pouch or a recycled and recyclable box.
The brand’s core value is consuming less and thinking more. They want to promote more conscious consumption and buying pieces that last and make us feel positive and strong every day. And honestly, who could argue with that?
>>> SHOP AT NOUAREJEWELRY.COM >>>
See also in: 30 Eco-Fashion Brands From The UK We Can’t Stop Talking About
Use Less Jewelry
Location: Germany
Sustainability & Ethics: made to order, recycled or ethical materials, produced by a family-owned business
What to buy: timeless, minimalist jewelry
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Use Less Jewelry is the brand created by Danish, minimalist youtuber, Signe Hansen, also known as Use Less. She’s a promoter of slow fashion and a slow lifestyle. Her personal style also fits the Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. Use Less Jewelry is also very minimalistic in looks, and favors producing quality pieces that last a long time.
Every Use Less Jewelry piece is made to order in South Germany in a family-owned ethical business.
You have three options for materials: 925-sterling silver, 14K solid gold, or gold vermeil with 24K gold. Both the silver and the gold are either recycled or sourced from ethical companies that are part of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
The Use Less Jewelry collection is timeless, delicate, and most importantly very beautiful. Use less, buy better, and be more!
>>> SHOP AT USELESSJEWELRY.COM >>>
DZERVE
Location: Spain
Sustainability & Ethics: handmade, small business, recycled materials
What to buy: pendant necklaces for layering
Wedding & Engagement: no
Men’s: no
Dzerve is a sustainable jewelry brand from Mallorca, Spain. The delicate jewelry is inspired by nature: the sea, the sun, and the moon. Love how minimalistic, yet organic these pieces look. And they are also super affordable considered being handcrafted and sustainable.
Ieva, the founder of Dzerve makes her jewelry in her own home studio. She uses recycled silver and 9K recycled gold for her pieces. They come in sustainable packaging made of cardboard, paper, cotton, and linen, ready to be gifted.
Her stunning, dainty necklaces and rings are great for layering. And they would be a perfect addition to your sustainable jewelry collection!
>>> SHOP DZERVE ON ETSY.COM (AFFILIATE) >>>
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