Here’s how to find gems and jewels that are better for the planet and its people, and 15 companies to check out for your next stylish statement piece. It’s a lot to consider, but Dittmer and Jones helped us break it down into five criteria to look for: Jewelry that is made from recycled material is almost guaranteed to be lower in impact than a brand-new piece since it doesn’t contribute to extractive mining. One recent lifestyle assessment on recycled gold1, for example, found that it was 300 times better than primary production in terms of its energy demand and global warming potential. While most jewelry companies source their recycled material from within the jewelry supply chain, some are now using materials from other industries like tech (think computer parts and circuit boards). This can be a tricky business, but shopping from local artisans tends to be the most transparent choice. When expanding your search outward, some certification programs verify the supply chain of jewels that have been imported to the U.S. (more on those below). First created in the 1950s, the stones mimic true gems very well, and large jewelers are taking notice: Pandora, for example, just launched its own lab-grown collection. “I have not worked with any pieces personally, but from my research, it appears the process is often able to avoid social and environmental conflicts, lessen harsh community impacts, decrease energy and resources usage, improve quality, and is often more affordable,” says Dittmer. “Overall they appear to have great value, and I would love to see more companies explore and expand this movement.” While those plastic throwaways you see in the checkout aisle might be more affordable at first, their price per wear is probably comparable to more expensive pieces that will last you a lifetime. However, these are a few well-known labels and processes that seek to certify ethical and sustainable jewelry in the U.S. They’re not perfect, but they do add some much-needed transparency to the industry and can help guide your search: Gold pieces require more fossil fuels and electricity to create and tend to lead to chemical runoff that can damage natural ecosystems. So if you’re going to go for the gold, just make sure it’s recycled.
