Signs that a Jewelry Brand is Moral and Ethical 

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The jewelry industry has a fuzzy history when it comes to sourcing, supply chains, treatment of workers, and other issues related to morality and ethics. 

It’s not our role to judge or condemn, but it’s hard to ignore some of the issues that have been spotlighted in the past few years, especially as social media sheds light on the situation. 

While we might not be able to change the world with the flick of a magic wand or a tweet from our phone, we can definitely make more conscious choices as consumers and give our business to the creators who are setting a higher ethical standard. 

Here are seven signs that a jewelry brand is on the right moral track and setting a better precedent for industry ethics moving forward. 

1. A Strong and Realistic Mission Statement

Every brand tries to claim the moral high ground, but it’s our job as consumers to see through the PR and determine if a jewelry company is really on the noble path. 

It helps to focus on the mission statement of a particular brand and see how it follows through with more than just words. 

Does the company support real causes that are relatable and transparent? Can you identify how and where they source and produce their materials? Is there a clear path you can track from the beginning to the end of the supply chain? 

These are the questions you should be comfortable asking, and you’ll learn investigative techniques over time as you discover more. 

“It’s a bit like solving a mystery as you piece together the complete picture of a brand and its mission statement, especially in the jewelry world where things aren’t always as they appear,” said Omid Semino, CEO and Founder of Diamond Mansion. “You’ll assemble a list of resources and reliable media outlets that can help you sort the good from the bad, and that effort will pay off when you discover brands you can fully trust.” 

Finding ethical jewelry brands will take work, but as long as you make the commitment to expand your worldview, the process becomes easier and more intuitive. 

2. Minimizing Environmental Impact

We live in a world where every decision we make sends a ripple effect throughout the environment, whether it’s transportation, food choices, and the jewelry we buy. 

Ethical jewelry brands make a sustained effort to minimize environmental impact in their production process, from the sourcing of materials to manufacturing and distribution. 

While you may not be able to find a jewelry maker that claims 100% net-zero carbon emissions, there are certainly brands that pride themselves on environmental awareness and activism. 

“Your best bet is to buy from smaller brands that don’t rely on destructive industrial processes and materials that are harmful to the environment,” said Olivia Young, Head of Product Design at Conscious Items. “You can also find companies that pledge to support certain foundations or give a certain percentage of their profits to a cause. We are proud to be associated with the Trees for the Future program, which helps us plant one tree for every product sold.” 

Not only can you feel good about wearing jewelry that comes from a compassionate place, but you also have the benefit of helping the natural world thrive and survive as a result. 

3. Putting People First (Economics and Community)

Environmental consciousness is certainly vital, but our shopping decisions also have a major impact on global economies and communities of people who source and produce these jewelry products around the world. 

While it’s only natural to want to support brands that put people first, it’s difficult to know whether a company is doing more harm than good. 

This requires us to learn more about the interconnected nature of supply chains and where our money is really going at the end of the day. 

“We can’t know exactly how our consumer choices impact the global ecosystem of economics, and how certain communities are impacted for better or worse,” said Yuvi Alpert, Founder and CEO of Noémie. “However, we can do some digging and find out which materials and practices are beneficial for economic growth in different parts of the world, and which ones are more associated with conflict or exploitation. It’s about making those small decisions that have big implications on a global scale.” 

This is your chance to not only learn about different materials and manufacturing techniques, but also to discover which companies are leading the charge for ethical sourcing and production. 

4. An Emphasis on Story

Why buy from a multi-national, faceless jewelry brand when you can have something made from the heart with a real background story and a sense of authentic passion for the craft? 

This doesn’t guarantee that the jewelry itself is 100% ethical by nature, but by supporting independent creators, you bring their vision to life and avoid fueling the global jewelry machine that may not live up to your moral standards. 

“I like jewelry to tell a story and to be able to talk about what I’m wearing,” said Actress and Influencer Nikki Reed. “That’s more important to me than a name, brand, or label.”  

Remember to always read the “about page” on a company website and get the real story behind the jewelry. You never know what you might discover. 

5. Natural, Sustainable Materials

We’re all naturally attracted to diamonds, gold, and other precious metals and stones from the earth. On the flip side, we know that these materials are not exactly sustainable, and they often come with negative implications for economies and environments. 

It may be time to switch up our priorities and focus on alternative materials that are equal in beauty, but are simply better for the earth and its people overall. 

“The pearl is an indicator of the health of the planet,” said Native American Author Joyce Hifler. “Upon its lustrous surface, every typhoon, every change in water temperature, every current caused by a dynamite blast, and every nuance in the cleanliness of the water is recorded. It falls on the highly skilled pearl farmer to act as a steward of creation.” 

You can still enjoy those gold links from time to time, but why not branch out and expand your horizons with unexpected materials you may learn to enjoy even more? 

6. Transparency and Honesty

The way we do one thing is the way we do everything. That’s an old self-improvement adage that holds true in the world of jewelry and business ethics in general. 

If you are treated exceptionally well as a customer, it probably means that the brand is also in good moral standing with its sources, producers, and all the other components necessary for sustainable success. 

“Ethical jewelry is about the transparency in the process and the attention given to the communication between the customer and the business,” said Adelle Archer, CEO and Co-Founder of Eterneva. “Our focus has always been on the customer experience, and the trust we build with them through our practice of putting them first. Honesty and openness about our business is essential to who we are and what we do and plays a critical role for any business to adhere to the highest ethical standards.” 

The next time you interface with a jewelry brand, ask yourself: “how am I being treated?” You may learn something new about the company as a whole and how it treats the world around it. 

7. Steering Away from Fast Fashion

Don’t be mistaken – we are just as guilty as anyone for indulging in fast fashion, and that includes the jewelry marketplace. But as we try to detach ourselves from that instant gratification culture, we learn more about ourselves in the process. 

“Fast fashion is more about the consumer than the companies involved or the industry at large,” said Jordan Duran, Founder and Designer for 6 Ice. “We all need to learn that quality is better than quantity, and realize that it feels better on every level to make ethical purchases, even if the cost is a bit higher. We’re always going to pay a price, either way, whether that’s with our wallets or our sense of morality, so make a wise choice and stick with the ethical path forward.” 

We’re happy to see the world of jewelry turning over a new leaf as the younger generations support ethical business. This is one industry to watch as it undergoes some significant changes in the years to come. 


This content is provided by an independent source for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Consult an attorney or financial advisor when making decisions. This information is provided by legal writers and does not reflect the views or opinions of The Daily Sundial editorial staff.