10 Fine Jewelry Brands For The Everyday Minimalist
Minimalist Jewelry Made Responsibly
When it comes to jewelry, we find that choosing minimalist pieces is worth the investment. As fashion trends change rapidly (hello, fast fashion), fine jewelry evokes a sense of eternal style; simplicity is always in.
These brands craft the very best in fine jewelry while also adhering to sustainable standards, and they all focus on ethical production and using recycled and upcycled materials. So what are you waiting for? Add some everyday sparkle with one of these sustainable and stylish fine jewelry pieces. Jewelry also makes a meaningful holiday gift—whether it’s for your loved one or for yourself. 😉 Be sure to check out our full guide to sustainable gifts for 2021, and for the less-is-more person on your list, here’s our guide to gifts for minimalists.
Looking for the perfect *special occasion* piece? Here are our favorite conflict-free and fair trade engagement rings. 💍
1. Mejuri
Gift a loved one—or yourself—one of Mejuri’s fine jewelry essentials. This team-wide favorite (read our Mejuri review!) ethically sources its gold, diamonds, and stones, and offers extended 60 day returns and warranties on most pieces. For a milestone gift, you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous Pave Diamond Round Necklace. For a simpler and more affordable staple, consider the Croissant Dome Ring, inspired by classic Parisian style.
Shop | $25+
2. Bario Neal
For thoughtful sourcing and style, you can’t beat Bario Neal. The women-owned handmade jeweler is an industry leader when it comes to ethics: its metals are recycled, its stones traceable from mine to market, and its gold Fairmined certified. From textured bands and hammered bracelets to enamel ear studs and pendant necklaces, you can expect peak quality and consideration. (We personally love the organic texture of the stackable Reticulated Four Band and this octagon-cut emerald necklace.) A maker of engagement and wedding rings too, the jeweler is a longtime supporter of LGBTQIA rights and worldwide marriage equality. (They also offer custom services, from personalizations to reusing heirloom materials.) Love is love is love—and we love Bario Neal.
Shop | $110+
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3. Nisolo
Nisolo’s jewelry is both modern and minimalist, yet its curves and shapes are sure to stand out. This certified B Corp ensures that all pieces are ethically made, and makers enjoy living wages and fair working conditions. (And everything here is carbon-neutral, too!) The Link Earrings are a supersized version of today’s paperclip trend, and the Classic Collar is a sleek accent piece to any outfit.
Shop | $20+
4. Boden
Boden’s jewelry will leave you dazzled. This UK sustainable brand uses responsibly sourced materials for its apparel and jewelry collections, including metal, glass, and gold. The Jewelled Chandelier Earrings will steal the show wherever you go, thanks to the sparkling stones, and the Hammered Beaded Hoop Earrings will add just the pop you need. Boden ships worldwide.
Shop | £30+
5. B.YELLOWTAIL x Faherty
Sustainable brand Faherty has teamed up with Native brand B.YELLOWTAIL for a truly gorgeous jewelry collection. These pieces are ethically made by Indigenous makers and their families, and help shine a light on Native art and design. The Molina Mosaic Earrings are a colorful step up from your everyday wear, while the Huckleberry Fringe Earrings come with a bit of weight. Whatever you choose, you’ll be turning more heads than just your own.
Shop | $104+
6. Automic Gold
Automic Gold is raising the (gold) bar when it comes to sustainability, inclusivity, and identity. This queer-owned studio works with only 100 percent reclaimed solid gold and ethically mined gemstones for everyday accessories for all genders and sizes—ranging from size 2 to 16 in rings. The Butch Ring is a showstopper on its own but can be used as a stacking ring, and the nose rings like the Double Circle Septum (for pierced or non-pierced noses!) add flair to any face.
Shop | $39+
7. Catbird
Catbird works with dozens of artisans in-house and independent designers like Erica Weiner, Wwake, and Kataoka, and all materials are ethically sourced and conflict-free. At least one percent of sales are donated each year, chosen entirely by employees—with over $1,000,000 donated and counting. Our favorite pieces to put on (and never take off!) include the customizable Famous Letter Ring and the Tinsel Choker.
Shop | $14+
8. Nyrelle
Nyrelle’s mission is to create 100 percent traceable fine jewelry, including natural gems, certified conflict-free diamonds, and fair trade and recycled gold. (To help make that possible, Nyrelle has a lifetime buyback guarantee where they’ll recycle your piece into something new and buy it back for 20 percent of the purchase price!) We love this conscious fine jewelry brand’s capsule collections, engravable pieces, and best-sellers like the Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelet and the Emerald Cut White Sapphire Necklace.
Shop | $50+
9. Linjer
Fine gold rings with pearls? Luxury eco-conscious diamond necklaces? Linjer has it all—and at affordable prices! This sustainable brand ethically and responsibly sources its materials and offsets carbon emissions from every order. Team favorites include the Ilse Ring made with gold vermeil and white topaz, Kirsten Pearl Huggies, and the collection of Zodiac Charm Necklaces.
Shop | $20+
10. Fenna&Fei
Acetate jewelry and hair accessories are back in—think tortoiseshell clips and color-blocked earrings. But not all acetate jewelry is sustainable. Fenna&Fei however uses eco-friendly plant cellulose acetate instead, with nature-inspired colors. Millennials and Gen Z (and beyond!) are sure to love these colorful, conscious looks, like the Jelly Hoops or the Potpourri French Claws.
Shop | $7+
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