Shopping·7 min read

Sustainable Jewelry Pieces You’ll Want to Add to Cart ASAP

recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds
Design: theSkimm | Image: Bario Neal, Plum Diamonds, Mathilde
June 13, 2023

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There’s no wrong time to upgrade your accessory game. But when you’re in the market for ethically-sourced and sustainable jewelry, not just anything can make the cut. If you’re looking for pieces made with everything from recycled gold to lab-grown diamonds, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of our favorite stackable, statement, and everyday gems to start (or complete) your collection.

Lab-grown diamonds
Plum Diamonds

An HQ’r favorite band with inlaid diamonds…

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your classic band for a while, this pretty version from Plum Diamonds should be a serious contender. (One of our editors hasn’t taken it off since she got it.) You can choose from two different band designs, six settings, and four metal options, all crafted with ethically-sourced, lab-created diamonds. You’ll also get free resizing for life. Shine on. Pssst... get $100 off any purchase of $500+ with code SKIMM"(valid through 8/31). ($1,090+, Plum Diamonds

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recycled gold hoop earring
Maison Miru

A studded hoop designed for your cartilage…

Made from recycled solid 14k gold, this studded hoop will add just the right amount of pizzazz to your ear stack. It comes in two gauge sizes and two traditional sizes, great for piercings that haven’t fully healed. For a less expensive option, try the medical grade titanium version. Note: Each earring is sold individually. ($220, Maison Miru)

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Clip on charm
Matilde

A clip-on charm with lab-grown diamonds…

Celebrate yourself or a friend with this tiny symbol of female empowerment. It’s got recycled gold, nine lab-grown diamonds, and — our favorite part — a clasp detail that’ll let you transfer your pendant from one necklace to another. ($366, Matilde)

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Rainbow pendant sustainable jewelry
Bario Neal

A rainbow pendant to show your pride…

Each piece from Bario Neal is handmade with traceable gems, reclaimed metals and materials, and fair-mined gold. Customizations are available through the brand’s questionnaire. And for the month of June, 15% of all sales from the Rainbow Collection will be donated to The Attic Youth Center. ($580, Bario Neal)

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cross stud
VRAI

A stud with a sparkly cross design…

This cross is cut from one single block of VRAI’s created diamond crystal and set in a 14k gold stud. You can buy individual earrings or a set, and there’s a matching pendant that’s even been blessed by Pope Francis if you’re really looking to stun. ($1,800+, VRAI)

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Signet ring recycled gold
Vrai

A signet ring you can customize with your initial…

We love when a classic gets an upgrade (to the tune of 20 pavé sustainably-grown diamonds circling the engraved initial in the center). It comes in three different metal options, and looks great stacked with this V-shaped band. ($1,500, VRAI)

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Sustainable jewelry bracelet
Bario Neal

A dainty bracelet with a pop of color…

We can’t get enough of this understated bangle. It’s got a rustic, hammered look, an asymmetrical design, and a small blue glass enamel detail that you’ll fall in love with, too. It’s handcrafted from reclaimed sterling silver, and you can even try it on virtually to seal the deal. ($490, Bario Neal)

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Mini hoops recycled gold
Quince

Mini hoops that make a big statement…

Wear an individual one in your healed cartilage piercing or buy a set for your lobes. Either way, you’ll love the tiny colored stones that take these hoops to the next level. Choose from white sapphire, blue sapphire, or ruby options, all set in responsibly sourced 14k gold. ($49.90, Quince

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Lab-grown Diamonds
Plum Diamonds

A lab-grown take on classic diamond studs…

If you’re just starting out on your diamond journey, these simple studs should be the first thing you add to your collection. They come in seven different sizes — all the way up to three carats — and are available in either white or yellow gold. ($690+, Plum Diamonds)

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Recycled gold
Quince

A diamond ring perfect for stacking…

It’s thin, dainty, and a subtle accent to any ring finger. The band is slightly open, with both sides ending in points facing each other. It’s studded with round-cut diamonds and crafted with 14k gold. We recommend pairing it with this gold curb chain ring, or this chunky ring that’s plated with a thick layer of 18K gold. ($399.90, Quince)

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Lab-Grown Diamond Pendant
VRAI

A customizable pendant necklace perfect for gifting…

Or treating yourself — whatever you’ve got on your shopping to-do list. This one comes with a .25ct round stone diamond attached to a silver bar that can be engraved with your name, a giftee’s name, or a phrase (up to 12 characters long). ($295, VRAI)

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