Good As Gold: Sustainably-Sourced Engagement Rings
Diamonds are forever, but the toll of sourcing precious stones and metals can be, too. The good news? Plenty of jewelers are committed to using ethically and sustainably sourced materials. Consider us your guides to sustainable style.
Honor your commitment to each other & the Earth
Picture credit (left to right): @octaviaelizabeth & @valeriemadisonjewelry
Solitaire
Nestled on a quiet corner in Jersey City, Love Locked specializes in conflict-free stones, repurposed goods, and fair-trade merchandise. This ring is a classic solitaire with modern flair, showcasing a center moissanite (a sustainable, conflict-free, very sparkly stone), but brides—or their betrothed—can also opt for a lab-grown or naturally-mined diamond.
Love Locked “Whitney” ring in 14k rose gold with moissanite, $1,420 at Love Locked
Square
Trained at the London School of Jewelry and the New Approach School, Octavia Elizabeth founded her sustainably-focused brand in Los Angeles. Octavia’s commitment to high ethical standards (including limited carbon emissions), fair working conditions and living wages throughout her supply chain, and conflict-free stones shines through in her work, like this Ascher-cut square diamond ring.
Octavia Elizabeth “Louisa” engagement ring, price upon request at Octavia Elizabeth
*This item is sold out.
Halo
This showstopper sports a stunning Russian emerald and a shining halo (designed to sit flush with a wedding band) of conflict-free diamonds mined in Canada. But Seattle-based Valerie Madison doesn’t stop there. The designer also exclusively uses recycled metals.
Valerie Madison “Marisol” engagement ring with Russian emerald and diamonds, $4,395 (was $5,490) at Valerie Madison
Pear
If you haven’t heard of New York’s under-the-radar ManiaMania, allow us to introduce you to this cult favorite of cool girls like Dree Hemingway and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld. The brand specializes in alternative bridal and commitment pieces with a conscious approach to fine jewelry. Repurposed antique diamonds, recycled gold, ethical, conflict-free stones, sustainable practices—they’re on it.
ManiaMania engagement ring in 14k rose gold with pear-cut morganite and diamonds, $2,400 (was $2,725) at B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers
Marquis
Brilliant Earth is one of the standard-bearers of sustainable jewelry, setting their own protocols above and beyond industry practices. They offer blockchain-enabled diamonds (read: you can trace each stone’s origin and ownership) and use 100% recycled precious metals. Those looking for customization can hand-pick everything from diamond cut and carat, to metals from white, yellow, rose gold, and platinum.
Brilliant Earth “Cometa” engagement ring in platinum, from $1,490 at Brilliant Earth
Square
Jennie Kwon refers to her work as “quiet luxury,” but don’t mistake her understated style for a lack of high-grade sparkle. Using only ethically-sourced and conflict-free stones, and fair-mined and fair-trade gold, the detail in her designs will take your breath away.
Jennie Kwon “Rc Square Diamond Dew” ring in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, $6,200 at Jennie Kwon
Editor: Samantha Durbin
Wordsmith: Rebecca Daly
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