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Our editors have worn and loved sustainable jewelry for years — these are our favorite brands for ethical, conflict-free engagement and wedding rings at a range of price points.
For socially conscious couples, an ethically sourced engagement ring is a must and, thankfully, there is a range of stunning and affordable options! When it comes time to pop the big question, we’re looking for jewelry that not only looks beautiful — but is also made with recycled or fair trade gold, as well as conflict-free diamonds and jewels.Â
Why choose ethical engagement and wedding rings?
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring, there are both human rights and environmental concerns to be considered. The harvesting of diamonds has a history of fueling conflict, and the mining of precious metals is often damaging to the environment. Beyond this, miners are frequently denied fair wages and adequate health and safety provisions.
Ethical rings, on the other hand, often come from suppliers adhering to fair trade principles, ensuring safe working conditions and fair pay, and investing in community development. Sustainable options like recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds help reduce environmental harm and ethical concerns surrounding traditional diamond and metal mining. Companies that are committed to ethical practices also provide transparency in their supply chains, offering peace of mind when it comes time to purchase your engagement or wedding ring. By choosing ethical jewelry, you’ll be presenting not only a commitment to your loved one, but a commitment to the planet and humanity!
Our criteria:
Our editors have cherished their own sustainable and ethical jewelry for years. For this list, we’ve compiled our favorite jewelers with ethical commitments so your engagement or wedding ring can be stunning, conflict-free, and even affordable. We continually add new favorites to the list that meet the following criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE | These ethical jewelry brands take sustainability seriously ensuring each of their jewelry pieces are made with eco-friendly materials like recycled gold and gemstones.Â
- ETHICAL & CONFLICT-FREE | Each one of these ethical jewelry brands strictly uses only conflict-free diamond and gemstones in their jewelry, whether certified by the Kimberly process or grown in a lab.Â
- AFFORDABLE | Gold and diamond jewelry can be expensive, so we’ve included plenty of affordable options on this list that don’t sacrifice on quality and ethics.
Additionally, second hand rings from auction sites like eBay, vintage finds on Etsy, and online or local consignment shops are a great option if you’re looking for something that’s new-to-you without the new carbon footprint.
For further sustainable wedding brands, check out our guide to men’s ethical wedding bands and eco-friendly wedding dresses!
Best For | Conflict-free gemstones
Features | Beyond Conflict Free diamonds, conflict-free & ethical gemstones, lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals, fairmined gold, design your own engagement ring
Price Range | $1,990 – $6,690+
Brilliant Earth is a pioneer in ethical jewelry, one of the first to provide traceability and always going above and beyond the industry benchmarks of conflict-free gems. They adhere to strict guidelines for mining practices and standards that ensure their gems have ethical and environmentally responsible origins. If the provenance of your diamond is something you care about, you will have no trouble tracing your Brilliant Earth gem: Claims for natural diamonds, recycled gold, and recycled diamonds are independently audited and verified, so you know you can trust them!
Customer Review | “Brilliant Earth has a wide range of diamonds to offer, with ten different styles, multiple carats, cuts, and colors. Their selection of Lab Diamonds and Lab Created Colored Diamonds is unmatched.” – Your Diamond Guru (Read all reviews.)
The Good Trade Partner
Best For | Unique & antique rings
Features | Recycled, upcycled & vintage rings, ethically-sourced diamonds & gemstones, lab grown diamonds, handmade engagement rings
Price Range | Varies
One of the simplest ways to become more sustainable (and create less waste) is to wear and use your items for longer. And this can include your jewelry! On Etsy, engagement rings from all over the world are given a second life. As shoppers can filter their options by desired gemstone, shape, band material, price, and more, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. Some of our favorites include Estate Antique Jewelry, Cileone Jewelry, and Pebble and Polish. Etsy also offsets 100 percent of carbon emissions from shipping, so every time you make a purchase you’re creating a positive environmental impact.
Customer Review | “Gorgeous ring made for a memorable anniversary gift. Great, super prompt shipping and friendly service. Highly recommended!” – buzzanderson (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Affordable rings for all genders
Features | Responsibly sourced lab grown diamonds, carbon neutral lab grown diamonds, recycled gold & silver,
Price Range | $598 – $3,800
Mejuri’s fine jewelry is more than just “fine”… it’s impeccable. In addition to everyday pieces, you can find engagement rings and bands for all genders. Rings are made with ethically sourced natural gemstones and conflict-free diamonds – and 80 percent of gold used is recycled with the other 20 percent certified responsible. (Read more in our Mejuri review). Production takes place around the world including Canada, India, Italy, and Korea where makers have safe and fair working environments. Mejuri also gives back to women and nonbinary folks through its Empowerment Fund. Get a ring that will have a lifetime of memories and impact.
Customer Review | “I have purchased several items from Mejuri including rings, earrings, necklaces and charms. The quality is excellent, the pieces are worn daily and both myself and the people I have gifted to enjoy their beauty and resilience to everyday wear.” – Laura (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Lifetime diamond upgrade & diamond price matching programs
Features | 100 percent responsibly-mined conflict-free diamonds, gemstone options, build-your-own-ring
Price Range | $1,910 – $12,400+
Founded in 1999, Blue Nile was one of the first jewelers offering high-quality diamonds at great value through their innovative online business model. The company prioritizes transparency and exceptional service, through their team of non-commissioned jewelry experts that are dedicated to customer excellence. Blue Nile handcrafts their engagement rings and fine jewelry at their New York headquarters, helping you design the perfect pieces for any occasion. They solely utilize ethically-sourced diamonds that are 100% conflict-free and compliant with the Kimberley process. Blue Nile stands out from the rest through their diamond price-match guarantee and a lifetime upgrade programs for GIA-graded diamonds, ultimately highlighting their commitment to being your trusted jeweler for life!
Customer Review | “The ease of picking a diamond and band was so easy it was incredible. I went browsing at local shops and NOTHING compares to the quality selection you get with Blue Nile. Don’t waste your time with these retail stores, Blue Nile makes it easy and their representatives are super friendly and are amazing people.” – Bryan R. (Read all reviews.)
The Good Trade Partner
Best For | Customized & cluster rings
Features | Fairmined gold, traceable gemstones, reclaimed metals, recycled diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, personalized rings
Price Range | $70 – $11,430+
A longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and worldwide marriage equality, Philadelphia- and Brooklyn-based jeweler Bario Neal can craft custom rings truly reflective of our relationships — from personalizations to reworking heirloom materials. The women-owned company also uses recycled metals, traceable stones, and Fairmined certified gold for its handmade pieces. And we don’t know anyone who can curate a cluster ring quite like this. If you’re feeling a little lost on how to even start ring shopping, we spoke with Bario Neal to determine some helpful questions to guide your journey!
Customer Review | “I’ve been shopping at Bario Neal since before they had a storefront. I have a variety of pieces from them from fine to fun and they always deliver on values, quality, and design. I wish there were a business like Bario Neal in every domain. Then we could shop freely and know we were doing little harm and getting great products.” – Amanda F. (Read all reviews.)
The Good Trade Partner
Best For | Minimalist wedding bands made in the USA
Features | Ethically-sourced diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold, bespoke rings
Price Range | $560 – $4,500
Aurate believes you shouldn’t have to choose between high quality, fair pricing, and doing good when it comes to purchasing jewelry. The brand goes beyond the Kimberley Process and tracks every natural diamond from mine to its local New York workshop to ensure it comes from verifiably ethical and environmentally sound sources; you can also choose from lab-grown diamonds if that’s your preference. Every ring comes with a certificate of authenticity, and Aurate’s proceeds regularly support orgs like Mastery Charter and She Should Run.
Customer Review | “This ring was much lovelier and heavier than I expected for the “mini” ring. Very nice quality!” – Judith F. (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Variety of designers & styles
Features | Recycled gold, conflict-free stones, personalized rings
Price Range | $230 – $13,800
Catbird has been based out of Brooklyn for the last 18 years, and the brand only keeps growing. Many pieces are handmade in a small Brooklyn studio, using recycled gold, while all of the stones are conflict-free. Its inventory of engagement rings is crafted by a variety of designers like Erstwhile, Gillian Conroy, and Kataoka, in addition to the Catbird Wedding line. Named after princesses, swans, and fairytales, your partner will feel like royalty with one of these beautiful and exquisite pieces.
Customer Review | “Every package I get from Catbird is an event. It’s nicely wrapped, with charming extras, and the jewelry itself is polished, beautiful, dainty, and surprisingly durable. (I wear my necklace and rings every day, and I’m a teacher.) Just wanted to say thank you for your attention to detail. Your entire team, from design to execution to packaging & shipping, is outstanding.With love, from a happy customer.” – D. (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Custom rings
Features | Fair trade & recycled metals, Canadamark diamonds, Diamond Time Lapse diamonds, ethically-sourced diamonds
Price Range | $840 – $15,195+
An utterly bespoke process, we love that Taylor & Hart walks you through creating your perfect piece. The company goes beyond the Kimberley Process to ensure that the diamonds are conflict-free, and believes that by purchasing an ethically crafted ring, one of the greatest moments of your life can also be a small step towards a better world. Taylor & Hart will work closely with you through personal consultation to design the perfect ring within four weeks.
Customer Review | “The whole process was really easy and the delivery was on time. Customer service were great answering any questions and I would highly recommend them as the final product is perfect!” – Nick (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Designer collections, loose diamonds, lifetime warranty, 24/7 customer service
Features | Custom rings, 500,00+ certified conflict-free diamonds,
Price Range | $620 – $6,290+
Since 2006, the four minds behind James Allen have turned the brand from an idea to the largest privately held online diamond retailer worldwide. With more than 200,000 conflict-free diamonds, every setting imaginable, pre-made designer collections, and even loose diamonds, you can create the ring of your dreams with confidence. Even better: James Allen offers 24/7 customer service with real-time inspection, so you can see what gemologists are seeing. There’s a 100 percent money-back guarantee if you’re not happy for any reason. It’s no secret why James Allen has grown to be one of the most reputable conflict-free retailers in the world.
Customer Review | “You will never be able to select diamonds from a larger inventory at a brick and mortar. I hand-picked my stone and designed the ring just as I envisioned it and it came out perfect. Thank you James Allen!” – Nygil F. (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Simple, clean styles
Features | Custom, made-to-order engagement rings, American lab-grown diamonds, GIA diamond grades
Price Range | $900 – $3,300+
Committed to transparency and quality, Vrai (truth in French; gold in Spanish) crafts engagement rings without the markups. The collection includes pieces with either white or black diamonds, stacking rings, and various stone sizes, striking the perfect balance between simple and unique. Made in the USA with lab-created diamonds from Diamond Foundry (also made in the USA), getting back to basics has never been easier.
Best For | One-of-a-kind rings
Features | Recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, bespoke rings, antique diamonds
Price Range | $1,450 – $42,000
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly ring, Sofia Kaman has a lot to offer. Whether you want a band made of recycled metal or an antique gem that won’t result in any additional environmental costs, the company’s selections are romantic, modern, and everything in between. And they’re all handcrafted in Los Angeles. When it comes to diamonds, Sofia Kaman sources its stones through dealers who abide by the Kimberley Process and can guarantee them to be conflict-free. Or, you can work with the company to create a custom ring using a lab-grown diamond that was made with renewable energy!
Best For | Responsibly sourced diamond alternatives
Features | Custom orders, heirloom reworks, moissanite & gemstone rings
Price Range | $350 – $15,750
If mainstream diamonds aren’t your best friend, we recommend Valerie Madison’s gorgeous alternative engagement rings. The brand’s rings and bands are made with recycled gold and diamonds, ethically sourced gems, and diamond alternatives such as lab-produced Moissanite. Choose from an array of pre-made stunners, or create a custom one of your own (see past custom orders here), with beautiful options like salt & pepper diamonds, teal sapphires, or lavender spinel. If you live near Seattle, you can also schedule a consultation or pick-up at Valerie Madison’s new showroom in the Madrona neighborhood to further lower your carbon footprint.Â
Customer Review | “We bought my husband’s wedding band from Valerie Madison, and he gets compliments for it on a daily basis! We are so grateful to have a unique band. The VM team was very helpful through the whole process, all their jewelry is truly stunning.” – Jordan Field (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Signet & gemstone rings
Features | Ethically-sourced & reclaimed materials & diamonds
Price Range | $79 – $3,066
Catori Life crafts ethically made jewelry right here in the USA using the most unique reclaimed materials. From natural diamonds, to black tourmaline, to larimar, and even ancient grey diamonds, there’s no shortage of making a statement with one of these exceptional rings! The brand explains the intention behind the use of each metal and stone, revealing just how much thought goes into the creation process of each item of jewelry. Your purchase also supports causes like 1% for the planet and the Eden Reforestation Project.
Customer Review | “I love all of my pieces from Catori. This is no exception. 🩷“ – Cara E. (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Extra-thin or extra-chunky rings
Features | Custom & heirloom designs, responsibly sourced materials
Price Range | $240 – $11,950+
Stared by Wing Yau in 2012, WWAKE was built with the dream to “merge art with the intimacy of jewelry.” That ethos shines through most clearly in its unique line of wedding and engagement rings. Whether you prefer delicate bands with beautiful gemstones or chunky rings with a standout diamond, WWAKE makes options for every hand (or partner!). Every piece is handmade in its NYC to keep its carbon footprint as low as possible. Schedule a virtual consultation, stop by its Brooklyn studio, or see its inventory at Catbird — one of our other favorites for romantic jewelry.
Best For | Antique-inspired designs
Features | Fairmined gold, ethically sourced & conflict-free diamonds, custom rings
Price Range | $175 – $10,500
If art-deco spaces, Victorian-era jewelry, and Grecian design make your heart swoon, then you’ll love Jennie Kwon Designs. With a focus on “thoughtful jewelry with a soul,” this sustainable brand carries hundreds of stunners and made-to-order pieces for that special one in your life. Only ethically sourced and conflict-free stones as well as fair trade and Fairmined gold are used, so you can rest easy and support this woman-owned and led brand.
Customer Review | “Hello, I would just to love to say thank you for my beautiful engagement ring, it couldn’t be more beautiful or perfect. You made the process of coming in and finding this truly a wonderful experience for us. Thank you so much!!!”– Anonymous (Read all reviews.)
Best For | Minimalist engagement bands that are size- & gender-inclusive
Features | Recycled metals & gemstones, lab-made stones, custom rings
Price Range | $269 – $2,400+
Automic Gold is redefining what it means to be inclusive, and we are here for it. This queer-owned brand handcrafts all sorts of sustainable fine jewelry out of its NYC studio, including earrings, necklaces, and of course, wedding rings. Responsibly sourced, all gold is certified recycled, diamonds are completely natural, and gemstones are ethically mined — and it’s all well-priced! Offering customization, engraving, and inclusive size options (2 – 16), there are rings for every gender, size, and style.
Featured image is from James Allen
