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We’ve researched our favorite sustainable jewelry brands for the best birthstone jewelry pieces — these are our top ethical picks for their quality and timeless design.
With a rise in nameplate necklaces, initial rings, and birthstone collections, it’s clear that we want our jewelry to mean something to us. That’s why we love strutting our favorite gemstone jewelry and gifting birthstone pieces to our loved ones, because the meaning behind the stone makes the piece that more thoughtful. Don’t know your birthstone? Use this chart to find yours and learn more about it! Then look to the sustainable jewelry brands below and find the jewelry that speaks to you, whether it’s a crystal necklace, opal ring, or sapphire bracelet.
Why should I shop for ethical jewelry?
Shopping for ethical jewelry isn’t just about adding beautiful pieces to your collection — it’s about making a statement for people and the planet. Conventional jewelry production is often tied to harmful mining practices, unsafe working conditions, and serious environmental damage. Ethical jewelry brands, on the other hand, prioritize fair wages, safe labor, and transparent supply chains that respect human rights from mine to market. When it comes to gemstones, ethical sourcing ensures that these stunning stones aren’t linked to conflict, exploitation, or environmental harm. Many ethical jewelers use traceable or lab-grown gems, reclaimed materials, and recycled metals, so you can sparkle with confidence knowing your jewelry reflects your values. By choosing ethical jewelry, you’re supporting a movement that’s as dedicated to beauty and craftsmanship as it is to sustainability and social responsibility — proving that the best accessories don’t just look good, they do good.
Why is ethical and sustainable jewelry more expensive?
Ethical and sustainable jewelry often comes with a higher price tag — and for good reason. Unlike mass-produced pieces that cut corners on materials and labor, ethical jewelers prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing at every step of the process. When it comes to gemstones, ethical brands use traceable, conflict-free, or even lab-grown stones, which require careful vetting and often cost more to produce than conventional gems. Sustainable jewelry also relies on high-quality recycled or responsibly mined metals, further reducing environmental harm but increasing costs. In short, you’re not just paying for a shiny accessory; you’re investing in transparent supply chains, environmental stewardship, and human dignity. So while the upfront cost might be higher, each piece becomes a meaningful heirloom — a wearable commitment to style, sustainability, and a fairer world.
Our criteria:
Our team has fallen in love with dozens of ethical and sustainable jewelry brands over the years. For this review, we pooled together our experience, researched the best brands on the market, and scoured thousands of customer reviews for this round-up of our favorites. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet our criteria below.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included jewelry brands on the list that are fairly priced at an accessible price point that reflects the true quality of the birthstone pieces.
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED MATERIALS | Each of these sustainable jewelry brands prioritizes the use of recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, and responsibly sourced gemstones, including noting their traceability, provenance, and origins where available.
- QUALITY/DURABLE | We’ve tested and can confirm that each of these birthstone necklaces and rings is made with high-quality materials, can be worn daily, and will stand the test of time.
For more minimalist pieces, check out our guides to sustainable fine jewelry and fair trade jewelry! Or, for perhaps the most personalized piece of all — an engagement ring — see our favorite conflict-free and ethical rings.
1. Aurate
Best For | Pearl birthstone jewelry
Ethics | thically & locally-sourced materials, made in NYC, recycled metals & natural gemstones, sustainable packaging
Necklaces Start At | $128
Aurate carries a range of pieces in its birthstone jewelry collection, including niche styles like ear chain threaders and anklets. These made-to-order pieces are available in 14K solid gold in one of three colors and your choice of stone, and Aurate’s fine jewelry is ethically and sustainably made with trusted partners around the world. One of our favorite picks is Aurate’s Ombré Rainbow Tennis Necklace which highlights ruby, peridot, and amethyst gemstones. (February babies can find more sustainable amethyst selections in our comprehensive jewelry guide here.) And if pearl jewelry is more your vibe, Aurate combines both pearls and gemstones in their Pearl Toi Et Moi collections — the options are endless and are sure to impress! With a lifetime guarantee, you even get a warranty that covers jewelry polish, reshaping, stone tightening, and clasp repairs.
Customer Review | “I bought this necklace for my daughter for her birthday. It’s beautiful and looks much more expensive than it was. The quality is great. I will purchase from here again.” – Linda S. (Read all reviews.)
2. Mejuri
Best For | Minimalist birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Ethically sourced metals & stones, RJC certified responsibly sourced or recycled gold, fair labor, gives back to BIPOC & nonbinary communities
Necklaces Start At | $78
Mejuri’s fine jewelry blends luxury and affordability, and we’re big fans. (Read our editor’s Mejuri review of its best-selling pieces!) The brand carries a birthstone collection as well, complete with studs and pendants, as well as pieces that include diamonds, opals, and pearls. We’re especially drawn to Mejuri’s stunning emerald rings and delicate stud earrings — pieces that celebrate the timeless beauty of this birthstone. For more emerald birthstone jewelry inspiration, check out our complete guide to emerald jewelry for May babies. All of Mejuri’s gemstones are of the highest quality and are responsibly sourced, and most gold is traceable through the supply chain. These birthstone gifts will last for many birthdays to come!
Our Editor’s Review | “I LOVE this piece. It’s not super bold, but it still stands out against my skin or a shirt in ways that make an outfit feel polished and complete. Pair it with the matching bracelet and it is *chef’s kiss*. I opted for the 18” length instead of the 22”, and I find it sits nicely with medium-v necks and on top of crew necks. Since it’s made from 14k gold, I feel good about wearing it every day and it seems quite sturdy (I have also slept in this one, even though I really don’t prefer sleeping with necklaces on. For the sake of testing, it passed with flying colors!) I added an amethyst birthstone charm ($98) to this piece, which is easy to slip on and off to vary the look. Unlike the gemstone bracelet, this amethyst is quite vibrant and gives the necklace a mini-lariat-like look that goes well with v-necks or even over a turtleneck. I want to add more charms!” – Emily McGowan, Editorial Director [Read the full review.]
3. GLDN
Best For | Personalized birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Handmade, 90% recycled materials, donates 10% profits, 85% pieces are made to order
Necklaces Start At | $64
GLDN makes jewelry that feels as meaningful as it looks — and their birthstone collection is the perfect example. Thoughtfully handcrafted in their Washington studio, each piece is made to order, minimizing waste and giving you a one-of-a-kind treasure that’s personal down to the last detail. Their pieces are created with intention, community, and sustainability in mind — they even donate a portion of profits to causes that support women and marginalized communities. Check out their personalized options for an extra thoughtful touch.
Customer Review | “I have ordered two for myself and one for my mom or the personalized necklace with the different personalized charms. I love them and I wear them all the time. I have had one for years and they are the best lost lasting necklaces I have ever had. They are still in perfect condition. Highly recommend anything from gldn it is worth the price.” – Mary L. (Read all reviews.)
4. Brilliant Earth
Best For | Conflict-free birthstone jewelry
Ethics | FSC-certified sustainable packaging, traceable diamonds, recycled precious metals, gives back to various causes
Necklaces Start At | $150
Known for their commitment to beyond-conflict-free diamonds and ethically sourced gemstones, Brilliant Earth goes the extra mile to ensure every piece shines with integrity. Their birthstone collection features vibrant, responsibly sourced gems set in beautifully designed rings, necklaces, and bracelets — perfect for marking a birthday, an anniversary, or simply honoring your unique journey. Plus, with stunning designs ranging from minimalist to statement-making, you can find the perfect piece to match your style (or surprise someone special)!
Customer Review | “I just love this necklace. The pendant is delicate, yet super sparkly with its sapphire, alexandrite, topaz and diamond accents. It’s ideal for everyday wear, or it can be layered with other pieces for a more fashion forward look. Definitely five stars.” – Theresa (Read all reviews.)
5. Made By Mary
Best For | Everyday birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Ethically sourced, fair wages, woman-founded, some made-to-order pieces
Necklaces Start At | $102
Made By Mary’s jewelry collection is handcrafted in their Utah studio, with each delicate piece is designed to capture your unique story — whether it’s your own birth month, a loved one’s, or a special milestone worth holding close. Their birthstone jewelry features beautifully set, genuine stones in minimalist, versatile designs that can be worn every day or layered for an extra pop of meaning. Each piece is made to order, reflecting the brand’s dedication to intentionality and connection, and ensuring your jewelry feels as one-of-a-kind as your story.
Customer Review | “Received my ring and immediately went back to the website to place another order. So beautiful and the quality feels great! Also gifted another ring and received amazing feedback.” – Andrea P. (Read all reviews.)
6. Nyrelle
Best For | Solid gold birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Recycled & fair trade materials, ethically sourced stones, buy-back program
Necklaces Start At | $256
While Nyrelle doesn’t have a specific birthstone collection, you can still find plenty of options here — consider its amethyst necklace, the emerald medallion necklace, or the gemstone bar bracelet. Nyrelle ensures that every piece is made with Fair Trade silver, recycled gold, and/or traceable stones. And 10 percent of gemstone sales go back to support responsible sourcing. We love that the team’s buy-back program melts old pieces into something new!
Customer Review | “A fun and colorful take on a gemstone ring. Been wearing this a lot ever since!” – Laura Z. (Read all reviews.)
7. Apse
Best For | Unique birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Handcrafted to order, responsibly sourced materials, repairable & recyclable
Necklaces Start At | $410
Apse is all about turning jewelry into a powerful form of self-expression, and their birthstone collection captures that spirit perfectly. Handmade in their Bellingham, Washington studio, each piece is crafted to order using recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. Their designs are bold yet timeless, with a modern, sculptural edge that feels totally unique. Plus, every piece is made with a commitment to sustainability and fair wages, proving that jewelry can be both stunning and socially conscious.
8. Linjer
Best For | Birthstone jewelry for all months
Ethics | Ethically sourced stones, recycled gold, eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, ethically made
Necklaces Start At | $99
For those who love dainty, minimalist jewelry, consider Linjer’s birthstone and gemstone jewelry. There are birthstone necklaces for every month and rings and bracelets that incorporate peridot, pearls, and diamonds, to name a few. You’ll find beautiful and unique cuts like their marquise pendant and huggie earrings in all colors, including vibrant garnet. (View our comprehensive garnet jewelry guide for January babies here.) All materials are ethically sourced in these handmade pieces, which are then wrapped in eco-friendly packaging and sent via carbon-neutral shipping.
Customer Review | “My daughter absolutely loved this. Delicate but makes a strong statement. A really beautiful piece. A perfect indulgence for oneself or gift for others.” – Susan M. (Read all reviews.)
9. Automic Gold
Best For | Gender inclusive birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Worldwide
Necklaces Start At | $405
From emerald necklaces to amethyst rings, Automic Gold ethically sources gemstones and uses reclaimed gold for every piece in its sustainable birthstone jewelry collection. Handmade in NYC, the birthstone collection is gender and size-inclusive, too, with ring sizes ranging from 2 to 16. We love that Automic Gold carries one of the most underrated gemstones, aquamarine, in their collection! (For more aquamarine jewelry for March babies, check out our guide here!) BRB, buying one for ourselves and one to gift!
Customer Review | “I wear this ring almost every day, and it still looks as new as the day I bought it!” – Taylor Y. (Read all reviews.)
