A Guide to What Sustainable Jewelry Really Means

Jewelry has always been a symbol of beauty, love, and celebration, but behind the sparkle, there’s often a hidden cost. 

Traditional gold mining creates staggering amounts of toxic waste, gemstone sourcing is tied to human rights abuses, and mass production leaves little room for individuality.

That’s why more people are asking: what does sustainable jewelry mean?

In short, sustainable jewelry is about protecting both people and the planet while still creating something beautiful. It considers where materials come from, how they’re processed, and the ethics of the people making them. 

At Rigby Leigh, we’ve built our entire Brooklyn-based studio around this idea, combining ancient craftsmanship with modern responsibility.

Shop our one-of-a-kind sustainable jewelry. 

Why Sustainability Matters in Jewelry

The jewelry industry has one of the highest hidden environmental costs of any luxury good:

• Mining a single gold ring can create up to 20 tons of toxic waste.

• Runoff from mines contaminates rivers and ecosystems.

• Many gemstones are sourced under dangerous labor conditions, with little pay for workers.

Does sustainable mean cheap?

Not at all. Sustainable jewelry often costs more to produce because of ethical sourcing, fair labor, and small-batch methods, but what you get in return is something with lasting value, free from exploitation, and often one-of-a-kind.

What Makes Jewelry Sustainable

Sustainability in jewelry rests on three pillars:

Materials

• Recycled gold jewelry: Reduces the need for destructive new mining.

• Antique diamonds: Recycled and re-used stones from centuries ago.

• Montana sapphires: Locally sourced, traceable gemstones.

• Fair trade gemstones: Ethically mined and cut with fair labor standards.

Processes

• Small-batch production instead of mass manufacturing.

• Energy-efficient workshops.

• Craft methods that minimize waste.

Transparency

• Open communication about sourcing.

• Certifications from SCS Global Services, Responsible Jewellery Council, or Fairtrade.

What are the sustainable materials for jewelry?

Sustainable materials include recycled precious metals, antique or lab-grown diamonds, sapphires and gemstones from traceable mines, and fair-trade certified stones.

How Jewelry Brands Can Be Sustainable

Sustainability can take many forms, from the metals a brand uses to the way it runs its studio. Some common approaches include:

• Using eco-recycled gold rather than new mined gold.

• Choosing ethical gemstone jewelry with clear traceability.

• Partnering with refineries and suppliers certified by SCS Global Services or the Responsible Jewellery Council.

• Keeping production local to reduce transport emissions.

At Rigby Leigh, we go one step further. Our pieces are created using a 2000-year-old wood casting process that makes each piece naturally unique.

The Rigby Leigh Approach to Sustainable Jewelry

Our commitment to sustainability comes through every stage of our process:

• Ancient Casting Technique: We cast recycled 18k gold in hand-carved oak wood molds, a method unseen for over 2000 years. The wood grain shapes the gold itself, so no two pieces can ever be the same.

• Eco-Recycled Gold: We use Hoover & Strong’s Harmony Recycled Gold, refined with a green process that eliminates wastewater and cuts chemical waste by 80%.

• Montana Sapphires: We cut these stones ourselves, removing as little material as possible to honor their natural shape. They’re sourced directly from Montana riverbeds, not overseas factories.

• Antique Diamonds: Every Old Mine cut diamond we use was mined and cut centuries ago. They’re not just recycled, but also carry history and individuality impossible to recreate with modern machines.

At Rigby Leigh, we believe that imperfect is perfect, so each ring, necklace, or earring is a one-of-a-kind heirloom, beautiful because of the story it carries.

How to Choose Sustainable Jewelry as a Shopper

If you’re shopping for sustainable jewelry, here’s what to keep in mind:

Questions to Ask

• Where did the gold come from?

• Who mined and cut the gemstones?

• Does the brand have certifications or proof of sourcing?

Red Flags

• Vague claims like “eco-friendly” without details.

• Mass-produced items labeled as “handmade.”

• No information about where stones come from.

Quick Tips for Choosing Well

• Look for recycled metals.

• Ask about gemstone traceability.

• Support small makers who show their process openly.
  
  

So, what does sustainable jewelry mean? It means creating beauty without destruction. It means valuing people, planet, and artistry as much as the finished sparkle. And it means that every piece carries a story you can feel proud to wear.

At Rigby Leigh, we craft jewelry with eco-recycled gold, antique diamonds, and hand-cut Montana sapphires, made in Brooklyn using a process as ancient as it is natural. No two pieces will ever be alike, and that’s exactly how we like it.

Explore our collection of one-of-a-kind sustainable jewelry today.