11 Pieces of Fair Trade Jewelry You'll Actually Want to Wear

Fair trade jewelry is jewelry that's produced ethically and sustainably, often by skilled artisans in developing countries. The goals of Fair Trade are many. Some important ones regarding truly free jewelry are: ensuring the people who make the jewelry are paid fairly for their work and that environmentally-friendly materials and practices are used whenever possible. We also believe there are valid arguments for looking beyond Fair Trade, which you may find intriguing.

Fair trade jewelry can be more expensive than conventional jewelry due to the ethical and sustainable practices involved in its production. However, the price difference is often justified by the benefits it brings to the environment, workers, and local communities. Here's a comparison of fair trade jewelry and conventional jewelry in terms of price and quality:

1. Price: Fair trade jewelry can cost more than conventional jewelry because it uses ethically sourced materials and adheres to strict environmental and labor standards. Fairtrade Gold, for example, costs around 20% more than its non-traceable counterparts. However, some fair trade jewelry products are competitively priced and may cost the same or just a few percent more than similar quality conventional goods.
2. Quality: Fair trade jewelry is often handmade by skilled artisans, using traditional techniques and high-quality materials. This results in unique, well-crafted pieces that may be more durable and valuable than mass-produced conventional jewelry. Moreover, fair trade jewelry brands prioritize ethical working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable environmental practices, which can lead to higher quality products.

By choosing fair trade jewelry, you support ethical and sustainable practices in the jewelry industry, contributing to the well-being of miners, artisans, and the environment. While it may be more expensive than conventional jewelry, the benefits it brings in terms of quality, ethics, and sustainability make it a worthwhile investment.

Right here, right now — our fair Trade jewelry is ready to be shipped around the USA in two shakes of a tail feather — free of charge and carbon neutral, too. Here are some more Fair Trade and ethically made jewelry collections...

Artisan Handmade Earrings

Ethically Handcrafted Rings

Fair Trade Necklaces

Fair trade jewelry brands involve local communities in decision-making processes related to sustainable and eco-friendly production practices in several ways:

1. Collaboration in design and production: Fair trade jewelry brands often collaborate with local artisans in the design and production of their products, incorporating traditional craftsmanship and local materials. This partnership ensures that the artisans' skills and cultural heritage are valued and preserved.
2. Ethical sourcing and traceability: By sourcing materials ethically and ensuring traceability, fair trade jewelry brands work closely with local communities to maintain transparency and accountability in their supply chains. This helps to ensure that the materials used in the jewelry are sourced responsibly and that the production process adheres to environmental standards.
3. Capacity building and skills development: Fair trade jewelry brands invest in local communities by providing training, tools, and resources to artisans, helping them improve their skills and expand their businesses. This empowers artisans and supports their livelihoods, promoting sustainable growth within the community.
4. Community development projects: Fair trade jewelry brands often invest in local community development projects, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This helps improve the well-being of the communities involved in the production process and ensures that the benefits of fair trade extend beyond the artisans themselves.
5. Environmental stewardship: Fair trade jewelry brands work with local communities to implement environmentally friendly practices in the mining and manufacturing process, such as responsible waste management, reduced water pollution, and protection of natural habitats. This minimizes the environmental impact of jewelry production and promotes eco-friendly practices in the industry.

By involving local communities in decision-making processes and implementing sustainable and eco-friendly production practices, fair trade jewelry brands contribute to a more ethical and responsible jewelry industry, supporting the well-being of artisans, their families, and the environment.

Buying fair trade jewelry is a responsible choice that supports ethical and sustainable practices in the jewelry industry. Here are some reasons why you should consider purchasing fair trade jewelry:

1. Ethical sourcing: Fair trade jewelry brands source materials, such as gold, silver, and gemstones, from suppliers that follow ethical values and meet fair trade standards, ensuring that workers are paid fair prices and have better working conditions.
2. Environmentally friendly practices: Fair trade certification requires mines to adhere to strict environmental standards, including responsible waste management, reduced water pollution, and protection of natural habitats. This ensures that the mining and manufacturing processes have a minimal impact on the environment.
3. Supporting local communities: Fair trade jewelry promotes community development and empowers small-scale miners and artisans, who are more likely to use environmentally friendly practices and traditional techniques. This can lead to a more sustainable and responsible jewelry industry.
4. Traceability: Fair trade jewelry offers transparency and traceability, allowing consumers to know the origin of the materials used in their jewelry and ensuring that the production process adheres to environmental standards.

By choosing fair trade jewelry, you contribute to a more ethical and sustainable jewelry industry, supporting the well-being of miners, artisans, and the environment.