Jewelry is known to make a statement. The right piece of jewelry, however, can tell a whole story: one of the artisan who crafted it, the inspiration behind its design, and the connection it creates with its wearer. Many conscious jewelry brands prioritize sustainable practices like upcycling and ethical sourcing. Some go even further with engraved affirmations that uplift the wearer or custom designs that honor the creator. To find jewelry that’s more than just aesthetic, consider these ethical jewelry brands as holiday gifts:

Catori Life jewelry is created with respect for both the planet and the people who inhabit it, telling human stories while cultivating a deeper connection to nature. They prioritize the use of recycled metals and raw, ethically mined, and unprocessed gems in their creations, from the beautifully crafted Ankh Mini Charm Bronze Necklace to the Smoky Quarts Signet Silver Ring. Catori Life honors the diverse ways one chooses to adorn themselves, making a piece of Catori Life jewelry a beautiful celebration of individuality. Learn more at catorilife.com.

Rachel Samani founded The Honest Jeweler because of a personal need–not for something that was simply beautiful, but for something that would bring peace when needed most. Each engravable bracelet and custom necklace is a reminder of inner strength, calmness, and connection. The brand’s signature spinning rings work beautifully to ground the wearer, while engraved affirmations like “This Too Shall Pass” add spiritual or faith-based comfort. With prices starting at $58, The Honest Jeweler’s rings, bracelets, and necklaces are an affordable gift to uplift those who need it over the holidays. Explore the full collection at thehonestjewelershop.com.

Soko is a women-led, Black-owned ethical jewelry brand that features handcrafted designs from Kenyan artisans. Its jewelry is made from 24k gold-plated recycled brass, while its colored products are made with locally sourced recycled glass. Pieces range from subtle to showstopping, with bold signet rings and minimalist chains alike. As a brand, Soko shows that beautiful jewelry and fair, transparent pay can go hand in hand. Browse the Soko collection at shopsoko.com.

Pippa Small works with indigenous artisans in areas of conflict and climate change, creating stable livelihoods for workers across the globe. Each piece is handcrafted with Fairtrade and Fair Mined materials, from the Turquoise Mountain Collection of Afghanistan to the Pebble Collection of Colombia. The company’s “Next Generation” initiative offers Afghan jewellers a platform to showcase and sell pieces like the gorgeous Sterling Silver Next Generation Aishwa Earrings or Horia Necklace. To wear a piece from Pippa Small is to wear one’s values, making it a fitting holiday gift for the socially conscious friend. Learn more at pippasmall.com.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Pyrrha operates differently than most jewelry brands in that it finds beauty in imperfection. The company creates sustainably handcrafted talismans inspired by antique wax seals, featuring powerful symbols like the Phoenix or the ancient goddess Artemis. Every piece is crafted in Pyrrha’s Zero Carbon Vancouver studio, relying on recycled materials and sustainable methods to produce net zero carbon emissions. With so many symbols to choose from, there’s a talisman for everyone this holiday season. Check it out at pyrrha.com.

Akola is another ethical jewelry brand that spotlights female African artisans, this time in Uganda. Akola’s Unlock-it Bracelets are each crafted by seven different women, with a twin crystal design that connects the spirit of the wearer with the heart of the women who made it. Each bracelet is meant to unlock the wearer’s inner beauty with a different key, represented by elements like Peace, Grace, and Hope. Find out more at akola.co.