Ethical Jewellery Explained: Fairmined Gold, Conflict-Free Diamonds, and Eco-Friendly Choices

Jewellery is often a milestone: a love story, a celebration, or a turning point. 

At Juraster we believe it should also reflect something shared: a care for people, place and planet. Ethical jewellery isn’t just about beauty - it’s about choosing pieces that honour the earth, respect human hands, and tell a story worth wearing.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes jewellery ethical from responsibly mined and recycled gold to conflict-free diamonds, Akoya pearls, and thoughtful, eco-friendly design choices that respect both people and planet.

We’ll share how we source, craft and care at Juraster - and why it matters now more than ever.

 

Ethical jewellery by Juraster: gold Discovery charm, diamond Anchor hoop & Light Ray stud and Beachcomber Akoya pearl stud & Akoya earring charm. 

 

What Does 'Ethical Jewellery' Really Mean?

Ethical jewellery means accountability at every step — from mine to maker to wearer. It’s created with respect for people and planet, using responsibly sourced materials like our Fairmined gold and silver, with full traceability and transparency throughout.

At Juraster, ethical goes beyond sustainable, which means limiting any impact on the future. It’s a commitment to fairness, safe working conditions, and uplifting the communities we work with — crafting jewellery that carries meaning, integrity, and a lighter footprint on the Earth.

 

At its core, ethical jewellery addresses three essential principles:

Human dignity: ensuring fair wages, safe conditions and respect for workers' rights across the entire supply chain.

Environmental stewardship: reducing harm to ecosystems, supporting low impact mining and promoting recycled materials.

Traceability and transparency: allowing customers to know where their jewellery comes from and how it was made.

 

It’s not always easy to trace the story behind a piece.

But when you can, it adds a deeper layer of rich meaning. You’re not just wearing something beautiful. You’re wearing something intrinsically beautiful reflected through you, to make a richer story.

 

Fairmined gold ingots & natural gold nugget, image by Fairmined

 

Fairmined Gold: Precious Metal with a Positive Impact

Gold has been mined for thousands of years, and it remains essential to modern life — not just for its beauty and symbolism, but also as a store of value, a tool in technology, and a cornerstone of global economies.

Despite efforts to increase recycling, the demand for gold continues to grow, with 75% of annual demand still met by freshly mined sources.

That’s because recycled gold, while valuable, can only supply about a quarter of what the world uses each year.

And with over 150 million people globally relying on small-scale mining for their livelihoods, gold mining isn’t going away — it needs to be done better.

 

Unearthing Gold Mining

Behind gold’s timeless shine lies a troubling reality.

Over 80% of newly mined gold comes from large-scale industrial operations, often controlled by multinational corporations with little benefit to local communities. These operations can lead to the displacement of Indigenous people and cause lasting environmental damage through deforestation, toxic waste, and ecosystem destruction.

Meanwhile, small-scale or artisanal mining — responsible for 20% of the world’s gold but employing 90% of miners — is plagued by precarious conditions, including child labour, unsafe practices, and the dangerous use of mercury, which poisons rivers, soils, and entire food systems.

Recycled gold is often marketed as the ethical choice, but in reality, it doesn’t reduce the demand for mining.  That’s because the global appetite for gold — especially in jewellery, tech, and investment — is three times bigger than what recycling alone can supply.

The 4 Dirty Truths About Recycled Gold

1. Only around 25% of annual demand is met through recycled sources; the rest must still be freshly mined.

2. Recycled gold is impossible to trace, with stolen metal from illegal or conflict sources frequently entering the supply chain.

3. Without full transparency, "recycled" can mean anything from post-consumer jewellery to unregulated scrap melted down in regions with weak controls.

4. Refining recycled gold consumes more energy than newly mined gold, adding to its hidden environmental footprint.  That's because recycled gold undergoes refining twice - at least. In short, recycled gold may be reused - but that doesn’t make it clean.

Mining Clean Gold

Fairmined gold offers a true alternative, that's why we at Juraster chose it.

Like Fairtrade gold, which is another fair gold scheme, it comes from certified small-scale mining organisations that ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and no child labour.

But Fairmined goes even further — with a stronger emphasis on environmental protection, chemical reduction, and traceability. Every gram of Fairmined gold is fully audited and traceable from mine to maker, with higher premiums paid to support sustainable development in mining communities.

It’s not just ethical gold — it’s transformational gold, and Juraster is proud to pioneer its use in fine jewellery.

Read more about Fairmined Gold vs recycled gold here

Chede mine, Columbia - a small scale low impact mine with Fairmined certification.

When you choose ethical Fairmined gold jewellery, you’re supporting:

Fair wages and dignified work: Miners are paid properly, trained in safe techniques, and work under regulated conditions, in responsibly managed co-ops and businesses.

Cleaner practices: Chemicals like mercury are safely managed or phased out entirely, reducing harm to both people and planet.

Community investment: A premium from each Fairmined gold sale is reinvested into local projects like education, healthcare, and safer infrastructures, ensuring sustainability.  Businesses such as cocoa farming or trout fish farming are developed alongside mining which will provide ongoing community employment in future, when the gold mine is mined-out.

Environmental protection: Fairmined mines are required to reduce water use, protect biodiversity, and restore land in regeneration projects.

At Juraster, we choose Fairmined gold not because it's a market trend, but because it's a better way forward. Every ring, pendant, or charm crafted in this gold is part of a bigger story that respects the hands that made it, the land it came from, and the values of the person who wears it. 

When you choose responsibly mined gold, you’re supporting change in places where it’s needed most. And we think that's pretty cool and we're proud to be a part of it.

Diamonds by Juraster: transformable Voyager necklace, detachable Palace pendant, Compass ring.

Responsibly Sourced Diamonds: Beauty with Integrity

Diamonds have long symbolised love, strength and enduring commitment — prized not only for their sparkle but for what they represent. Their value, however, should also reflect the care and fairness with which they’re sourced.

Despite the rise of alternatives, natural diamonds remain central to global jewellery — and to many national economies. The majority of diamonds still come from a handful of countries, where mining supports infrastructure, employment, and long-term development. In Botswana, for example, diamond revenues fund schools, hospitals and public services.

But sourcing matters. The global appetite for diamonds isn’t going away — which makes it all the more important to mine and trade them responsibly.

Behind the Sparkle: the Diamond Supply Chain

Behind every brilliant stone is a complex supply chain — and not all of it is beautiful.

While some regions benefit from diamond mining, others suffer from the consequences of poor regulation, corruption, and exploitation. In Angola, miners work in unsafe conditions for poor pay and little protection. In Russia, diamond revenues have recently come under scrutiny for helping to fund war in Ukraine.

The Kimberley Process, launched in the early 2000s to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds, has brought important reforms. But “conflict-free” only tells part of the story. It doesn’t account for environmental impact, working conditions, or long-term community benefit.

As with gold, ethics in diamond sourcing go far beyond avoiding violence. They’re about creating a fairer, more transparent industry that respects people and the planet.

The 4 Hidden Costs of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are often positioned as the clean alternative — but the reality is far less clear-cut.

1. High Energy Use
Lab-grown diamonds are created in high-emission industrial facilities, mostly in countries like China, India and the US. Many rely on fossil fuels.

2. No Support for Communities
Because they’re made in factories, lab-grown diamonds don’t support jobs or infrastructure in traditional mining regions that need them most.

3. Limited Social Benefit
Few people are employed in their production, meaning minimal economic ripple effect in vulnerable areas.

4. No Lasting Value
Lab diamonds drop in value immediately. With little to no resale market, they’re not considered a long-term investment — unlike natural stones.

In short, lab-grown diamonds may be man-made — but that doesn’t make them meaningful.

Mining with Integrity

That’s why at Juraster, we use responsibly sourced natural diamonds — traceable stones that support positive change.

We source from ethical partners like Debswana in Botswana or certified Canadian mines, where mining is strictly regulated and revenues fund essential public services. These operations prioritise transparency, safety, and environmental responsibility.

We believe diamonds should shine for all the right reasons — not just for how they look, but for how they’re sourced, handled and valued from beginning to end.

 

Sorting diamonds in Botswana, image Debswana

When you choose a responsibly sourced Juraster diamond, you’re supporting:

1. Fair work and safe conditions
Miners are properly trained, paid fairly, and work under strict health and safety standards in audited operations.

2. Long-term community impact
Revenue from ethical diamond sales funds public services like education, healthcare and infrastructure — especially in countries where development depends on natural resources.

3. Environmental care
Certified operations are required to restore land after mining, reduce ecological disruption, and protect biodiversity.

4. Traceability
Juraster diamonds can be traced back to source nation, giving you clarity not just in the stone, but in its story.

At Juraster, we choose natural, responsibly sourced diamonds not because it’s trendy — but because it’s right. Every diamond we use reflects a deeper commitment to fairness, transparency, and lasting beauty.

When you choose a diamond with integrity, you’re helping build a future that shines brighter for everyone. And we think that’s something to be proud of.

Read more about responsibly sourced diamonds here.

 

Ago Bay Japan, where marine Akoya pearl farming began.  Edible seaweed cultivation in foreground, with Akoya pearl farming buoys in midground. Image Jessica Cadzow-Collins

 

Akoya Pearls: Natural Beauty with Purpose

Pearls have long symbolised grace, purity, and enduring elegance. Their soft lustre and organic beauty make them a timeless choice for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. But, as with all precious materials, what matters most is how they’re sourced.

Unlike diamonds or gold, pearls aren’t mined — they’re cultivated by oysters in water. Yet even here, ethics and sustainability matter. While marine pearl farming can support clean oceans and strong coastal communities, modern freshwater pearl farming is often a very different story.

At Juraster, we choose only marine Akoya pearls — cultivated responsibly in pristine seawater, by two small-scale, traceable farms in Vietnam. These pearls are not just beautiful; they’re part of a regenerative story that supports people, ecosystems, and enduring quality.

 

The Hidden Costs of Freshwater Pearls

Most pearls on the global jewellery market are freshwater — over 95% of them, in fact — and nearly all are farmed in China using mass-production methods that few consumers ever see.

Freshwater pearl farming typically takes place in flooded rice paddies. Mussels are crammed into plastic mesh bags and hung from ropes tied to floats made from old bottles. Each mussel is opened and packed with 25–50 tiny plastic or shell beads to force multiple pearl formations.

To sustain the process, the water is fertilised with sewage and manure to breed algae. When harvesting time comes, the mussels — often sick and short-lived — are opened and discarded. The meat is not safe to eat, and the empty shells are dumped into rotting piles. There's no traceability, no care for environmental impact, and no benefit to surrounding communities.

Even worse? These pearls may not last. Freshwater mussels produce nacre (the lustrous layer around the bead) that is thinner and less durable than marine oysters. The result is pearls that wear down or lose their glow within just a few years — a far cry from marine pearls, which can last for generations.

 

The 4 Foul Secrets of Freshwater Pearls

1. Polluted Waters
Freshwater farms often rely on sewage and fertilisers to feed algae, polluting surrounding waterways and ecosystems.

2. Mass Implantation
Mussels are seeded with dozens of beads, forcing unnaturally fast production — prioritising quantity over health or quality.

3. No Traceability
Freshwater pearls are harvested in bulk and sold by the sack, with no transparency around farms, origins, or environmental practices.

4. Short Lifespan
Freshwater nacre is thin and weak, meaning these pearls may only last a few years — unlike marine pearls, which endure for centuries.

In short, they may be cheap — but that doesn’t make them clean, ethical, or lasting.

Farming with Integrity

That’s why Juraster works exclusively with marine Akoya pearls — grown slowly and carefully in clean seawater over the oyster’s natural 5–6 year lifespan.

Our partner farms in Vietnam are small, family-run operations. Their farming methods are low-impact, traceable, and deeply respectful of both ocean life and the communities they support. Every pearl is harvested under clinical conditions, the oyster meat sold as a delicacy, and even the shells are reused for mother-of-pearl inlays — nothing is wasted.

Juraster founder, Jessica, visiting the site manager of an Akoya pearl farm, Ago Bay, Japan. Image, Juraster. 

When you choose a Juraster pearl, you’re supporting:

Clean aquaculture: Farms that protect marine life, monitor water quality, and avoid plastic waste and chemical runoff.

Skilled, small-scale farming: Techniques passed down through generations, with low-volume, high-care pearl cultivation.

Family-run expertise: Farming methods passed down through generations, with care taken at every step.

Low-impact practices: Natural pearl formation without harsh chemicals or stressful farming methods.  Ethical pearl cultivation allows oysters to form pearls naturally, resulting in better quality and reduced environmental stress.

Community and biodiversity: Marine pearl farming protects reefs and provides local employment — helping communities thrive without urban migration.

Natural formation: Pearls formed over time in sensitive marine conditions — not forced through over-seeding or artificial stress.

Enduring beauty: Akoya pearls have strong nacre and a fine, lasting lustre — made to be treasured for a lifetime, not just a season.

At Juraster, we don’t cut corners — and we don’t compromise. Our pearls are chosen not only for their beauty but for the values they represent: care, respect, and responsible craftsmanship.

When you choose marine Akoya pearls, you're investing in something truly special — a future where beauty and sustainability go hand in hand and beauty that respects the ocean and supports those who depend on it. And we think that's something worth celebrating.

Juraster's statement Talisman moonstone and Fairmined gold ring.

 

Ethical Jewellery: Designed for Meaning - Crafted with Purpose

Jewellery is more than what it looks like — it’s what it stands for. Ethical jewellery reflects the values we carry into the world: care, respect, and a commitment to doing things better. From the materials chosen to the way each piece is made, true sustainability goes far beyond the label.

At Juraster, we believe every step matters. From certified Fairmined metals to responsibly sourced diamonds and pearls, we prioritise traceability, transparency, and lasting quality. Because beauty should never come at the cost of people or the planet.

 

The Hidden Costs of ‘Eco’ Claims in Jewellery

Many brands today claim to be sustainable — but a closer look often reveals a very different story. Terms like “eco-friendly,” “ethical,” and “sustainable” are often used loosely, without evidence or accountability. The rise of lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold, and freshwater pearls has made it easy to appear responsible — without actually delivering meaningful change.

Lab-grown diamonds are marketed as clean, yet most are created in high-emission factories. Recycled metals sound virtuous, but often hide murky pasts and untraceable sources. And freshwater pearls? Mass-produced in polluted, overcrowded farms with no environmental standards or long-term durability.

That’s not sustainability. That’s a surface-level story.

 

Greenwashing Claims of Jewellery Brands

1. “We Use Recycled Gold”
Often untraceable, recycled gold can include scrap from unknown or unethical sources — and refining it uses more energy than freshly mined Fairmined gold.

2. “Our Diamonds Are Lab-Grown, So They’re Ethical”
Made in fossil-fuel-powered factories, lab-grown diamonds don’t support communities or contribute to fair employment.

3. “We’re Conflict-Free”
This only means diamonds didn’t fund war — not that they were sourced fairly or responsibly.

4. “We Use Freshwater Pearls for Sustainability”
Most freshwater pearls are mass-farmed in polluted ponds, with poor traceability and weak nacre that doesn’t last.

5. “We’re a Sustainable Brand” (With No Proof)
Vague promises without sourcing info or supply chain transparency are a red flag.

6. “We’re RJC Certified” (But Still Use Problematic Materials)
RJC membership is a good start, but doesn’t guarantee traceable gold or truly ethical gemstones.

 

♻️ Reworking What You Already Own

At Juraster, we know that sustainability also means making the most of what already exists.

If you have heirloom gold, silver, or gemstones that hold personal meaning — or simply deserve a second life — we can often recycle your materials into new, bespoke pieces. This allows you to reduce environmental impact while creating something deeply personal and lasting.

- Your own gold and silver can be melted down and reused, reducing the need for new mining.

- Your own diamonds or gems can be reset into new designs using our modular, timeless settings.

- We’ll advise you honestly about what’s possible and ensure every piece meets our standards for beauty, safety, and durability.

 

Bringing your story into the jewellery you wear is one of the most meaningful choices you can make — and one of the most sustainable, too. Want to know more on how we can rework your existing piece into a refreshed, modern piece you'll love for years to come? Check out our Bespoke service.

 

🔍 What Standards Should You Trust?

Not all certification schemes are created equal. Here are some of the most commonly seen in the jewellery world — what they mean, and what to watch for:

✅ Fairmined / Fairtrade Gold

✔ Pros: Fully traceable. Supports small-scale miners with safe working conditions, fair pay, and strong environmental standards.
✘ Cons: Not widely adopted by mainstream brands — often found only in truly ethical businesses like Juraster.

✅ RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council)

✔ Pros: Global industry standard covering human rights, sourcing, and environmental responsibility.
✘ Cons: Most brands are certified at the basic level, which doesn’t demand full traceability or rigorous environmental action. "Compliance" may be minimum.

✅ B Corp Certification

✔ Pros: Assesses a company’s overall social and environmental impact across governance, workers, and community.
✘ Cons: Many jewellery brands only meet the entry-level requirements — and B Corp doesn’t focus specifically on supply chain traceability or jewellery-specific practices.

✅ Positive Luxury (Butterfly Mark)

✔ Pros: Aimed at luxury brands, this mark shows a commitment to sustainability and improvement.
✘ Cons: Again, most brands are certified at the basic level. It’s more about a pledge to evolve than a strict set of criteria already met.

 

💡 What Sets Juraster Apart?

We don’t just talk about sustainability — we design for it.

Small-Batch Craftsmanship

We produce in small runs, which means greater control over materials, minimal waste, and careful attention to detail. It also avoids overproduction, allowing us to craft each piece with care and intention.

Versatile, Transformable Design

Our jewellery is made to work harder for you. A charm that fits on both a hoop and a chain. A ring that transforms into a pendant. Modular pieces mean more ways to wear, fewer things to buy, and a better use of what you already love.

Timeless and Durable

We avoid fast fashion trends and instead design with longevity in mind. Our pieces are made to last — in both style and structure — so they can be worn often, loved well, and passed on.

Jewellery with Integrity

At Juraster, we take a different approach — one built on real responsibility, not just good PR.

Our jewellery is made in small batches using Fairmined certified gold and silver — fully traceable, transparently sourced, and supporting small-scale mining communities. Our diamonds come from partners who protect both people and ecosystems, and our pearls are traceable Akoya marine pearls, farmed with care, not chemicals.

Each piece is thoughtfully designed to be modular, versatile, and timeless — made to be worn, re-worn, and passed on. Whether crafted from new materials or your own heirloom pieces, we ensure every item is made with purpose.

When you choose Juraster jewellery, you’re supporting:

Traceability at every step: We know where every material comes from — and you will too.

Craftsmanship over mass production: Carefully made in small runs using sustainable methods and high-quality materials.

Design that lasts: Timeless pieces designed to evolve with you and reduce waste over time.

True environmental care: No shortcuts. No greenwashing. Just thoughtful choices that support people and the planet.

 

Ethical jewellery isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making better choices — for your story, your values, and the world around you.

And we think that’s always worth wearing.

 

Browse our full range of ethical jewellery

Browse our range of Fairmined gold jewellery

Browse our range of Fairmined silver jewellery

Browse our range of ethical diamond jewellery