Ethical Jewelry Gifts For All Types Of People

Timeless, chic and personal. Who wouldn’t love to get one of these ethical jewelry gifts?

By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

Like perfume, jewelry can be a tough gift to give. But like perfume, everyone wants it – if it suits their tastes!

So, how are you supposed to know what your recipient would want to wear? It’s especially important to get jewelry gifts right, since they’re not the cheapest of presents.

My personal tips for giving successful ethical jewelry gifts are below.

How To Gift Jewelry

1. Observe, observe, observe

When you next see your friend or family member, note what they’re wearing in terms of jewelry. Is it big and bold? Tiny and delicate? Do they prefer gold or silver? If you’re not able to see them in person, check out their Instagram and Facebook accounts. What are they wearing in their pics?

2. Ask for help

You can sneak in questions to those who are close to the recipient to find out what they’d like. If you’re going to a jeweler to make a purchase in person, you can also describe your friend and their style to the expert behind the counter, who will be sure to come up with some solid suggestions.

3. Avoid allergies

A surprising number of people are sensitive to certain metals, especially zinc, nickel and brass, so it’s important to choose jewelry that’s free of these. Sterling silver and gold are usually great choices.

4. Don’t get too ‘marmite’

Marmite is that weirdish food product that people seem to either passionately love or absolutely hate. Don’t take a chance with something too extreme! Avoid overly bright, big or bold pieces in favour of more subtle jewelry.

5. Make it meaningful

Not only is jewelry pretty, it also makes a statement and has sentimental qualities. For that reason, pieces infused with meaning are usually the most welcome: think – lockets with small pictures, rings using stones from unworn family heirlooms, or monogrammed bracelets and watches.

6. Avoid rings, unless…

Rings can be tricky to buy for others for one reason: they are sized, and unless you know the actual size of your recipient, it may be a good idea to stick to the kinds of rings that can be worn on knuckles, just in case the item doesn’t slip down further to the base of the finger.

7. Get a receipt

Ultimately, it’s important to ensure whatever you buy can be returned, just in case! Keep in mind that earrings for pierced ears often can not go back to the store for hygiene reasons. Make sure you subtly include the receipt for any jewelry gift in the box – just in case!

Image below: Kimai

Ethical Jewelry Gifts For All Types Of People

1. Minimalist Huggie Earrings

Sometimes, less really is more! The minimalist in your life will adore these Huggie earrings. Kimai has created the perfect dainty hoops that hug the earlobe with 18k recycled gold and a row of no less than 18 diamonds. As the wearer moves, the earrings display a gorgeous sparkle that will catch any eye.

The Huggie can be worn alone as a minimalist piece of jewellery, or worn stacked with other Kimai designs. Personally, I think they’re beautiful on their own. They add the perfect amount of sparkle whether they’re worn casually during the day or dressed up in the evening.

Price: Around $360

Materials: Recycled gold, lab-grown diamonds

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Someone that likes to wear less, but look more!

best ethical jewelry gifts

2. Turquoise Station Bracelet

Crystals are a huge trend this year, and are perfect for the Boho babe in your life. Turquoise in particular is said to have an especially calming, grounding energy. And its color is stunning, too!

This dainty bracelet by Mejuri is beautiful, with genuine natural mineral stones threaded onto 14k solid gold that is made to last. The perfect forever gift.

Price: Around $180

Materials: 80% recycled gold; sustainably sourced turquoise

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Bringing a sense of calm to someone easily overwhelmed

3. Gold Rope Necklace

Stylishly understated, this gold rope is elegantly minimalist in its design while appearing fresh and modern. Laura Lombardi works exclusively with recycled metals, re-imagining them and turning them into something wonderfully new and stylish. 

Price $90

Materials: Recycled gold

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Bold, sexy women unafraid to make a statement

best ethical jewelry gifts

4. Romantic Gold Locket

The romanticism of heart-shaped lockets never goes out of style, since they’re designed to hold photos that are deeply meaningful to the wearer. This locally made gold necklace by Catbird makes the ideal gift for someone you truly love. Fill it up with tiny photos of yourself or other dear ones and they will wear it close to their heart (literally), surely cherishing it for years to come.

Price $168

Materials: Recycled gold

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: The nearest and dearest to your heart.

5. Tiny Opal Earrings 

Timelessly chic and elegant, these simple gold opal earrings can be worn at work, at parties or even on the beach. They’re made from 100% recycled 14 karat gold and are set with stunning glowing opal gems. These are a wonderful classic for the no-nonsense woman who loves a touch of something feminine.

Price $365

Materials: 14-karat recycled gold set with 0.30-carats of opal

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Professional, elegant women of all ages

6. One Of A Kind Bangle 

Know someone who loves the unique things in life? This gold-plated brass and natural wood bangle is every bit as elegant as it is stunning.

The interlocking design is striking, with the brass and wood bangles sitting perfectly together. The bangle is handcrafted in brass with sustainably sourced wood by artisans in Kenya, using traditional techniques. The natural materials add to the unique edge, making it truly one-of-a-kind in every way.

Price: $118

Materials: Gold-plated brass and sustainably sourced teak wood

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: The person with a fun, informal sense of style

7. Tiny Gold Memory Rings 

Back in the day, people would tie a string around their finger to remember things. And that’s exactly the inspiration behind these ‘Mignon Memory’ rings! Of course, instead of remembering to buy eggs, these are designed to help you recall a special time.

These dainty pieces are handmade from 14-karat gold, using responsible practices to reduce unnecessary excess waste. They’re designed to be worn below your first knuckle, and can be easily stacked up with other styles.

Price $54

Materials: 100% recycled solid 14k gold

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Reminding someone of something special. These are also pieces that are subtle enough to please everyone!

8. A Gold Turquoise Necklace 

As mentioned above, in crystal healing, turquoise is associated with calming, grounding, and personal protection, which is why it was often used in the protective shields of ancient warriors heading into battle. The stunning stone has also been discovered in the ceremonial masks and battle gear of the Aztecs, a tribe that revered it for its ability to provide personal protection against negative forces.

This delicate necklace, which was hand-cast from recycled 14-karat gold and strung with a ‘Sleeping Beauty’ turquoise, is thus the perfect gift for anyone who needs a bit of protection. But also – just look at that gorgeous chain it hangs on!

Price $597

Materials: Recycled gold

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Those who may need a wee boost in their luck and confidence.

Ethical Jewelry Gifts

9. Parachute Nesting Cord Bracelet

What to gift the person who might have an allergy to metals? This gorgeous Octavia Elizabeth cord bracelet! It’s simple, understated and perfect for layering with other jewellery. The gorgeous satin cord is punctuated with an 18-karat recycled gold pendant and studded with a single diamond.

Price $350

Materials: 18-karat recycled gold, diamond and satin cord bracelet

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Those who aren’t a fan of metal jewelry, but want something that will really stand out

10. Dainty Heart Chain Rings

Who doesn’t need a reminder that they’re loved? Wrap these gorgeous heart rings by Aurate around the finger of someone you care about. They can either wear them alone or stack them together and wear multiple rings at once.

These rings are super affordable, too, due to the fact that Aurate produces pieces on a made-to-order basis only, so there are no hidden costs or needless waste.

Price $112

Materials: Solid, recycled 18k gold

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Those hopeless romantics who appreciate small tokens of affection

Ethical Jewelry Gifts

11. Pretty Hair Combs

Need a gift for a friend with incredible hair? Allow her to showcase her locks with something truly unique. Namely, jewelled hair combs!

This one below, by SweetV, can be slipped into a bun, as in the image below.  But it can also be sweep hair away from the face by being clipped on one side.

Price $14

Materials: Freshwater pearls, lab-grown gems.

One of the best ethical jewelry gifts for: Women with spectacular hair.

hair jewelry

Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
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