In recent years, consumers have been showing a growing demand for brands that are more transparent and operate with eco-friendly and ethical practices.

In 2023, this trend doesn’t look to slow down at all, and it appears as if the popularity of sustainable brands is really set to take off as we see continued growth in conscious consumerism, including Sustainable jewelry brands.

Continue reading below as we cover some of the main reasons why sustainable brands have become so favorable to consumers–aside from other factors like price and design.

Recycled & Sustainably-Sourced Materials

It goes without saying that one of the biggest reasons why sustainable jewelry brands have grown in popularity with consumers is through their use of recycled and ethically sourced materials.

So, with these types of brands, consumers don’t have to feel guilty for wearing gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious gems and metals.

If these materials are recycled from older goods, or sustainably created like lab-made diamonds, consumers can feel confident that their purchase isn’t contributing to unsustainable or exploitative practices.

People-First Mission: Ethics & Transparency

Consumers are now showing greater importance not only towards the use of recycled materials but also towards jewelry brands that show a clear people-first approach.

This means that jewelry brands value the people that are active at all stages of their operations, from sourcing to manufacturing, and everywhere else along the supply chain.

In this sense, sustainability goes beyond environmental impacts–it also includes the impact that brands and consumer purchasing decisions have on economies and communities around the globe, too.

Favoring transparency, modern-day consumers trust companies that they know aren’t using exploitative labor practices, and are providing adequate compensation to all workers.

Willingness to Pay More

Taking all of this into account, it’s also worth pointing out that consumers are willing to pay a higher price tag for jewelry pieces that they know come from sustainable practices and ethical brands.

When a consumer trusts that a brand is using sustainable practices, minimizing its environmental impacts, and supporting the artisans creating their pieces, they will pay a premium for these goods to support the higher costs that jewelry makers will face when taking this route.

Above all, both digital-native and traditional luxury jewelers are showing that it’s possible to offer quality jewelry, while still operating with sustainability and ethics at the forefront–something that today’s consumers can appreciate.

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Written for Bufkor by Bailey Schramm in partnership with Fed Steel piping.