In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to celebrate some jewelry brands and designers who are doing what they can to create jewelry that is environmentally friendly, supports mining communities around the world, and is processed in factories with good working conditions. There are many ways that companies are making a difference: creating green jewelry and changing the way metals and gems are mined and manufactured around the world.

Conflict-free gems and recycled metals are the first step: really the least every company can do. Refiners like Hoover & Strong offer recycled gold, silver, palladium, platinum alloys and even many standard findings. But today many companies are going further, developing the first traceable Fair Trade and Fairmined pipelines for gold and silver, creating transparent pipelines for gems from safe, environmentally-friendly mines to cutting factories that are healthy places to work, and cooperative efforts that benefit worker’s cooperatives in developing nations.

What’s even better?  Gorgeous jewelry that celebrates the rare gifts from the earth.

What is your favorite source for green jewelry?  What’s more important to you: environmentally responsible mining, fair wages and good working conditions, or support for mining communities?