20 Ethical Jewelry Innovations

From Beer Can Bracelets to Humanitarian Product Developers

— March 15, 2012 — Social Good
This SocialBusiness.org top list of ethical jewelry innovations spans some of the most out-there creations, like beer can bracelets to socially responsible bangles and fish leather eco watches.

Perhaps the most infamous type of "unethical" jewelry is the conflict diamond, which continues to be a significant source of diamonds despite the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003.

But here, these ethical jewelry innovations draw on charity models and social business to create products that attempt to have an impact on global social and environmental issues. Rather than creating a one-off design as a giving initiative, these brands have incorporated a purpose-driven mission into its business model, making them social businesses at heart even though some do have side charity project.

From jewelry-funded water purifiers to anti-war whistleblowers, this collection of ethical jewelry innovations means you'll never look at your cheap fast fashion jewelry the same again.
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Anti-War Whistleblowers (UPDATE)
Anti-War Whistleblowers (UPDATE)
The Falling Whistles Company Aims to Help Congo Through Activism
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19
Humanitarian Product Developers
Humanitarian Product Developers
Red Button Design's Midomo Bracelet Provides Potable Water
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18
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
The FEED Kenya Bracelet is a Stylish Strategy to Feed Hungry Children
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17
Afghan Heritage Jewelry
Afghan Heritage Jewelry
The Pippa Small for Turquoise Mountain Collection is Jewelry with a Cause
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16
Rainforest Artisans
Rainforest Artisans
Chick Boss Jewelry Creates Employment Opportunities for Women in Guatemala
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15
Kenyan Art Clinics
Kenyan Art Clinics
The Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre Empowers Artisans of All Abilities
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14
Anti-Poverty Jewelry
Anti-Poverty Jewelry
'Me to We Artisans' Empowers Women & Promotes Tribal Style
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13
Fashion for Justice
Fashion for Justice
Delicate Fortress Creations Fight Human Trafficking, Slavery, Poverty
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12
Beads to Fight Poverty
Beads to Fight Poverty
BeadForLife Sells Fair Trade Jewelry and Shea Butter Made in Uganda
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11
Fish Leather Straps
Fish Leather Straps
Sprout Watches Uses Biodegradable Materials and Mercury-Free Batteries
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10
Shrapnel Jewelry
Shrapnel Jewelry
The Peace Bomb Bracelet is Made From Recycled Scrap Bomb Metal
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9
Jewelry-Funded Water Purifiers
Jewelry-Funded Water Purifiers
The Midomo Launch in Mwingi, Kenya Will Bring Security
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8
Empowerment Jewelry
Empowerment Jewelry
SWAK X Educates and Employs Young Adults with HIV/AIDS
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7
Indonesian Artisan Jewelry
Indonesian Artisan Jewelry
'Bersatu Designs' is a Social Business Employing Women
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6
Ethical Tribal Print Fashion
Ethical Tribal Print Fashion
The Nicole Miller Indego Africa Collection Focuses on Fair Trade
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5
Zulugrass Jewelry
Zulugrass Jewelry
The Leakey Collection Employs Women in the The Rift Valley, Kenya
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Explosive Ethical Jewelry
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
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3
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
The People Tree Wheelchair Campaign with Bombolulu
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2
Bullet Jewelry
Bullet Jewelry
Bullets2Bandages Accessories are Designed to Support Healing and Peace
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Beer Can Bracelets
Beer Can Bracelets
Ann-Made Jewelry Supports the Environment and Local Charities
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