10 Handmade Jewelry Brands From Small & Independent Artisans
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve researched, worn, and loved pieces from many handmade jewelry brands throughout the years — these are our top picks for independent artisans at a variety of price points.
When it comes to self-expression, we want pieces that feel like us — not the mass-produced stuff. That’s why we love checking out handmade jewelry brands: They’re individually made (🎵 imitated but never duplicated 🎵), usually more sustainable than big-name brands, and offer an opportunity to support small businesses. Additionally, these pieces tend to be more affordable and durable because they can use better materials on fewer items!
Why consider handmade jewelry?
If you’ve ever heard of the term “blood diamonds,” you know just how harmful mining can be to local communities — and many popular jewelry stores don’t take pains to be responsible because it drives up costs and lowers profit margins. (Even the rules to stop blood diamond mining or to switch to “conflict-free” stones often aren’t strong enough to stop conglomerates.)
Handmade jewelry from smaller brands, though, are a thoughtful alternative to that negative impact, since they typically make pieces in small batches with traceable, recycled, or natural materials. Their footprint, if any, is much smaller — and they typically care more about creating jewelry with a conscience.
Our criteria:
Our editors have hand-selected the brands on this list after wearing and researching dozens of handmade jewelry brands and vetting thousands of customer reviews. We regularly update the list with new favorites that meet the criteria below.
SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY | All of the brands below prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly ethics in their work, using recycled metals, natural or upcycled stones, and plastic-free or carbon-neutral shipping whenever possible.
AFFORDABLE | Some jewelry companies operate with brick-and-mortar stores or have sizable markups — instead, these businesses below are largely direct-to-consumer, so they can keep prices affordable while also providing high-quality pieces.
SMALL BUSINESS | The US Small Business Administration generally defines a small business as any brand with fewer than 100 employees. The brands on this guide all fall under that category (some are just a few employees overall). By supporting small business, you can invest in your local economy, ensure sustainable wages and jobs, and help keep artisanal crafts and techniques alive.
While we’ve rounded up a taste of what’s out there from small businesses, we also recommend checking out these sources for indie jewelry — we’re sure you’ll find something that feels just like you at one of these shops:
- The Future Rocks | The Future Rocks works solely with creative and conscious makers who rank sustainability and ethics over all, and their curated collection is excellent.
- Local Eclectic | Founded by women, for women, Local Eclectic carries 80+ budget-friendly designers — new styles are added weekly and orders come with easy, free returns.
- The Clay Pot | This family-owned boutique marketplace carries some of the latest and greatest from indie designers, including brands you’ll see below like Ananda Khalsa. This is a great go-to if you’re looking for wedding bands or engagement rings and want to support small!
- And of course, Etsy | This one-stop shop helps you scour thousands of artisan brands at once so you can find exactly what you need in terms of style, sustainability, and cost. Plus, Etsy orders come with carbon-neutral shipping! 📦
1. Catori Life
Best For | Nature- & spirit-inspired jewelry
Ethics | Woman-owned small business, 1% for the Planet, plants 10 trees with each purchase, made in the USA, eco-friendly packaging, fair wages
Prices Starting At | $54+
With a vision to heal the earth, Catori Life’s jewelry beautifully channels Mother Nature and the spirits — take, for example, their best-sellers: The Ankh Necklace, Serpent Ring, or the Pyramids Cuff Set. Each piece is responsibly made in the US, leveraging ethically sourced stones and reclaimed metals, and the packaging is eco-friendly, as well. Plus, every piece sold helps plant 10 trees and give back to environmental causes (via the Eden Project and 1% for the Planet, respectively). Intentional, exquisite, and steeped in history, Catori Life’s jewelry will make you feel connected to both planet and people.
Customer review | “I absolutely love them. It’s a joy to wear them everyday. Easily match with different outfits. You can see the quality of great craftsmanship in every piece. So well-made, beautiful and even better to know that your jewelry is lovingly made with sustainable gold, by a socially conscious brand!” —BaoAnh D. (Read more reviews)
2. Alex Monroe
Best For | Floral & animal-inspired jewelry
Ethics | Small business, made in England, recycled & precious metals, living wages
Prices Starting At | £40+
Based in the UK — though shipping worldwide — Alex Monroe sources inspiration from the birds and the bees (and no, that’s not a euphemism — we mean it literally!). From blooming flower earrings to dainty bee necklaces, these handmade pieces are designed and developed in the UK, as they have been for the last three decades. By purposefully producing locally and prioritizing sustainable materials, Alex Monroe’s team keeps their carbon footprint low. Choose from a whimsical assortment of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and bespoke jewelry.
Customer review | “More than impressed. I was thrilled when I received my locket, it’s very fine and elegant. It’s perfect for popping in something you feel is precious. Would definitely recommend.” —Rachel (Read more reviews)
3. A.B Seas
Best For | Sea glass jewelry
Ethics | Woman-owned small business, made in the USA, natural materials, upcycled ocean plastic
Prices Starting At | $40+
Shaped by the sea and then crafted by hand, A.B Seas offers jewelry we can’t take our eyes off of. That’s because founder Alice Birnbaum has sourced all materials from beaches around Hawaii, upcycling sea glass and microplastics. This collection is both sustainable and stunning, including colorful hoops, statement earrings, adjustable rings, and droplet necklaces (you can even customize your own necklace with your choice of colored droplet!). One (wo)man’s trash is another one’s treasure? Yeah, that fits the bill here, too.
4. Yam
Best For | Silver, gold, & pearl jewelry
Ethics | Black woman-owned small business, made in the USA, made-to-order, upcycled materials
Prices Starting At | $30+
Yam, a Black woman-owned brand, takes the classics we’ve always loved and elevates them to new heights. For example, check out their versions of the chain link bracelets, chokers, and pearl drop earrings — see what we mean? Even better, Yam crafts their affordable jewelry using deadstock and upcycled materials, and since all pieces are made to order, no two are exactly alike. Spotted in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and even Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” music video, you’ll want to get your hands on these affordable pieces before they become super exclusive. 😉
Customer review | “So happy I finally got to open my incredible necklace for my birthday… I instantly fell in love with how beautiful everything was and the high level of craft. A Queens sustainable babe.” —@flybynight.nyc (Read more reviews)
5. Ananda Khalsa
Best For | Gemstone & birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Woman-owned small business, made in the USA, natural materials, recycled metals, select pieces made-to-order
Prices Starting At | $110+
If you’re a fan of both art and jewelry, you’ll love Massachusetts-based Ananda Khalsa — this woman-owned small biz in Northampton combines handpainted images, gemstones, and recycled metals throughout its colorful collection. For jewelry containing paintings, the original painting is set behind tempered glass in sterling silver or 22k gold; they’re never reproduced, so your piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Individualized and made to last, it’s easy to see why these investment pieces are worth it.
Customer review | “Stunning jewelry. I can’t stay away. I want to buy everything on the website! Every time I wear my Ananda Khalsa pieces, people stop me on the street to ask about them. Beautifully made and completely original.” —Hilary S. (Read more reviews)
6. T Skies
Best For | Indigenous & Southwestern-inspired jewelry
Ethics | BIPOC owned mall business, made in the USA, 5% supports T.Skies Nonprofit Co-op, fair trade, ethically sourced & natural materials
Prices Starting At | $35+
Inspired by Southwestern culture in the US, T Skies (or known as Turquoise Skies) works with master artisans across Albuquerque, New Mexico. Originally launched to teach consumers about turquoise stones — and their long-lasting value in indigenous cultures — this budding brand now makes silver bracelets, rings, earrings, and sets in that traditional Southwestern style. Five percent of sales support the T.Skies Nonprofit Co-Op to invest in local artists and to fight misappropriation. Check out this fair trade, ethically sourced collection and help keep indigenous traditions and styles alive.
Customer review | “Absolutely beautiful rings. Shipped quickly and fit true to ring size. Admired these rings for a while, and glad I decided to order them. This is my second purchase with Turquoise Skies. I’m sure there will be more in the future.” —S.R. (Read more reviews)
7. Monarc Jewellery
Best For | Budget-friendly essentials
Ethics | Certified B Corp, woman-owned small business, made in the USA, natural & recycled materials, FSC-certified packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, gives back to three organizations
Prices Starting At | $20+
A Certified B Corp with affordable, exquisite jewelry? Monarc Jewellery really is that girl. Launched by Ella Drake in 2017, this conscious brand combines sophistication and sustainability into a gorgeous and timeless collection. Materials are either recycled, certified precious, or upcycled (so as to avoid any additional mining), and everything is produced under safe, fair working conditions in small batches — in addition, a percentage of proceeds support nonprofits around the globe. From chunky hoops to drop necklaces to solitaire studs, these pieces are perfect for daily wear and will remain in style season after season.
Customer review | “I’ve made two purchases and each time the company has been a dream to deal with. I love the jewellery and thoroughly recommend purchasing from the wonderful Monarc team. They really care about customer service:).” —Diane B. (Read more reviews)
8. Emi Conner
Best For | Vintage-inspired rings, bands, & earrings
Ethics | BIWOC-owned small business, natural & recycled materials, made-to-order pieces, carbon-free shipping via Etsy
Prices Starting At | $39
Emi Conner’s aesthetic combines vintage vibes with a modern touch — and we are in serious awe. This collection contains alternative engagement rings, contoured and straight wedding bands, fine jewelry, and even custom options, all using sustainable materials like conflict-free diamonds, lab-grown moissanites, recycled gold, and traceable gemstones. The Emi Conner team works with craftspeople back in the founder’s native land of Thailand, and every piece is handmade to order. (If you prefer ready-to-ship options, they have a limited selection as well.) What we love most is the ability to try on wax band samples of various rings before committing, to make sure they fit and work well with any existing jewelry (for example, an Emi Conner wedding band with your existing engagement ring).
Customer review | “I am totally in love with my ring! It was such a wonderful experience being able to try on a sample beforehand to see if it suited me before making the purchase. Emi was absolutely amazing and super responsive, addressing all of my queries promptly. I can’t recommend enough buying from her shop.” —Jocelyn (Read more reviews)
9. Gardens of the Sun
Best For | Gemstone rings
Ethics | Certified B Corp, BIWOC owned small business, plants trees, carbon-neutral, ethically sourced gold from Indigenous women miners, plastic-free packaging, natural & recycled materials
Prices Starting At | $19+
Meri Geraldine of Gardens of the Sun aims to create 100 percent ethical jewelry — free of mercury, supporting local artisans around the world, and giving back along the way. So far, they’re getting pretty dang close, as the brand recently was given B Corp status in January 2023. As much as possible, GOTS works directly with miners to ensure safe working conditions and living wages, and the materials are largely traceable — including eco-gold, recycled silver, indigenous sapphires, and artisanal diamonds. Out of their current collection, we’re big fans of the hidden gem jewelry as we’ve never seen that style elsewhere, but you can also create your own custom pieces.
Customer review | “The shipping was super fast and it got here right before my birthday. The gem quality is excellent and the color is beautiful. Everyone at GOTS is lovely.” —Lisa S. (Read more reviews)
10. Pippa Small
Best For | Heirloom quality pieces
Ethics | Woman owned small business, partner with fair trade artisans around the world, sustainably mined materials
Prices Starting At | $85+
From hand-panned gold in Colombia to makers in Myanmar, Pippa Small teams up with craftspeople in areas of conflict around the globe to offer sustainable artisan work. In turn, the brand sells beautifully vibrant jewelry you can purchase to support traditional techniques and living wages. (Want to meet the artisans? You can learn more about them here!) Pippa Small has two global stores, one in London and the other in Santa Monica, CA, but they deliver worldwide. Prices start at $85, and while some pieces are worth thousands, you can rest assured you’ll own something truly exquisite and unique while also supporting artisans.
Customer review | “Not only exquisite, thoughtful designs, but unique pieces from remote corners of the world with a story to tell.” —Jeanette SC (Read more reviews)
Featured image is from Yam
