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We’ve researched and worn dozens of sustainable jewelry brands over the years — these are our favorite charm necklaces that are ethically made and designed to last.
The jewelry we wear can be a statement — to the world, or more importantly, to ourselves. Charm necklaces in particular are often thought to be symbolic of our values, little things we love, or even powerful talismans that can protect us and bring good fortune. And if our necklaces are this meaningful and hold so much power, we want them to be ethically and sustainably made with responsibly sourced materials. We love finding women-owned, local, and ethical jewelry brands that focus on creating high-quality pieces that last, give back to their communities, and put good out into the world both through their jewelry and their actions. And the brands on this list are pretty charming, too, if we do say so ourselves.
What makes charm necklaces ethical?
Often, conventional jewelry production mines for metals, diamonds, and jewels that have funded armed conflicts and used unsafe and exploitative labor — plus environmental concerns like contributing to water pollution, for example. Ethical jewelry brands, however, responsibly and ethically source their materials, using conflict-free diamonds and gems and recycled metals, and paying workers fair wages in safe working conditions. Many of the brands on this list also prioritize small batch, made-to-order, or artisan handcrafted charm necklaces, minimizing overproduction and waste.
Why consider sustainable charm necklaces?
Beyond the ethical concerns of conventional jewelry production, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact of jewelry production. Most of the brands on this list use recycled gold, silver, and other metals instead of mining for them — a circular approach to jewelry production rather than constant mining.
Also, sustainable brands focus on eco-friendly practices within their businesses, like reducing (or reusing!) waste, using eco-friendly packaging, and giving back to environmental causes and organizations. By choosing sustainable and ethical brands when shopping for charm necklaces, we are putting our dollars toward the positive change we want to see in the jewelry industry.
Our criteria:
We love dozens of ethical and sustainable jewelry brands that are working to make beautiful jewelry and create a better, more sustainable world. We researched, pulled from favorite brands, and found small businesses that create beautiful, responsibly-made, customizable charm necklaces that feel personal and powerful for everyday wear.
- ETHICALLY MADE| The charm necklaces we’ve chosen for this list are made with responsibly sourced and recycled materials and come from brands that use safe labor practices, pay fair wages, and give back to the environment and their communities.
- QUALITY/DURABILITY| We want to wear our jewelry in everyday life. That’s why we chose charm necklaces that don’t have to be saved for special occasions. They are durable and made from high-quality materials.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included brands on this list at every price point, and because charm necklaces are customizable, you can add as many charms as you’d like at each price point.
Looking for more pieces to add to your stack? Check out this guide to our favorite sustainable jewelry brands.
1. Catbird
Best for | Dainty charm necklaces
Ethics & Sustainability | Ethically produced in Brooklyn, recycled gold and diamonds, conflict-free stones, gives back through Catbird Giving Fund
Price Range | $38-$1,000+
Catbird is a woman-owned and -operated jewelry brand based in Brooklyn, where they also make all of their jewelry in-house. Over 40 local jewelers and artisans craft the beautiful and dainty pieces, including over 200 charms. There’s a great variety of options, from classic gold alphabet and tiny diamond charms to playful homages to favorite snacks and whimsical artistic designs. Browsing the many options — and maybe even mixing and matching a few on a multi-charm necklace — is half the fun! Not sure what you’re feeling? If you visit Catbird in person, they offer styling consultations for creating the perfect charm necklace for you. Catbird uses recycled gold and diamonds, as well as responsibly sourced and conflict-free stones. The brand also gives back to the community through The Catbird Giving Fund, which donates to and partners with organizations that work in women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, girls’ education, social and racial justice, and more.
2. CLED
Best for | Silver charms
Ethics & Sustainability | Handmade in Los Angeles, recycled and upcycled materials, plastic-free packaging, gives back to its local community
Price Range | $35-$160
CLED is derived from the word “cycled” while also standing for Conscious Lifestyle, Earth Friendly & Ethical Design. And the LA-based women-led brand leans into that mission in its design, products, and brand ethos. CLED is known for its “Eco Gems” that are made from upcycled glass, each cut, shaped, and polished by hand. These gems make for truly unique and one-of-a-kind charms that you won’t find anywhere else. The designs begin as hand-drawn sketches and come to life as playful yet elevated charms — including a fish, sunglasses, matcha ice cream, even a hair comb, to name just a few of the fun designs. And of course, there are chains made from recycled metals to put your charms on, too. CLED uses recycled and eco-friendly packaging for all of its products. The brand gives back to the community, too, partnering with charitable organizations including Heal the Bay, Coral Reef Alliance, and Black Futures Lab.
3. Local Eclectic
Best for | Build-your-own charm necklaces
Ethics & Sustainability | Recycled materials, artisan-made pieces, carries 94% women founded/owned brands and small businesses
Price Range | $15-$2500
Local Eclectic is a woman-founded brand that spotlights and sources beautiful and unique jewelry from artists and small businesses — mostly women-owned and -operated — from around the world. Find a list of them and their stunning work here. Local eclectic sources a wide variety of charms and charm necklaces, from these adorable bubble letter charms to these intricate gold statement charms. We love all the options for building your own charm necklace, whether it’s with these solid gold charm clips, a beaded charm holder, or one of the many other charm necklace chains. You’ll be able to find charms and chains at various price points, making this a great affordable option — or a fun splurge. Local Eclectic itself is a woman-owned and -operated business, with 21 employees, and they do all of their photography, customer service, and fulfillment in-house.
Customer Review | “The pendant is as it looks in the pictures, small and beautiful. Also the packaging was well thought out and overall I am satisfied with my order.” – Maria N. [Read more reviews.]
4. HART
Best for | Charm bar
Ethics & Sustainability | 100% recycled gold, hand-drawn designs, recycled metal scraps
Price Range | $25-$225
HART believes that “Outer sparkle ignites inner spark.” Founded by Hart Haggerty in 2016, the jewelry brand operates out of a small downtown Charleston studio and works with jewelers around the world, including fifth-generation jewelers in NYC and a female-run boutique manufacturer in Asia. HART has so many empowering designs to choose from, like this inspiring Carpe Diem charm, this sweet snail charm, and this stunning locket with TGT fave beauty brand RMS Beauty’s Lip2Cheek inside. HART has several different chains, connectors, and other ways to customize your charm necklace, including engraving. And if you’re not sure exactly what you want for your charm necklace, you can try their online charm builder or schedule an appointment virtually or in store, where one of their expert stylists will help you curate your perfect piece. HART also gives back to MIDA, a fundraiser for the Hamida Patrick Cancer Fund at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston. The org was co-founded by HART’s founder in memory of her dear friend.
Customer Review | “I absolutely adore the Love and Fear Coin ! It’s a beautiful piece and the message behind it is exactly what I need ! Thank you, looking forward to adding more charms.” – Doris Q. [Read more reviews.]
5. GLDN
Best for | Gold charm necklaces
Ethics & Sustainability | Made with 90% recycled materials, majority of pieces are made to order, donates 10% of profits
Price Range | $22-$400
GLDN began on Etsy and has grown into a fave for sustainable and affordable jewelry, from personalized pieces to gorgeous charm necklaces. There’s a strong focus on pieces that feel personal, making this brand a great option for gifts. The dainty charms are made from recycled materials and use USA-sourced materials. Many of them are also handcrafted in GLDN’s Washington studio. A few of our favorites? This adorable mushroom, these gothic initial charms, this sweet little heart, and this tiny book charm. Chains are sold separately, but you can easily add matching chains to cart when you purchase a charm. GLDN donates 10% of total profits to organizations supporting civil rights, education, community, arts, and more. A few of the many orgs they’ve donated to include Brave Trails, Black Girl Ventures, National Immigration Law Center, and Baby2Baby.
Customer Review | “My wife absolutely loves everything I have gotten her from you all and this piece was no different. She loves that the items are so delicate and feminine.” – Nicholas B. [Read more reviews.]
6. Mejuri
Best for | Recycled metal charm necklaces
Ethics & Sustainability | Ethically sourced metals and stones, RJC certified responsibly sourced or recycled gold, gives back to the community
Price Range | $68-$750
Mejuri creates statement and fine jewelry made to be worn every day. The sustainable and made-to-last pieces are created with responsibly sourced materials from trusted suppliers. There are so many fun, flirty, and elegant charms to choose from — like this mini fortune cookie charm and this dainty hummingbird. Many of the charms are water-resistant and hypoallergenic, too. Mejuri does a great job of noting this on each product page. Mejuri is also very dedicated to sustainability, from sourcing and traceability to circularity and creating pieces that last. Read more about their specific sustainability actions here. The brand is also very centered on philanthropy and giving back through the Mejuri Empowerment Fund. Founded in 2020, it supports women and non-binary people’s access to skills through education, and they’ve given over $1 million to organizations including UNCF, Indspire, Care She Soars, and more.
Customer Review | “Love this charm, it has a really nice substantial weight to it and it’s a bit larger than I expected it to be. Really nice!” – Simone S. [Read more reviews.]
7. Aurate
Best for | Necklace pendants
Ethics & Sustainability | Ethical working conditions, sustainably sourced and conflict-free, recycled materials, gives back to the community
Price Range | $78-$618
Born out of NYC and made by seventh-generation craftspeople, Aurate is a favorite for affordable and quality 100% recycled gold jewelry, ethically sourced diamonds, and sustainably harvested pearls. They rigorously test all of their jewelry — through workouts, showers, play, etc. — to ensure it lasts a lifetime. Many of the charms are inspired by NYC — like this cute dollar slice pizza charm — but there are also plenty of other options, too. We love this lovely envelope that actually opens up and these bubble alphabet charms, to name a few. Aurate also has several options for chains to put your charms on — including a few with charm clips! Aurate gives back to the community through partnering with organizations like Mastery Charter, She Should Run, and Build NYC.
8. Haricot Vert
Best for | Handcrafted charm necklaces
Ethics & Sustainability | Made-to-order and handcrafted in Brooklyn, nontoxic and hypoallergenic materials, uses upcycled, deadstock, and vintage materials
Price Range | $28-$400
Kelsey Armstrong founded Haricot Vert after being inspired by a collage class she took while studying abroad in Paris. The brand describes itself as “wearable poetry,” and when you take a look at these necklaces, you’ll see why. Combining collage with jewelry, these made-to-order pieces are truly one-of-a-kind. They’re handmade by a small team of artisans at an atelier in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and are made from mostly upcycled, deadstock, and vintage materials. The custom necklaces are super quirky and fun! Like the upload-your-own eyes or upload-your-pet custom charm necklaces, for example. Haricot Vert also has some pre-made necklaces, too. This butterfly one and this trinket necklace stand out. The brand incorporates sustainability, circularity, and eco-responsibility into every step of its artworks — from repurposing paper scraps and unused jewelry findings into craft kits to prioritizing vintage, upcycled, and deadstock materials in designs. All of the metals they use are hypoallergenic, too.
9. Caitlyn Minimalist
Best for | Charm necklaces that give back
Ethics & Sustainability | Member of 1% for the Planet, carbon-neutral deliveries, sources packaging from Etsy businesses to support small creatives
Price Range | $18-$200+
Creating sentimental, affordable, and sustainable jewelry is the core of Caitlyn Minimalist’s ethos. The brand started after founder Kate Kim made a necklace engraved with her grandfather’s handwriting, and her family and friends responded with much attention and excitement. It started on Etsy, became a #1 best-seller on Etsy in 2020, and is now its own retailer. We can’t get over these sparkly birthstone fruit charms. And we also love these sweet pearl pendants, this gorgeous North Star charm, and this unique beetle charm. There are so many charms and chains to browse, though, so take your time looking through them all! Caitlynn Minimalist gives back by partnering with 1% for the Planet to donate 1% of proceeds to environmental organizations. They also source their packaging materials like confetti, wax seals, and notecards from Etsy shops to support small businesses — a thoughtful nod to their beginnings.
Customer Review | “Super cute charm- big enough that I feel like people can see it without being right in my face, but not heavy at all.” – Abigail N. [Read more reviews.]
10. Bronwen Jewelry
Best for | Charm necklaces for active people
Ethics & Sustainability | Climate Neutral certified, handcrafted in Oregon, members of several environmental organizations, sources metals and gemstones primarily from Fair Trade organizations
Price Range | $29-$49
Bronwen Jewelry is made to move with you. They’re designed to be comfortable so you don’t ever have to take them off — unless you want to, of course. The sustainably and ethically made jewelry is handcrafted in Oregon using metals and gemstones that are primarily sourced from Fair Trade organizations. These charm necklaces are a bit more on the minimalist side, with just a single charm on a cord. A few of the many nature-inspired designs include a lightning bolt, mountain, honeybee, and a crescent moon. Brownwen is also very dedicated to giving back to the earth and sustainability. It’s Climate Neutral certified, and partners with The Conservation Alliance, Kiss the Ground, and 350.org.
Customer Review | “My husband bought me this as a gift. I have treasured it. When it accidentally got lost a few years later, I was devastated. I was so grateful to be able to buy it again! I wear it almost daily. It’s perfect, rugged and feminine. I like the shorter size so I can layer it. You will not regret buying this! It’s beautiful!” – Christine H. [Read more reviews.]
Featured image is from GLDN
Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!
