How to Shop More Sustainably in 2025: 5 Simple Ways to Make Ethical Choices

It's 2025, and by now, we all know how important it is to shop ethically—but how do you actually put that into practice? With so many options out there, it can be tricky to know whether the jewellery you've just bought really is eco-friendly or just another example of greenwashing. You want to feel good about your purchases—not second-guessing whether you’ve fallen for a clever marketing tactic.

Here’s the good news: shopping sustainably is easier than you might think! In this guide, you'll find 5 easy ways to shop for sustainable jewellery in 2025, so you can spot greenwashing and confidently add beautiful, ethical pieces to your collection that not only align with your values—but also look great, too!

5 Easy Ways to Shop for Sustainable Jewellery in 2025

1. Shop From Independent Jewellers

Want to make a real difference with your jewellery purchases? Start by supporting independent jewellers. When you buy from small, local makers, you know exactly who made your jewellery and where it’s coming from. Many independent brands handcraft their pieces, putting time, love, and care into every design—something you just won’t get with mass-produced fast fashion jewellery.

Another perk? Independent brands often make their jewellery in small batches using sustainable practices and ethically sourced materials, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. By supporting these small businesses, you’re not only getting a unique, beautifully crafted piece of jewellery—you’re backing a maker who prioritises ethical, eco-friendly production.

2. Support Brands with Transparency

When it comes to jewellery, it’s all about knowing what you’re buying and who’s making it. Look for brands that are open about their materials, sourcing practices, and production processes. A strong ethics and sustainability policy is a sure sign that a brand is serious about responsible production.

Don’t be afraid to ask brands for more details about where their materials come from. A brand worth supporting will be happy to share this information. It’s also important to make sure that fair labour practices are part of the equation—workers should be treated with respect, paid fairly, and work in safe, supportive environments.

Certifications like Fairmined (for responsibly mined gold) or the Kimberley Process (for conflict-free diamonds) are reassuring, but keep in mind that independent jewellers may not always have these certifications due to high costs. That doesn’t mean their practices aren’t ethical—just ask them directly to find out!

3. Buy Timeless and Versatile Pieces

Sustainable jewellery isn’t just about materials—it’s about choosing pieces that stand the test of time, both in style and durability. Timeless, versatile jewellery is something you’ll wear again and again, no matter the season or trend. Think classic chain necklaces, elegant hoops, and stacking rings—pieces that are built to last and never go out of style.

By opting for timeless designs, you’re steering clear of the trend-driven jewellery often churned out by fast fashion brands, which is poorly made and doesn’t last. These pieces are usually worn just a few times before they either fall apart or lose their appeal. When you choose versatile pieces that can be worn every day, you’re building a jewellery collection that’s not only sustainable and meaningful but also always in style.

4. Choose Recycled Metals

One of the most sustainable ways to shop for jewellery is by choosing pieces made from recycled metals. By buying jewellery crafted from recycled gold or silver, you’re helping to reduce the environmental damage caused by mining, such as habitat destruction and water pollution.

That said, just because a piece uses recycled metals doesn’t automatically mean it’s ethical or eco-friendly. Be sure to look for a brand that addresses not only the sourcing of their metals but also their overall ethical policies, like fair wages, waste management, and other sustainable practices. If they’re not open about any of this, it might be worth questioning whether the recycled claim is just another greenwashing tactic.

5. Repair Existing Pieces

Before you buy something new, think about repairing the jewellery you already own. A simple resizing, re-stringing a necklace, or fixing a clasp can make a world of difference. And for those heirloom pieces or jewellery that’s no longer quite your style, a skilled jeweller can redesign them to suit your current taste—giving you something “new” without the environmental cost of a fresh purchase.