5 Jewelry Brands That Do Good

I’ve always, always loved jewelry. For further proof, please see Exhibit A: ’80s me and ‘80s little brother.

The brother is on the right. Also, he was styled by, you guessed it, ME!

And Exhibit B: I played for the Gems! (By “played for,” I mean stood in the outfield and stared at the clouds.) Unfortunately, it wasn’t a jewelry team, but you can’t win ‘em all, now can you?

You now must be convinced of my excellent fashion prowess! And that’s a good thing because I have a list of my favorite jewelry brands that do good.

Starfish Project

Starfish Project is the first place I think of when I want to gift baubles to the beauties in my life. Their jewelry is joyful, unique, and GORGEOUS. They also cater to various personalities, offering tiny twinklers to delightfully dangly pieces.

The best thing about this brand is that it exists to help women and girls find freedom from exploitation and go on to lead fulfilling, creative careers and lives. These ladies are taught to be artisans, designers, photographers, and business professionals who can provide for their families every time someone generously buys a chic gem from this brand.  

Starfish Project also frequently refreshes their collections, so there’s always something new to put on your wish list. Trust me, I keep seeing things to add to my wish list. I’m like NOOOOO, but also like YESSSSS. I have the Blossom Earrings and love how they hold delicate dried flowers inside. You can wear these with anything.

Their jasper necklaces and earrings are also absolutely stunning. This Mosaic Jasper Necklace is now part of my personal collection and I wear it proudly knowing that someone created it with love.

I have many pieces of my own and have given Starfish Project sparkle as Christmas and birthday presents. They’re packaged in beautiful, circular boxes that can be reused for other gifts or storage.

Another thing I love about Starfish Project is that they offer gift sets. They, of course, make great gifts, but you can even split up the pieces, give one to a friend or two, then keep one for yourself. Sometimes it’s also a sneaky way to grab a piece that isn’t sold solo or has been sold out á la carte.

I’ve also found that Starfish Project has some awesome sales during the holidays, plus new stuff coming in frequently. Keep returning to the site to obsess over their little pretties.

I know that’s what I’ll be doing.

Her Future Coalition

Number 2 on my list of jewelry brands that do good is Her Future Coalition. Her Future Coalition is another purpose-driven brand that provides shelter, safety, and independence for women and girls desperate to escape trafficking circumstances and abuse.

What I love about this jewelry brand is the meaning associated with each enchanting piece. Included in the descriptions are symbolic stories of triumph and strength that just get the writer in me EVERY TIME.

Did I say every time? Because I meant every time.

I have the Monsoon Earrings (which, by the way, now come in GOLD…WHAT?!). Beyond their cool design, I loved what these earrings meant to the creators.

Here’s a quote from the Her Future Coalition writers:

Monsoon season is a most anticipated part of the year throughout India. The torrential rains bring relief from the extreme heat of soaring summer temperatures, and also the necessary water for India’s agriculture. Monsoon rains can also be destructive, but out of the chaos and destruction comes new life and growth.

The 10 delicate teardrop dangles in this design represent cascading streams of water with lots of movement as the rain plummets from the cloudy sky.

her future coalition

How can this not tug at your heart and spirit? I think the symbolism makes them even more intriguing.

I find Her Future Coalition to design pieces with personality and sophistication. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bold but not ostentatiously bold, I think their jewelry fits the mold. (I did a little rhyme-y there!)

It’s versatile, but different. Geometric, but feminine. And perfect for ALL queens.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott’s colorful, confident jewelry makes a statement all on its own, but what her brand does for others really makes them shine.

This designer is known for Kendra Gives Back events that donate to worthy causes. One worthy cause this brand gives back to is a dog rescue in Texas called ThisIsHouston.

Because dogs are the epitome of joy to me, I can’t think of a better organization to support. AND, ThisIsHouston is a caring group of humans who rescue and rehabilitate the dogs who’ve been through some of the toughest, most dire situations. ThisIsHouston also does free spay, neuter, and vaccination days as another way to advocate for our best fur friends.

ALSO, keep checking back for exciting news regarding a little collaboration I’ve got going with ThisIsHouston. I can’t say too much more, but there’s something in the works!

This Addie Gold Drop Earrings in Silver Filigree Mix is one of my go-to pairs because it’s silver AND gold. It’s also speaks to me like all vintage and antique jewelry speak to me. The historical, Art Deco, and old world looks are my jam.

How can you not be transported through time when you find literal, wearable art that was created with imagination and flair?

Bryan Anthonys

Bryan Anthonys has a huge selection of gems.

I don’t have any pieces from Bryan Anthonys. YET. However, I’ve purchased a gift or two for friends.

The presentation of Bryan Anthonys jewelry makes it really easy for gifting, too.

Each necklace, ring, bracelet, or pair of earrings comes with a card that explains the meaning behind the piece. The writing is really poignant and charming, with every sort of topic from friendship to encouragement to new beginnings.

I’ve had my eye on this Beautifully Broken Necklace for a while. The modern design is so captivating, and its profound message is enlightening and hopeful.

Through their giving back program, Our Designs Make a Difference, Bryan Anthonys donates to non-profits who also have a story to tell.

Shop Goodwill

Okay, you’re probably like Goodwill? They’re a jewelry brand? Well, friends, this is indeed a wild card, but here in Stano land, I do many wild cards.

ShopGoodwill.com has some amazing finds…if you’re willing to take a tiny treasure hunt. This may not be for everyone, but I enjoy going through a hodgepodge to find the diamond in the rough.

ShopGoodwill.com typically works like an online auction in which you bid on items and, if you bid the highest, you win!

These pre-loved pieces can be sold in a variety of conditions. Some just need a good cleaning, while others will clearly require repair. But if you’re up for the challenge, you can snag some beautiful, unique jewelry that will luckily get a new home with you!

And if you know what you’re looking for, it can be pretty simple to spot a keeper.

Plus, buying vintage and antique jewelry is some sustainable living magic. Reuse. Upcycle. Give new life to something old but worthy.

I found an antique brooch that was like-new and had been clearly taken care of over the years. I miraculously won as highest bidder, then took it to a family-owned antique jewelry store and had it converted into a necklace. Beauties, it’s SO pretty!

One thing I love about this piece and other antique pieces is imagining who wore it first. I wonder about their life and if we might’ve been friends, perhaps if we’d crossed the same paths and danced through the same eras.

I also like to think that when I finally get my angel wings (hopefully they’ll be dappled in dazzle and drizzled in diamonds because an angel can dream!) that someone like-minded will come along and cherish something I cherished. Yes, I know it’s dreamy and nostalgic, but I’m a very sentimental person. And if you’re also a sentimental person, you’re welcome here, my friend.

At Goodwill online, there’s also a pretty nifty search function that you can play around with. You might get different results if you type in “antique jewelry” versus “antique ring.” But that just means you can be creative with how you search!

Another interesting feature of the Goodwill site is a variety of jewelry lots. If you aren’t familiar with jewelry lots, it’s basically like a massive collection of similar, more inexpensive pieces. Sometimes you’ll see a whole grouping of cameos or a chunky necklace loot. It’s fun to see what people have collected and chosen for their wardrobe!

Pre-loved pieces have a story to them and, when you add one to your collection, you’re continuing its story.

I really like the idea of carrying on a legacy and giving something old a beautiful new beginning.

Do you have any favorite jewelry brands that do good? I’d love to know in the comments!

Stay lovely, beauties!