Fair Trade is a social movement and a trading partnership which is based on transparency, respect, and dialogue, all with the aim to increase the equity in international trade. This type of partnership is a significant contributor to sustainable development due to the fact that it offers better conditions for trading to marginalized workers, particularly to those in the South, and it also secures their rights.

Members of this social movement advocate higher price paid to exporters and better social and environmental standards. Fair Trade organizations support producers, raise awareness, and campaign for changes in the practices of conventional international trade; WFTO is their logo.

Fair Trade Jewelry: Why It Is Pivotal to Buy It?

With the consumer’s awareness for social and consumer responsibility growing exponentially, we become more educated and do not mind spending an additional few cents for a coffee or few dollars more for a fair trade gift like a piece of jewelry.

It is important to mention that there has been a large movement in the growth of fair trade jewelry stores online as a response to the demand of consumers. Namely, people want to feel comfortable in the jewelry that they wear and they find this easily achievable with a clear conscience brought by an investment in fair trade accessories. But, why is this so?

Namely, when we buy jewelry with a Fair Trade stamp, we can be sure that the producers from developing countries get a fair price for the services or goods they provide and we encourage sustainability. Unfortunately, there are a lot of corporations that do not pay enough and then they sell the products for high prices, leaving the producers in a difficult situation.

Moreover, if there was no Fair Trade, the workers from these areas would not be able to work sustainably and they would live in poverty and with no work. In this way, you can freely wear expensive jewelry without having to worry about how it was made. Hence, if you also like the idea of being a socially and economically responsible citizen of the world, buying fair trade jewelry ensures a positive impact on the world we are living in.

In today’s review, we want to share the 4 best places to buy fair trade jewelry.

Saphan

The idea for Sapahn was born in Thailand back in 2008 when the founder Brooke Mullen found artisan communities that handcrafted astonishing and high-quality pieces, but were experiencing market problems and their income was dependent on the sales. Their bargaining power was low and they did not have the needed resources.

Her solution was a business that is now known as Sapahn, which means ‘bridge’ in Thai. It offers a sustainable market where artisans can sell their products. Since 2010, Matt and Brooke Mullen, co-founders of Sapahn, have partnered with 9 artisan communities in Thailand or more than 500 artisans.

These cratsfpersons set their own price for the products they make because they know their costs and needs best and there is no bargaining whatsoever.

Deciding to buy from this brand enables the customers to benefit from fair prices while the artisans receive 50 percent of the total order once they begin with the creation and the other half after delivery.

Besides jewelry, they also sell handbags, scarves, and blankets. The jewelry they offer is high-quality and within a price range to suit everyone’s budget and taste. That is, there are different silver necklaces handcrafted by Thai artisans for the modern woman; the price varies from model to model, i.e. there are necklaces from $0 to $50, from $50 to $100, from $100 to $200, from $200 to $300, and models more expensive than $300.

You can also find Fair Trade silver bracelets, rings, and earrings. Whether you are buying a gift for your loved one or for a friend or if you are looking for a piece of jewelry to spark up your evening look, you will not be in the wrong if you purchase from this transparent enterprise.

Another great option where you can purchase Fair Trade jewelry is Bead & Reel, founded by Sica Schmitz, who was tirelessly searching for ethical fashion.  While working as a costume designer in Hollywood, she found it difficult to find beautiful clothing in accordance with her vegan and humanitarian beliefs. Therefore, she made a decision to create her own shop that would bring together similar brands for an ethical shopping.

The products they offer are eco-friendly and cruelty-free and are meant for conscientious women. They are made in the U.S. and are organic and vegan. Those who lead a sustainable lifestyle will be particularly satisfied with the fact that the business uses recycled and recyclable shipping supplies.

On their website, you can find a variety of jewelry, from recycled brass and black agate earrings ($80) that you can wear to a dinner date to an elegant recycled bronze cuff ($120) that will supplement your stylish look at any time, regardless of the occasion. Without doubt, if you appreciate buying organic, vegan, and zero-waste jewelry, this is the ideal brand for you.

Edge of Ember is a brand of accessories that sells quality and luxurious jewelry which looks and feels good, without any nasty stuff going on behind the scenes. They work together with skillful artisans and help them create a sustainable source of income. They strongly oppose child labor and make sure everyone works under safe and healthy conditions; they also provide fair payment and use sustainable and raw materials.

Lynette Ong is the founder whose main goal was to show the world that quality jewelry can be made without compromising on socially responsible practices. Their online shop will guide you through sets of astonishing jewelry ranging from cute earrings to everyday earring studs, ear jackets, to glam drop earrings for your nights out.

You can find interesting designs of rings, necklaces, and bangles too, as well as stunning collections like the Engravable and Minimalist. From the talented hands of Nepalese, Indian, Indonesian, and Thai craftspersons, you get to wear premium accessories for a glamorous and trendy look at all times with a clear conscience.

Last but not least, our fourth choice for a Fair Trade online jewelry shop is The Makers. They strive to bring premium products and support gifted and inspiring makers, while ensuring an optimal experience for all customers and for their Makers. They consider that happiness cannot be bought, but at least we can buy local which is kind of the same thing.

If you are in need of earrings, bracelets, rings, as well as men's jewelry and jewelry for mothers and babies, you should definitely check out their shop. There are fascinating designs like the Infinity Necklace in sterling silver and the Smokey Quartz Teardrop necklace. One cannot remain indifferent to the golden Garnet Crown Ring and the golden Gladiator Cuff that are certainly statement pieces.

From meditation rings to hand stamped bracelets with eccentric inscriptions like ‘Do Epic Shit’, this brand is highly recommendable for unique, awake, and daring women.

Final Thoughts on Fair Trade Jewelry

To conclude, if you are able to afford more expensive jewelry and still make sure that the artisans are getting fair pay, buying Fair Trade products is the right way to achieve this. Child labor and inhumane working conditions need to remain in the past and we should all strive for a better world based on equity and kindness.

All of the four accessory brands that we reviewed today are an indicator that people are awakening and understanding the importance of inclusion and honesty while doing business. For a clear conscience and a rewarding feeling that you are doing some good in the world, buy fair trade.

Where will you shop for jewelry?

This post was originally published on January 25, 2018.