5 Wedding Ring Trends You Can Shop Ethically

Perhaps women are realizing that one big rock is nothing compared to a band covered in them, because more brides are saying yes to an eternity band covered in diamonds than the traditional ring with a center stone.

Diamond band with round diamonds; price upon request, forevermark.com

Founded in 2005 by Stanford University alumni Beth Gerstein and Eric Gossberg, Brilliant Earth goes beyond the standard Kimberley Process definition when it comes to ethical diamonds. They only source stones that originate from mines that do not finance civil wars, are free of human rights abuses, are environmentally responsible, practice fair labor, and are involved in community development.

Platinum diamond eternity ring; $12,500, brilliantearth.com

Natural diamonds have the sparkle and may even be a girl’s best friend, according to Marilyn Monroe. However, a colored gemstone is just as glamorous. Just ask Kate Middleton and her sapphire engagement ring!

18K gold opaque diamond on a lotus band; $3,125, meandrojewelry.com

The Chicago-based jeweler is a third-generation, family-owned business established in 1921. In 1999, the family launched Earthwise Jewelry to focus on fine jewelry made with conflict-free Canadian diamonds, fair-trade gemstones, and recycled precious metals.

Jackie Pavé Canadian round diamonds with sapphire center stone; starting at $975, leberjeweler.com

Let’s get this straight: Grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia. A lab-grown diamond has all the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a natural diamond, but is the only 100 percent conflict free, eco-conscious, and sustainable diamond in the world — not to mention it’s approximately 30 percent less expensive than its natural twin.

Silicon Valley is not only for techy types. In 2015, engineers Martin Roscheisen, Jeremy Scholz, and Kyle Gazay founded the Diamond Foundry. By combining a very thin slice of natural diamond with a technology developed by the team, they are able to use the energy of the sun to make a diamond, atom by atom, within two weeks. With investors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Diamond Foundry is putting its brand firmly on the market.

Simple Bezel, designed by Baxter Moerman, based on a 1.5 carat emerald-cut diamond set in a platinum band; $3,975, diamondfoundry.com

MiaDonna was founded in 2005 by former model Anna-Mieke Anderson, who became aware of the diamond trade through her own engagement ring. She soon discovered the only way to be truly ethical and conflict-free when it comes to diamond buying is to buy man-made diamonds. And she’s begun her own company to bring them to the masses.

Socialite micro-pavé diamond ring, $2,789, miadonna.com

A diamond is forever, as they say, so why not give it a new lease on life? A vintage diamond ensures that you’re not creating the demand for a new one, and it can be modernized with a new setting if you want one. Or if you’ve always loved a particular family heirloom, why should it not get the chance to be your engagement ring — one with so much shared love and history.

One of our favorite, shop-from-anywhere sources for vintage jewelry? The website 1stDibs has some of the best pieces available online.

1930s two-stone diamond platinum cross-over ring; $8,513.12, 1stdibs.com

One of New York City’s best-loved jewelry stores, Doyle and Doyle specializes in handpicked vintage, antique, and estate jewelry. You’ll either find what you want here or walk away with something you didn’t know you wanted, and they have options to suit all budgets.

Old European heirloom diamond frame engagement ring; $5,500, doyledoyle.com

Whether it’s a cluster of different-shape stones or an interestingly shaped band, unusual rings are an increasingly popular choice for brides and grooms who prefer to stand out in a crowd.

Bario Neal is a Philadelphia-based company founded in 2007 by jewelry designers Anna Bario and Page Neal. They work only with ethically sourced stones and 100 percent reclaimed details, and they source from mines that provide full transparency and accountability.

Andalusite cluster ring; $1,401.00 to $1,749, bario-neal.com

Founded in 2009 by designer Monique Péan, this brand is socially responsible and committed to sourcing sustainable materials through fair trade initiatives. Proceeds from her sales go to helping organizations that provide clean drinking water and basic sanitation.

Double trapezoid and diamond baguette ring; $6,520, moniquepean.com