Need to brainstorm ideas for your holiday shopping list?

Whether you’re shopping for your BFF or wife, there’s one gift you can’t go wrong with: jewelry.

But not all jewelry is made equal. Jewelry making, in itself, is harmful to the environment. Ecolustre states that the extraction techniques are responsible for 96% of arsenic emissions and 76% of lead emissions.

Purchasing jewelry from stores that practice sustainability is one way to, consumers are being environmentally proactive consumer. Choose sustainable jewelers that use recycled metal, upcycle materials, use non-traditional methods to reduce emissions and toxins, and recycle goods whenever possible.

Don’t stress about finding the best local jewelers. We dug up some of the top places to shop for sustainable jewelry within Philadelphia for you!

Philadelphia’s Top 5 Sustainable Jewelry Shops

1. Bario Neal is known for beautiful, handcrafted, jewelry! Each piece is designed from “reclaimed precious metals, Fairmined gold, ethically sourced stones, and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices.” Since opening in 2007, the company has progressed into a renowned jeweler, making and selling each piece within their storefront shop. The jewelry at Bario Neal is developed to maintain freedom in innovation as well as their ethical guidelines.

Aside from practicing sustainability within their goods, Bario Neal continues to work around the area to create an overall healthy environment. As they’ve actively engaged in the community. A percentage of their profits are donated to a number of environmental and social justice organizations locally. Overall, the jewelers at Bario Neal strive to create unique and original pieces, with the hopes that they will be passed down as heirlooms in the years to come. You can visit Bario Neal either in the shop or online at Bario Neal. 700 S. 6^th Street, Philadelphia PA 19147.

2. Mushmina: The team at Mushmina are busy trying to overcome challenges and working to create cultural integrity and expand fair-trade. Mushmina opens up various opportunities for men and women within developing countries, with the hopes of being able to expand across to new cultures.

The creators of Mushmina, Heather and Katie O’Neil, worth with artisans to introduce different pieces and culture into their store. As mentioned in Philly Racked, a few of their products have strong meaning behind their beauty; like a crescent shaped pair of earrings stand for femininity and strength. Mushmina has received recognition for their hard work as a small business and contribution to the community and developing world. Catch the unique styles of Mushmina: 1540 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146. Mushmina website.

3. Kirsten Muenster Jewelry: Although Kirsten Muenster currently traded Philly for the west coast, this founder and designer of small sustainable jewelry store graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

By using nature and unusual materials for her inspiration, Muenster creates unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for sale. Her ancestors, of coppersmiths and metal workers, are her inspiration for the jewelry.

Muenster is committed to being eco-friendly and working with non-profit. Visit her unique store online!

4. Concrete Polish: strives to create pieces with the lowest impact. Whether the jewelry is reclaimed metals, minimizes transportation and shipping or promotes other local artists, they set out to create a community choosing socially conscious jewels.

Find Concrete Polish at Ritual Ritual on 716 N. 3rd St, Philadelphia PA or visit them online.

5. Moon + Arrow: A socially responsible & eco-conscious boutique, find handmade and vintage jewelry from small artisans. Select unique pieces from the jewelry line.

Visit them at 754 S 4th Street in Queens Village or online.

Readers, where do you get your sustainable jewelry?

Cover Photo: Flickr

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is a Senior and Communications Major at Saint Joseph’s University. She found her love of helping others through an internship with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and began to realize the impact she has as an individual within society. Through the little changes that we make in our lives, we are able to impact others in an even bigger way. Her life motto is from Ghandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world”, because I have realized that it all stars with you.” View all posts by Christine Boylan