Why Earth Day Matters to Us
At ESQUELETO, our entire ETHOS is rooted in sustainability. We see jewelry as an art that connects us to people and places. From the source of our metals to the hands that craft our jewelry, each piece carries a story.
This Earth Day, we want to share with you how sustainability guides the way we source, curate, and create. The supply chain behind our jewelry is small, and we make sure our values are part of every step. Each designer you discover when you shop with us shares our commitment and values. Earth Day is the perfect time to share just some of the thoughtful practices our partners use to create their art.
What Sustainable Jewelry Means
- Ethical Sourcing - The jewelry-making process begins with ethical sourcing. To call something ethical, we have to know where it came from and if it was obtained with respect for both the environment and the people involved. That’s why we showcase the work of designers whom we know personally. We all work with traceable gemstones and share a commitment to respecting people and environments along the way.
- Recycled Metals - One of the best ways to lower the overall environmental footprint of jewelry-making is to use recycled gold and silver whenever possible. That’s why we rely on reclaimed metals whenever we can, and we recycle all the material waste we create in our own studio.
- Fairmined Gold - Sometimes, new metals are required for a piece of jewelry. That’s why we support the use of fairmined gold, which comes from certified mines with fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility.
- Sustainable Studios - Our daily workflows are rooted in thoughtful choices. From using natural oxidizers in the studio to taking public transportation to get there, we aim to minimize our impact. We also recycle and reuse our packaging and stay focused on evolving towards lower-waste ways of creating.
- Vintage and Antique jewelry - We make the biggest environmental impact by giving new life to pieces that already exist. Our fine jewelry experts ensure that all of our antique and vintage jewelry is authentic and has the structural integrity to last for many more generations to come.
Why Handmade Matters: Thoughtful Curation Over Mass Production
At ESQUELETO, we know the most sustainable jewelry is made by people you can name, in studios you can visit, through supply chains you actually understand. That’s why we reject fast, mass-produced “luxury” in favor of slow, intentional creation. Our small team of local jewelers crafts each piece by hand, recycling in-house materials, while our carefully curated collection features artists who share our commitment to quality, community, and the environment. Every ring, necklace, and bracelet is hand-forged, carefully set, and designed to be treasured for years. For us, sustainable jewelry is art that’s meant to be lived in.
Artist Spotlights: Sustainability in Practice
WWAKE
Founded by Wing Yau in Brooklyn, NY, every piece by WWAKE is handmade by her and her team. They operate with radical transparency, listing the origin of everything they use.
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They’re committed to using fairmined gold and fair-trade stones.
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They use recycled metals whenever possible.
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Check out their Opal Tourmaline Stela Earrings or Tourmaline Baguette Band to see how they recontextualize jewelry into stunning silhouettes.
S. YAMANE STUDIO
With a deeply local approach, Shane of S. Yamane Studio is a true example of handmade craftsmanship and local sourcing.
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He buys locally mined agate from Montana and cuts it himself.
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Growing up in Hawaii, Shane learned traditional jewelry techniques that he’s committed to preserving.
- See how Shane uses recycled metals to showcase his slabs of dreamy Montana agate in pieces like his Kiku Earrings, and check out his Light Bar Chain Necklace for your next everyday gold necklace.
MEGAN THORNE
Megan works heavily with post-consumer antique diamonds to build delicate floral creations in her home studio from start to finish with no outsourcing.
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Her romantic, timeless designs emphasize longevity.
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Reinforces the idea of jewelry as an heirloom, not a trend.
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Great for bringing a botanical inspiration to your look, like with her Laurel Wreath Topper Ring.
ELLIS MHAIRI CAMERON
Ellis brings her Scottish heritage into her jewelry designs, using traditional techniques and hand skills to revive existing materials. Her designs are full of sculptural gold and glittery gems, making each piece feel like an ancient treasure.
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She exclusively uses recycled gold and traceable diamonds.
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Her Old Cut Collection line features reclaimed antique diamonds. Check out her X Old Cut Large Oval Diamond Necklace.
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Each piece is made by hand in her London studio.
TAP by TODD POWNELL
Todd Pownell uses reclaimed gems, antique diamonds, and recycled metals to craft dramatic designs that capture the raw beauty of natural materials. As a member of Ethical Metalsmiths, he works with jewelers who support ethical mining in sourcing their materials and run their studios using the most sustainable practices.
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Todd uses reclaimed and antique diamonds to craft stunning designs, like his Marquise Diamond Necklace.
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He loves working with recycled metals to craft designs that embrace organic elements. See his hammered eternity ring.
LAUREN WOLF JEWELRY
Owner and founder of ESQUELETO, Lauren Wolf Jewelry is our in-house brand known for unique engagement rings featuring ethically-mined, rare-colored diamonds. Crafted in California with New York roots, Lauren’s designs mesh primitive with sophisticated, edgy with elegant, and timeless with unconventional. All crafted with sustainability and care at the forefront.
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Lauren always prioritizes reclaimed and antique diamonds.
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She focuses on one-of-a-kind pieces, reducing excess production.
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Blending sustainability with bold, modern design, check out her Diamond Beacon Signet Ring, or Desert Flower Diamond Necklace.
Sustainability with Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Our Antique and Vintage Jewelry gives new life to jewelry that’s already been made. Choosing antique jewelry not only reduces demand for newly mined materials but also preserves the style and craftsmanship of past eras. The history and character behind pieces like our Albert Chain or Edwardian Diamond Line Ring can’t be replicated today. Choosing these pieces supports responsible reuse, extends the life of extraordinary materials, and celebrates jewelry that’s built to last through the next era.
Our Earth Day Commitment
Earth Day is a reminder of what we do every day. We are committed to ethical sourcing, recycled materials, and responsible practices at each stage. From using reclaimed or antique stones, to recycling our metal to reducing waste with our shipping, sustainability is built into our Ethos. This Earth Day, we celebrate handmade jewelry that honors people and the planet, while we continue to evolve and advocate for a more conscious, beautiful world.
Explore more of our antique and vintage jewelry or get started with a one-of-a-kind, handmade custom piece.
FAQ’s
What does ethical sourcing mean in jewelry?
Ethical sourcing in jewelry means understanding where materials come from and ensuring they are obtained with respect for both people and the environment. At ESQUELETO, we prioritize designers who use responsibly sourced gemstones, reclaimed diamonds, and transparent supply chains. You can explore these values through our collections of antique & vintage jewelry and one-of-a-kind engagement rings.
What is the difference between reclaimed and antique diamonds?
Reclaimed diamonds are stones that have been removed from existing jewelry and reused in new designs, while antique diamonds are typically over 100 years old and retain their original cuts. Both are sustainable options that reduce the need for new mining. You’ll find these in many of our alternative engagement rings and antique and vintage engagement rings.
What is fairmined gold, and why does it matter?
Fairmined gold is sourced from certified mines that meet strict environmental and labor standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Designers like WWAKE incorporate fairmined gold into their work, aligning with ESQUELETO’s commitment to responsible and sustainable jewelry practices.
Why is handmade jewelry more sustainable?
Handmade jewelry often involves smaller-scale production, shorter supply chains, and more transparency. By supporting independent designers and local studios, ESQUELETO promotes a more responsible approach to jewelry
Do you offer custom sustainable jewelry?
Yes! We work closely with our in-house design team to create bespoke jewelry using responsibly sourced materials, including reclaimed diamonds and recycled metals. If you’re interested in custom work, reach out to us to get started with a one-of-a-kind, handmade custom piece.