50 Engagement Rings That Are Beautiful + Sustainable

2 engagement rings next to sprigs of dried flowers — *This site uses affiliate links.*

A proposal is much more meaningful if the engagement ring is sustainable.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Thankfully, it’s possible to say yes to your loved one and to an eco-friendly ring.

Today I’m sharing my top 50 engagement rings in 2022 that are beautiful and sustainable.

P.S if the one you like has sold out, check out the jeweller’s other items for a similar style!

1. Preloved (under 300)

Preloved jewellery has really taken off in recent years with many reputable jewellers selling pre-owned rings. Secondhand engagement rings are ideal for eco-conscious individuals who want their wedding to have a minimal impact on the environment.

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2. Vintage Diamond rings

An engagement ring is second-hand when it has been owned by at least one other person, regardless of age. A ring is considered vintage when it’s at least 20 years old, however, it does not have to have been used by anyone else.

Why choose a vintage diamond ring? The Kimberly Process was put in place to stop the human rights abuses that result from rebel groups selling diamonds to fund wars. Unfortunately, the scheme is full of loopholes and has not been successful. Blood diamonds, modern slavery and child labour remain a huge problem within the industry. Diamond mining also has a devastating environmental impact. Choosing a vintage diamond engagement ring removes the risk of financially supporting a dangerous industry.

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1940 vintage diamond ring gold platinum diamonds

Vintage 1930s diamond solitaire ring art deco style - Etsy UK|

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3. Vintage gemstone rings

A gemstone engagement ring has a non-diamond centre stone. Possibly the most famous engagement ring of all time was Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring which can now be found on Kate Middleton’s finger. Gemstone engagement rings are increasing in popularity as people are looking for one of a kind treasures, like Megan Fox who recently got engaged with a two stone emerald engagement ring.

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Pear cut emerald ring vintage white gold - lancastrian jewellers £1245

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4. Recycled gold

Engagement rings can be made from virgin or recycled metals. Conventional gold mining is one of the most destructive industries in the world. It pollutes the environment with chemicals, like Mercury and cyanide, contaminates peoples’ drinking water, and puts workers at risk for low wages.

To create recycled gold, existing gold is melted down. This makes recycled gold rings slightly better for the environment, however, it is important to remember that it does not improve the lives of the 100 million people whose livelihood depends on mining. It also still relies on the production of gold and does not prevent mining from happening.

Gold can be mined in more responsible and fairer ways, however, it is expensive. I’ve included some handmade recycled rings for anyone with a smaller budget.

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Recycled 9k yellow gold lab diamond - myia bonner £275

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5. Fairtrade Gold

Buying a Fairtrade gold engagement ring means you are supporting artisanal and small-scale miners to get fair wages while making life better for them and their communities. The Fairtrade criteria aims to protect the environment by reducing chemicals and using them responsibly.

Fairmined Ecological Gold certification takes the environmental impact a step further by eliminating toxic chemicals completely, however, it’s hard to find engagement rings using ecological gold.

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triple diamond ring - fairtrade gold by lily mccalin £1560

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6. Recycled diamonds

Also called reclaimed diamonds, recycled diamonds are precious stones that were previously owned and have been put back into the supply chain. They can be modern, but many are vintage or antique. The price depends on the carat and clarity, however, recycled diamonds hold their value and are worth the same as new ones. As they are harder to come by, people are often willing to pay more.

Choosing a recycled diamond means you can still have your dream ring without harming the environment or causing human suffering.

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recycled diamond gold ring - jacqueline and edward £1956

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7. Lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity in recent years, however, there are mixed opinions on their sustainability.

Despite being manmade, they are chemically identical to diamonds (or gemstones) and are not fake. Lab-grown diamonds are cheaper to buy which is an advantage to any eco-conscious customers who are not able to afford the cost of an ethically-sourced diamond.

While they may be more environmentally friendly, they are not sustainable for everyone. Sustainability covers social aspects too and switching to synthetic gems takes jobs away from entire communities that rely on mining to survive.

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