Sustainable engagement rings gain prominence with new eco-friendly standards in 2026

As the 2026 engagement season begins, couples are prioritising stories behind their rings, favouring designs from Brilliant Earth that highlight sustainable sourcing practices, including recycled metals and lab‑grown diamonds, amid growing industry transparency and standards.

With the 2026 engagement season under way, many couples are deciding that the story behind a ring matters as much as the sparkle. Eco-Stylist’s updated guide highlights six engagement settings ...

from Brilliant Earth that combine contemporary design with sourcing claims intended to reduce harm to people and the planet. The selections, ranging from the floral Camellia to the Parisian‑inspired Viridian Toi Et Moi, are presented as settings only, with centre stones sold separately, and prices in the guide reflect starting costs for those settings.

Brilliant Earth’s positioning and practices
According to the report by Brilliant Earth, the company, founded in 2005, has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable jewellery by emphasising repurposed materials, energy‑efficient methods and a transition away from newly mined metals. The company states targets including use of 100% repurposed or Fairmined gold and silver by the end of 2025, a zero‑waste ambition for showrooms and offices by 2050, and a pathway to net‑zero emissions. Brilliant Earth also markets both lab‑grown diamonds and responsibly sourced natural diamonds and describes a “Beyond Conflict Free” sourcing standard intended to address labour and environmental concerns beyond the Kimberley Process. The guide flags those claims and recommends options such as recycled metals and lab‑grown stones as ways to reduce the environmental footprint of an engagement ring.

What the featured rings offer

• The Camellia is shown with a lab‑grown pear‑shaped diamond and a recycled gold band; the Eco‑Stylist piece frames it as a mining‑free option that pairs nature‑inspired design with recycled metal.
• The Hidden Halo is presented with recycled diamonds and a recycled white‑gold band; Eco‑Stylist notes Brilliant Earth’s Beyond Conflict Free policy as the assurance behind those claims.
• The Nadia and Aimee models are highlighted for their classic silhouettes and flexibility: buyers can choose lab‑grown or ethically sourced natural diamonds and recycled or Fairmined metal finishes.
• The Nouveau and Viridian Toi Et Moi emphasise multiple accent stones and coloured gems; Eco‑Stylist points to Kimberley Process certification for natural accents and the availability of lab‑grown alternatives.

Lab‑grown versus recycled and the role of certification
The guide reiterates a practical distinction many jewellers now stress: recycled metals and repurposed diamonds reduce demand for new mining, while lab‑grown diamonds bypass mining entirely. Scientists and industry sources note lab‑grown stones are chemically indistinguishable from mined diamonds to the naked eye; Eco‑Stylist highlights that choice as an ethical and eco‑friendly route.

For natural diamonds, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme remains the most widely cited mechanism for excluding “conflict diamonds” from international trade. Eco‑Stylist explains the Kimberley Process’ role in tracking rough shipments and acknowledges its limitations, industry observers have long argued the scheme addresses only a narrow set of conflict definitions, while presenting Kimberley certification as one element of assurance many consumers still look for.

Context and alternatives in the market
Industry data and company sustainability pages show a spectrum of approaches among vendors. According to Grown Brilliance’s sustainability report, that company focuses exclusively on lab‑grown diamonds and reports significant use of recycled gold and carbon‑neutral claims for much of its supply chain. Above Diamond, which sells natural diamonds, emphasises certification by laboratories such as GIA, IGI or HRD and strict adherence to the Kimberley Process to provide customer confidence in conflict‑free sourcing. Including these examples provides context: buyers seeking minimal mining impact may prefer companies prioritising lab‑grown stones and high recycled‑metal content, while others may opt for natural diamonds supported by traceability programmes and third‑party grading.

Editorial perspective on claims and consumer choices
Eco‑Stylist has awarded Brilliant Earth its Eco‑Stylist Certified rating and refreshed the article in 2026 to reflect updated product details, pricing context and sourcing standards. Those endorsements rely on self‑reported targets and supplier practices; consumers who place a premium on independent verification should look for third‑party audits, verifiable chain‑of‑custody documentation and transparent disclosures about where and how stones and metals are produced.

Practical guidance for shoppers
The guide underscores practical steps: decide whether a lab‑grown stone or a natural, certified diamond suits your values; ask retailers for documentation on recycled metal content and supplier practices; and compare warranties, customisation options and total cost once the centre stone is included. Eco‑Stylist also points readers toward broader sustainable wedding resources, from ethical attire to alternative jewellery brands.

A ring with a story
For couples who want meaning beyond the design, the current market offers a range of credible options, from lab‑grown gemstones and high recycled‑metal content to natural stones sold with Kimberley Process certification and additional company standards. According to Brilliant Earth’s own statements and the comparison with peers such as Grown Brilliance and Above Diamond, the most transparent purchases will combine clear documentation with company commitments that can be independently corroborated. As Eco‑Stylist notes, every diamond has a story; for many buyers in 2026, knowing that story is now as important as the cut and colour.

Source: Noah Wire Services