3 Jewelry Collections That Use Alternative Materials to Make Magic

By Brittany Siminitz | October 23, 2023

Recycled gold and gemstones are the headliners of many collections that are deemed sustainably produced, but some jewelers are looking to other materials for their craft.

Leather, plastic, resin, glass—these are but some of the examples on the market today, three of which are highlighted below.

Solo for Diamonds

The eye-catching bio-resin rings from Ukranian brand Solo for Diamonds feature lab-grown diamonds (a choice the brand deems “conscious luxury”), but they also use organic resin to craft the settings, a feature that allows for a major punch of color. Bio-resin, as the material is called, is derived from natural and renewable sources, as opposed to petroleum-based resins.

Solo for Diamonds white blue bioresin ring — *Ring in 14k yellow gold and bio-resin with 3.51 ct. fancy dark blue lab-grown diamond, price on request; Solo for Diamonds*

Solo for Diamonds black bio resin ring — *Ring in 14k rose gold and brown bio-resin with 4.25 ct. light orangey-pink lab-grown diamond, price on request; Solo for Diamonds*

“What’s really amazing about our customers is that they’re not just sticking to what’s always been done—that’s why we ventured into bio-resin rings,” brand founder Julia Kusher tells JCK. “It’s not just about using the typical materials everyone expects, but also exploring what else is out there. It’s like adding a new, exciting flavor to an already stunning recipe. And judging by the feedback, our customers are loving the added variety and freshness we bring to the table. Notably, many from the older generation have shown a keen interest, reinforcing the idea that style is timeless and isn’t defined by age. Their appreciation reminds us that elegance, novelty, and a sense of adventure resonate across all generations.”

So-Le Studio

Echo, the autumn 2023 collection from Milan-based brand So-Le Studio (also pictured at top), comprises jewels made from leftover leather and brass. In an array of colors—many with a hint of sparkle—the high-quality Italian leather remnants are from the brand’s craftsmen in Tuscany. The scraps take on a new life in these oversize, statement-making pieces that combine architectural design with softly feminine curvature—a killer style combination.

So:le Studio leather Zephyr earrings — *Zephyr earrings in ruthenium-coated brass and leather, $317; So-Le Studio*

“I learned to love leather and respect this material from a very early age,” says brand founder Maria Sole Ferragamo. “I interned at the family factories where I would often play with the leather leftovers. Here, I discovered my passion for jewelry when I was a child and since then never stopped.

“When I discovered the existence of so much leather remnants, I naturally wanted to use the material to make something beautiful with it and give it a second life, and I turned it into my first necklace. You often establish an intimate relationship with jewelry—it grows old with you, carrying your experiences, gaining personality, but not losing the quality. Leather allows me to create statement pieces, important in volumes and scales, yet extremely lightweight and comfortable.”

Yvonne Léon

Yvonne Leon Cha Cha Cha ring — *Cha Cha Cha ring in 18k yellow gold with 9 ct. concrete green glass and 0.3 ct. t.w. gray diamonds, €3,200 ($3,400); Yvonne Léon*

A collection of specialty pieces from Parisian jeweler Yvonne Léon uses concrete glass, an easily accessible material that yields vibrant color choices and a wallet-friendly price (compared with some gemstones). Some of the pieces mix the glass with genuine gemstones, while others let the glass take the stage for a massive pop of color.

Yvonne Leon Creoles earrings — *Creoles hoop earrings in 9k yellow and white gold with concrete green glass and 2.48 cts. t.w. white topaz, €2,500 ($2,630); Yvonne Léon*

“We work with concrete glass to bring out the green of the stones—a color we love,” says Léon. “With concrete glass, we can work more creatively than with emerald stones, and the price is also more attractive. As for maintenance, stone remains fragile, so avoid water, soap and perfume.”