I don’t know about you, but when I was was planning my wedding, I spent a lot of time feeling guilty.

Guilty about spending so much money, that could have perhaps gone on something more important. Guilty about being so indulgent, never before have I fully splurged on shoes, and dresses, and jewellery, AND beauty products all at once. And guilty about the fact that when there’s so many awful things happening in the world, I was spending hours making moodboards and dreaming of honeymoon destinations.

I don’t want other brides to feel guilty! It’s one of those waste of time emotions, don’t you think? I’m more about the actions!

And one action you can take to alleviate ill-feelings you’re having about wedding planning, is to use some of the money you’re investing in your day for good. From supporting vendors who give back to buying ethical products, your bridal purchasing power can make a bigger impact than you think.

So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up some awesome jewellery brands you should check out ahead of your wedding.

Whether it’s an ethically-sourced engagement ring, some Fair Trade earrings, or a bridesmaid gift from a brand that works with a sustainable project – these are jewels that not only look beautiful, but do some beautiful things too…

1. SeeMe

SeeMe is an ethical luxury jewellery brand, founded by Caterina Occhio, that employs women who are victims of violence, who have been ostracised from their communities. With a collection that takes its inspiration from the love heart – this one is particularly fitting for your big day or bridesmaid gifts.

SeeMe recently teamed up with Brides Do Good to create a really lovely ‘I Do’ collection to raise money to fight against child marriage. Read more about the story behind SeeMe here.

2. Bario Neal

Bario Neal have been one of my favourite designers for unusual engagement rings for a while now. And if you’re looking for a ring with a lot of character that’s also sustainable – this might be the one for you.

These unique pieces are made with “reclaimed precious metals, Fairmined gold, ethically sourced stones, and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices.” And along with the stunning rings and wedding bands (with pieces for grooms too!) they’ve got beautiful earrings and bracelets for your big day accessories too.

3. Article 22

Article 22 are dropping Peacebombs (the name of their debut collection) with their beautiful selection of contemporary jewellery made from Vietnam War shrapnel dropped in Laos.

The jewellery is made by artisan makers in Laos, and the rings in particular offer couples the opportunity to do some real good with their wedding purchases, and create something really positive from a tragic chapter in global history. Their peace bangles also make gorgeous bridesmaid gifts. Read more about the story behind Article 22.

4. Do Amore

These might look like classic engagement rings and wedding bands, but every ring purchased with Do Amore gives two people clean drinking water for life.

From elegant solitaires and timeless settings, to custom rings and personalised bands, we love that this is a collection that is simple and elegant for couples planning their weddings, but still gives back in a practical and palpable way.

5. Selin Kent

Selin Kent makes gorgeous fine jewellery with minimal designs handcrafted in New York using sustainable-materials (according to Vogue, Selin Kent use recycled metals and conflict-free stones).

While many of the pieces make beautiful every day jewellery, there are some really special rings and necklaces that would be perfect for an engagement or wedding day too.

6. Thirty One Bits

We’ve long been fans of Thirty One Bits and their pretty recycled paper bead jewellery (which make awesome bridesmaid gifts FYI!), but now their classic collection offers some more timeless and elegant designs for brides too – and they’re affordable!

Made by women through their projects in Uganda and Bali, these beautiful pieces are doing some real good in communities, providing the makers with skills, confidence and a source of income. Read more about the Thirty One Bits story.

7. The Brave Collection

The Brave Collection make beautiful and unique pieces of jewellery handmade in Cambodia by skilled artisans, mostly mothers, who come from underprivileged backgrounds or suffer from disabilities.

Along with providing a sustainable income for its makers, the Fair Trade brand also donates 10% of its profits to help fight human trafficking in Cambodia. I just love the idea of using your wedding day accessories to assist and empower women in another part of the world.

8. The Giving Keys

With a lock and key theme to their designs, The Giving Keys are a particularly fitting choice for brides, grooms and bridal parties to wear both for your big day, and long afterwards too.

The Giving Keys are an Los Angeles-based project with a pay-it-forward ethos. Every purchase of their earrings, necklaces, bracelets and keychains, goes towards supporting people transitioning from homelessness. A pretty special cause, and some pretty special wedding day jewellery.