Written by Jessy Human

The jewelry industry isn’t too well known for being sustainable or ethical. Many jewelry companies, especially ones that make engagement rings and wedding bands, source their materials from mines that negatively impact the environment.   

 This is why Anna Bario and Page Neal created their own jewelry company, Bario Neal, over 15 years ago. They were disillusioned by industry standards that ignore metal and gemstone mining’s environmental and human tolls and wanted to create jewelry that people could feel good about buying and wearing.  

Bario Neal was one of the first jewelry companies to join the Fairmined Metal Alliance, and in 2020 they’ll be releasing a Global Sustainability Report to establish a standard of excellence for responsible jewelry. All of the jewelry they make can be held to these high standards: 

• They use fair-mined metals that are responsibly sourced from small-scale and artisanal miners.

• They use recycled metals that are processed in the United States. 

• The diamonds used for their engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, and earrings are ethically sourced and conflict-free, with a fully traceable supply chain.

• All gemstones are sourced from established mines and are fully traceable from mine to market. 

• They support good working conditions throughout the entire supply chain.

• They were the first jewelry company to bring ethical baguette diamonds to the market.    

“It's not just what you buy and where you get it from, but rather the impact on the global ecosystem at each point in the process.”

- Anna & Page  

Bario Neal actively works towards having a lower environmental footprint, more conscientious craftsmanship, and more transparent sourcing for their partners and clients alike.

“When we started Bario Neal, there were limited resources for finding gems that could be traced back to mines that shared our commitment to environmental responsibility, fairness, and human rights. We spent years tirelessly researching manufacturers who adhered to our high standards for diamonds and colored gemstones. We were at the helm of this movement, and it’s still core to our approach today as we grow the business.” 

Anna and Page believe that jewelry is meant to last a lifetime, and they aim to create bespoke pieces for every customer. Every ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings from Bario Neal is handmade with quality materials and is made to order.

“We believe that jewelry was made to be passed down, and that, by nature, it is the truest reflection of circularity we have in the consumer market. Jewelry is an heirloom in its most pure state.”   

It’s important to Anna and Page that Bario Neal remains a women-owned brand that focuses on feminism and inclusivity. Bario Neal has been a long-time supporter of LGBTQIA rights and worldwide marriage equality. They try to reflect their desire to be inclusive through their available sizes and price points.    

“We want people to feel comfortable inside our world, and to find a piece of jewelry that reflects their authentic selves.”

- Anna & Page 

Companies like Bario Neal are changing industry standards on ethics, sustainability, quality, and inclusivity. When one company raises the bar, other companies are bound to follow suit. The jewelry industry needs more brands that care about their environmental and human impact. When consumers see companies focus on creating a better planet, they feel more empowered with the knowledge that their purchases are making a difference.

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