Everyone loves jeweltry—it’s fun to wear and makes a great gift for almost any occasion, from a pair of silly earrings for a friend’s birthday to an elegant necklace as a token of your affection for a loved one. But not all jewelry is created equal, and many items on the market are manufactured and sourced in ways that are not environmentally or ethically sound. This includes the waste of rare materials and the exploitation of workers like miners.

If you like jewelry to sparkle up your outfit or to give as gifts, fear not. There are plenty of jewelers out there who use recycled items, some that you would never imagine becoming jewelry to create striking, unique and eco-friendly jewelry, from pencils and old board game pieces to old X-rays and vinyl records. Not only do these give new life to old items—and ensure that the crafters are working under fair conditions—but they make dramatic and eye-catching pieces that put your average diamond ring to shame. Click any picture below to learn more.