In new ethics and sustainability rankings published for the jewellery sector, luxury Maison Tiffany & Co has received the worst overall score.

The rankings – published today by independent research organisation, The Good Shopping Guide – rate 18 brands in the jewellery sector on their ethical impact, giving each brand a score out of 100 based on an assessment of the companies’ practices towards the environment, animals and people.

With a score of 33, Tiffany & Co received the worst score out of the 18 brands assessed.

Accessories and jewellery retailer, Claire’s Accessories, and fashion label, Michael Kors, also ranked in the bottom three, with scores of 35 and 40, respectively.

The research conducted by The Good Shopping Guide aims to expose the truth behind the world’s leading brands, responding to growing concerns from consumers globally surrounding the human rights impact of their purchases.

Ethical accreditation leader at The Good Shopping Guide, Jacob Chase said: “Consumers should be aware of ethical practices right across a company’s value chain – especially if it is incorporating high-value commodities or conflict minerals into its products, as seen in the jewellery sector.

“The UK ethical market is now worth over £120b, so it’s important that our rankings cut through the greenwashing.”

Ranking brands within the jewellery industry for the first time, the independent research organisation aims to offer consumers the information they need to purchase their jewellery responsibly.

Also ranked in the Ethical Jewellery Ratings Table by The Good Shopping Guide were: Pandora, with a score of 85; Monica Vinader, with a score of 77; Goldsmiths, with a score of 73; Swarovski, with a score of 69; Thomas Sabo, with a score of 62; and Cartier, with a score of 54.

Further information regarding the methodology used by The Good Shopping Guide to assess each of the brands – as well as details of how each company performed against the criterion – can be found on the independent research body’s website.