Feb 12, 2013 8:51:09 AM

Cartier and Tiffany & Co. seek fair gold

Becoming more and more popular among consumers are eco-labels and certifications that guarantee a fair production process. Gone is the greed-is-good mentality of the "noughties." Various manufacturers are making effors to seek a production process that meets certain standards. For example, the Fair Trade Association in Cologne issues certifications of fair food. There are also efforts in the textile industry. The aim is to ensure that, for example, no wage discrimination is promoted or that somewhere in the production process child labor is used. Certainly, there are criticisms of such initiatives, but they are ultimately an expression of consumer behavior, which is no longer based only on the lowest prices. For a long time the luxury jewelry industry avoided such distinctions as jewelry decisions were made purely on the basis of aesthetic sensibilities. Now this is no longer the case.

Founding of the Responsible Jewellery Council in 2005

Even prior to 8 years ago, there were 14 companies that wanted to implement such a scheme for the jewelry industry's suppliers of raw materials. Cartier and Tiffany & Co. were among them. Today, more than 420 companies participate in the council and help implement fair trade targets. In addition to the educational opportunities, there is an ecological component to help prepare the next generation of producers. This will not impact the vast quantity of production, but will improve its quality. In particular, small jewelry manufacturers around the globe hope to successfully engage this trend. The British have "Fair Trade and Fair Mined Ecological Gold" or the "Oro Verde" from Columbia and "EcoAndina" from Argentina. In Germany, "Fair Trade in Gems and Jewelry" has been encouraging initiatives in manufacturing for almost 10 years. The team of goldSea24 is pleased and belives this will work.

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