Cartier watches – an ethical perspective

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Cartier operates a Corporate Responsibility Policy which means that Cartier jewellery and Cartier watches are made from an ethical perspective. Many jewellery companies take their corporate social responsibility seriously including http://www.thejewellerychannel.tv/ and Thomas Sabo Jewellery. People want to know that their jewellery comes from a good place. United Nations definition The UN defined ‘conflict diamonds’ as diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to the legitimate and internationally recognised governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of decisions of the Security Council’ Cartier doesn’t use conflict diamonds in its Cartier jewellery, Polar watches or Cartier watches, and requires a Security Warranty on every diamond-related invoice it receives.

The Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process was established in 2000 by the UN, diamond producing states, diamond industry representatives and NGOs.  By 2006, 69 governments were participating in the process, which meant that most of the key players in the production and trade of rough diamonds were on board.  Cartier watches and jewellery are made exclusively from diamonds participating in the Kimberley Process.  Diamonds must be exported in sealed containers, and the certification system works by process of numbered government certificated issued in the country of origin.

The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices

In 2005 Cartier became of the 13 founding members of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.  This non-profit organisation’s intention is to establish an industry code of conduct involving all participants in the jewellery trade, from mining to retail.  Between May 2005 and October 2006, 55 new participants joined the Council.  Now buying a piece of Cartier jewellery or one of the Cartier jewelled watches means that you will be contributing to an ethical jewellery trade.

Code of conduct

The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices takes a stand on social, environmental and political aspects of jewellery production.  This includes respecting the fundamental human rights and the dignity of the individual, opposition to the use of child labour, opposition to the use any forced, bonded, indentured or prison labour, and no discrimination based on race, ethnicity, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, marital status, physical appearance, age, or any other applicable prohibited basis in the workplace.  Cartier is one of 25 jewellery retailers who are participants in the Council, so it isn’t just Cartier watches and jewellery that have the ethical seal of approval.

Cartier Club

Lovers of Cartier watches and jewellery can support their ethical jeweller by joining the Cartier Club.  Members get a newsletter, they can produce a wish-list (and we all have one of those, even those of us who can’t afford to buy Cartier!) and priority information from the company.  Now you don’t need to feel guilty about hankering after a Cartier watch.