Editor’s Note
This article highlights the growing emphasis on ethical sourcing across industries, using Chopard’s “Journey to Sustainable Luxury” initiative as a key example within the jewelry and watch sector.
Different industries emphasize ethical standards. Just as the fashion industry grapples with issues like fast fashion’s environmental impact and sweatshop labor, the jewelry and watch industry faces similar concerns. The watch and jewelry brand Chopard has consistently upheld its commitment to social responsibility. In 2013, it launched the “The Journey to Sustainable Luxury” initiative, advocating for sourcing methods that respect the environment and human rights, and the use of traceable raw materials, aiming to ensure that the creation of its jewelry and watches adheres to ethical standards.
Since then, it has begun using gold certified by “Fairmined” as a material, ensuring its production process complies with social, environmental, and ethical standards, and incorporating it into designs to create meaningful pieces. Recently, Chopard held a press conference at the Baselworld watch and jewelry fair in Switzerland, with support from actress Julianne Moore, film producer Livia Firth, and supermodel Arizona Muse, among others. Chopard’s Co-Presidents, Caroline Scheufele and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, announced that starting in July of this year, all of the brand’s jewelry and watches will use “Fairmined” certified gold, making it the largest buyer of “Fairmined” gold and leading the industry into a new chapter.
Founded in 1860, Chopard has created numerous remarkable pieces over the years and views sustainability as a core corporate value, setting an example in the jewelry and watch industry. Starting in July, all jewelry and watches will utilize “Fairmined” certified gold. Examples include the L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater watch, which won the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève last year, as well as the Green Carpet and Happy Palm collections. This allows customers to wear elegant and noble jewelry while also respecting human rights and the environment.
The minute repeater watch is crafted from “Fairmined” certified 18K white gold.
The Happy Palm collection uses “Fairmined” certified 18K gold, accented with a circle of diamonds, adding to its luxury.
Inspired by classic gemstone lace designs, it blends aesthetic design with ethical standards.