A guide to buying responsibly

A GUIDE TO BUYING RESPONSIBLY

From Bazaar VelvetLuxury, contemporary, hand-knotted rugs

in the heart of Chelsea

A History of Hand-Knotting

The ancient craft of rug-making has been around for millennia. The oldest rug in current possession is the Pazyryck Carpet, which is believed to be over 2,500 years old, and the methods used to make traditional rugs today have barely changed since then.

Hand knotted rugs have, on average, 50-160 knots per square inch, and it can take over a year for a single weaver to complete one.

With such a rich history and enduring popularity, it is sad but unsurprising that modern manufacturers have found ways to cut corners. In the last 20 years handmade rugs have become one of the best-earning exports for India, Morocco, Nepal and Pakistan.

But it may surprise you to learn that many beautiful hand-knotted rugs can actually be the product of child labour.

Take a closer look before you buy, and you might see more than

pretty colours and a nice pattern.

What’s the risk of buying an unethical rug?

! 200,000 – 300,000 children are believed to be involved in rug-making in India

! Similar numbers are employed in Pakistan

! Up to 150,000 children are making rugs in Nepal

A shoddy solution to a labour-intensive craft

It takes a lot of hard work to produce such intricate, detailed designs. Manufacturers have long perpetuated the myth that children are essential because of their small, swift fingers, but actually, it is adults that produce the most skilled craftsmanship.

How can I be sure my rug is ethical?

If an apparently high-quality hand knotted rug is a bargain, it could well mean your savings are coming straight from the worker’s pockets.

Children are cheap and easy to manipulate and they usually produce lower to mid-tier rugs. If the price is too good to be true, it’s a good indication that there’s something corrupt in the production line.

A Big Brand Doesn’t Guarantee Good Ethics…Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Ikea, Bloomingdales and Target are just a few big companies that have been caught out selling ethically tainted rugs.

Checking the Credentials

GoodWeave International is a network of non-profit organisations dedicated to ending child labour.If your rug is GoodWeave certified, it means its manufacturers have been subject to stringent checksand supervision,meaning you can enjoy your gorgeous rug guilt-free.

Goodweave…

• Certifies your rug is child labour free

• Supports primary education for children

• Ensures workers are fairly paid and fairly treated

• Subjects manufacturers to random, independent inspections

A beautiful rug should be a source of pride

At Bazaar Velvet, we pride ourselves on sourcing the finest rugs from GoodWeavecertified artisans.

Whether its hand-knotted in Rajhastan or expertly crafted in Morocco, our rugs reward their creators for their skills and mastery.

NEED A RUGTO COMPLEMENT YOUR INTERIOR?Bazaar Velvet have hundreds of luxury rugs all hand-knotted, luxury, and approvedby the GoodWeave organisation.

www.BazaarVelvet.com