Chopard unveiled the latest opus of its Insofu Emerald: an extraordinary fusion uniting the forces of Nature, the concern for traceable and sustainable luxury, and the Maison’s boundless creativity to give birth to a one-of-a-kind Haute Joaillerie collection that is as mesmerising as it is rich in significance.
After The Garden of Kalahari Collection – born from a 342-carat rough diamond in 2017 – the story of the Insofu Collection began in 2022 in Paris, when Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s visionary Co-President and Artistic Director, unveiled an astonishing 6,225-carat rough emerald, unearthed in Zambia a few years prior. Awestruck, the miners named it ‘Insofu’, meaning “elephant” in the local Bemba language — a nod to its trunk-like shape and unprecedented colossal size. Captivated in turn by its vivid colour, shifting hues, and unique character, Caroline Scheufele acquired the gem, sure it would yield stones destined to become the centrepiece of extraordinary jewels. Unlike a rough diamond, whose yield in terms of diamond types and carats can be determined by specific tools with scientific precision, a rough emerald is an even bolder undertaking, as the stone only reveals its true potential during the fraught cutting process.
Ultimately, the Insofu gem yielded 850 carats of breathtaking emeralds, each a testament to the Artisans’ unparalleled skill and dedication.
“In every stone lies a story, and my role is to listen and honour the natural magic they carry as treasures from the Earth,” says Caroline Scheufele. “With the Insofu Collection, it was about respecting this inherent beauty. I chose the finest quality stones from the heart of the emerald, pairing them with diamonds, pink sapphires, and pearls”.
Caroline Scheufele decided to unveil the Collection in collaboration with the charity Elephant Family, linking the discovery of this natural marvel with a meaningful cause. The charitable dimension imbues this Haute Joaillerie collection with profound meaning, perfectly complementing the Chopard’s pioneering spirit in innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of sustainable luxury. Part of the profits from each piece sold in the Collection will be donated to support Elephant Family and its actions.