The Chopard Insofu Emerald collection is an extraordinary fusion of nature, sustainable luxury, and exceptional craftsmanship. Emphasising its uniqueness, the Haute Joaillerie collection is not created from polished stones, but rather a raw, uncut emerald, showcasing Chopard’s dedication to traceability and collaboration with the initial stages of the supply chain.
The story of the Insofu Collection begins in 2022 with the acquisition of an extraordinary 6,225-carat rough emerald from Zambia, named Insofu, meaning “elephant” in the local Bemba language, due to its trunk-like shape. Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s visionary Co-President and Artistic Director, was captivated by the stone’s vibrant colour, unique character, and immense size.
Unlike diamonds, which can be easily evaluated for their potential, emeralds are far more unpredictable in the cutting process. They only reveal their full potential during the delicate and lengthy cutting process. The result of this meticulous journey was 850 carats of beautiful emeralds, each representing the skill and expertise of Chopard’s artisans.
A New Unveiling
Caroline Scheufele.
Chopard unveiled the first chapter of the Insofu Collection in 2024, featuring a necklace, earrings, and a ring. This year, a second chapter has been introduced, comprising 15 pieces, including earrings, necklaces, rings, a bracelet, and a jewellery watch. Each piece captures a different aspect of the emerald’s beauty, drawing inspiration from nature, abstract forms, and Art Deco style, while embodying the extravagant spirit of the Roaring Twenties, as depicted in The Great Gatsby.
A signature piece is an elephant-shaped pendant, a direct tribute to the gem’s name. The pendant features emeralds framed by diamonds that form the elephant’s tusks, and its raised trunk symbolises prosperity and good fortune.
The collection also includes elegant Art Deco-inspired chokers, long necklaces, statement cuffs, cocktail rings, and earrings. Each design evokes a sense of fluidity, luxury, and bold expression, with some pieces pairing emeralds with pink sapphires, turquoise, and diamonds to create a harmonious balance of colour and texture.
Traceability & Sustainability
In addition to showcasing artistic beauty, the collection also highlights Chopard’s commitment to sustainability. The Maison uses 100% ethical gold and has pioneered the use of the Provenance Proof’s Emerald Paternity Test, a technology that injects DNA-based nanoparticles into the emerald’s fissures, allowing for permanent traceability. This ensures that the origins of the stone can be traced throughout its life, guaranteeing ethical sourcing.
Chopard has also partnered with Gemfields, the mining company that unearthed the Insofu emerald, to fund community development and wildlife conservation projects in Zambia. A portion of the profits from the Insofu Collection will go towards supporting the Elephant Family charity, which works to protect Asia’s endangered species and promote human-animal coexistence.
The collection reflects Chopard’s pioneering spirit, as the Maison continues to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainable luxury, from sourcing rough stones to crafting exceptional jewels. The Insofu Collection is not just a series of beautiful pieces, but a celebration of ethical practices, traceability, and a profound commitment to nature and conservation.
