Chopard Unveils the Insofu Collection: A Symphony of Sustainability, Artistry, and Ethical Luxury

In a dazzling fusion of nature’s treasures, Chopard proudly presents the Insofu Collection—a breathtaking haute joaillerie masterpiece that not only transcends the realm of luxury jewellery but also sets a new standard in craftsmanship and sustainability. With a focus on traceability, sustainability, and innovative craftsmanship, this extraordinary collection celebrates the natural beauty of emeralds, while honouring the Maison’s enduring commitment to both ethical luxury and exceptional artistry.

A Chopard Bold Vision: The Insofu Emerald’s Journey

The latest creation follows a daring precedent set by the Maison’s Garden of Kalahari collection, which was born from a 342-carat rough diamond. For the second time in its storied history, Chopard has ventured into the unknown with the Insofu Collection, working not from a set of polished gemstones but from a raw, uncut stone. This approach allows the Maison to engage in a deeply meaningful partnership with those at the beginning of the supply chain, ensuring full traceability and the preservation of nature’s integrity.

In 2022, Chopard’s visionary Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, acquired an awe-inspiring 6,225-carat rough emerald from the Kagem Mine in Zambia. Dubbed Insofu, which means “elephant” in Bemba—a nod to the stone’s trunk-like shape—the emerald’s remarkable size and vivid colour immediately captured Scheufele’s imagination. However, the stone’s true potential could only be revealed through the intricate process of cutting, a delicate and uncertain journey fraught with challenges. Unlike diamonds, which can be meticulously assessed for yield, emeralds reveal their true beauty only as they are carefully shaped, a risk that Chopard embraced to honour the gem’s unique character.

After months of delicate deliberation, Chopard’s skilled gem-cutters, flown in from India, expertly transformed the emerald into 850 carats of extraordinary stones, each a testament to the artisans’ remarkable precision. The result is a collection that encapsulates both the bold creativity and expert craftsmanship that have made Chopard renowned.

A Chopard Captivating Collection: Nature Meets Art Deco

The first chapter of the Insofu Collection debuted last year during Oscars week, featuring an elegant parure of a necklace, earrings, and a ring, with the Insofu emeralds paired with vibrant rubellites and turquoise. This year the brand unveils a new chapter with 15 exquisite pieces—five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet, and a jewellery watch—each one a work of art that highlights a different facet of the emerald’s character.

At the heart of the collection lies a striking elephant-shaped pendant, framed by radiant diamonds that form the tusks, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. To add to that, this piece is suspended from a long chain interspersed with emeralds and diamonds, further evoking the grandeur of nature in all its forms.

The collection draws inspiration from the fluid, organic lines of nature, with echoes of Art Deco’s structured elegance. From the bold, statement cuff to the imposing cocktail rings, the designs exude the opulence and audacity of the Roaring Twenties, much like the characters in The Great Gatsby. Furthermore, the set includes a diamond choker adorned with a 2.5-carat emerald, complemented by a second necklace featuring a 15.53-carat emerald and pink sapphires. Of course, fluidity is woven into the design with long necklaces that interlace emeralds, pearls, and diamonds, harmonising textures and colours.

One standout piece is a statement cuff, where a vertical motif of emerald-studded foliage intertwines with tsavorites and pearls. The juxtaposition of soft, rounded pearls against the sharp facets of the emeralds and tsavorites creates an arresting interplay of textures, embodying the union of the sea and earth, nature’s two great realms.

Traceability and Sustainability: The Future of Luxury

As part of Chopard’s ongoing commitment to ethical luxury, the Maison has implemented cutting-edge technology to ensure the traceability of the Insofu Collection. Working with the Gübelin Gem Lab, The brand has pioneered the Provenance Proof’s Emerald Paternity Test, which uses DNA-based nanoparticles to mark the gem, creating a permanent link to its origin. This allows the stone’s journey from rough to finished piece to trace across generations, safeguarding the gem’s authenticity and ethical sourcing.

Since 2018, Chopard has used 100% ethical gold in all its creations, and the Insofu Collection further elevates this commitment, aligning with the Maison’s unwavering dedication to sustainability. Caroline Scheufele describes this collection as a testament to Chopard’s belief that true beauty arises from a genuine commitment to both craftsmanship and society.

Giving Back: A Collaboration with Elephant Family

In a poignant nod to the emerald’s name, Chopard has partnered with Elephant Family, a charity dedicated to the protection of elephants and other endangered species. Chopard will donate a portion of the profits from the Insofu Collection to support the charity’s conservation efforts in Asia, where human-elephant conflict remains a growing concern. The collection thus not only celebrates the beauty of nature but actively contributes to its preservation, reinforcing Chopard’s dedication to sustainable luxury.

Elephant Family works on the ground with experts to safeguard wildlife and foster a harmonious coexistence between local communities and animals. By supporting this cause, Chopard and Caroline Scheufele continue their lifelong passion for protecting the natural world.

A Masterpiece in the Making

The Insofu Collection stands as a testament to Chopard’s pioneering spirit and its ability to harmonize beauty, sustainability, and craftsmanship. With the expertise of over 30 artisans, the collection carefully follows the highest standards of excellence, from the initial rough stone to the final, glittering jewels. Chopard’s in-house workshops have overseen every step of the creation process, ensuring an unbroken chain of traceability that guarantees the quality and integrity of each piece.

In the Insofu Collection, the Maison has created more than just jewellery; it has woven a story of artistry, sustainability, and social responsibility. Through every stone, every facet, and every design, the collection reflects the Maison’s enduring commitment to making the world a more beautiful and sustainable place, one exceptional piece at a time.