The 15-piece collection includes five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet and a jewelry watch
Chopard recently unveiled its latest Insofu Collection, a 15-piece high jewelry collection created from one 6,225-carat rough emerald unearthed in Zambia a few years ago. Following the release of 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 the massive emerald.
Awestruck, the miners named it Insofu, meaning “elephant” in the local Bemba language, a nod to its trunk-like shape and unprecedented colossal size.
Chopard brought the world’s most skilled gem-cutters from India to its Geneva workshops to meticulously study the gem and propose cuts and facets to reveal its inherent beauty, while preserving its unique soul. This proved to be a lengthy and delicate venture lasting nearly a year, given emeralds are notoriously fragile and demand the utmost expertise. Ultimately, the Insofu gem yielded 850 carats of emeralds, each a testament to the artisans’ skill and dedication.
“In every stone lies a story, and my role is to listen and honor the natural magic they carry as treasures from the Earth. 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,” said Caroline Scheufele.
One gem, a multitude of jewels
The first chapter of the Insofu Collection debuted last year during Oscars week, with the release of a set composed of a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring. This year, Chopard launched a new chapter with an Haute Joaillerie collection of 15 pieces: five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet and a jewelry watch.
At the heart of the collection is an elephant-shaped pendant – a tribute to the name Insofu. This piece features emeralds of various shapes and sizes, framed by diamonds that form the elephant’s tusks. It is suspended from a long chain interspersed with emeralds and diamonds. Notably, the elephant’s trunk is raised upward – a gesture replete with symbolism, representing prosperity and good fortune.
The Insofu Collection also includes elegant Art Deco-inspired chokers, flowing long necklaces, a statement cuff, imposing cocktail rings and showstopping earrings. The one-of-a-kind ensemble of four necklaces includes a refined diamond choker, twinkling with a vibrant 2.50-carat square-cut emerald. This is elegantly complemented by a second necklace embellished with pink sapphires and emeralds, holding an extraordinary 15.53-carat octagonal emerald.
Bringing an element of fluidity to the set, a long necklace interlaces emeralds, pearls and diamonds, creating a captivating harmony of textures and colors. A delicate sautoir of pink pearls adds a touch of softness to this remarkable set and perfectly balances out the bolder pieces.
Chopard elevates sustainability standards
While creating the Insofu Collection, Chopard pioneered the use of the Provenance Proof’s Emerald Paternity Test developed by Gübelin Gem Lab. This cutting-edge method involves injecting DNA-based nanoparticles into the gem’s natural fissures which remain intact through cutting and polishing.
This marking is permanent, allowing the rough stone to be identified for life. Even decades from now, a simple examination will trace the jewels to their original rough gem, safeguarding an intact link to their exact origin. This innovative technology further elevates Chopard’s sustainability standards, most notably as the Maison has used 100 percent ethical gold in all its jewelry and watches since July 2018.
“Traceability is more than a technical advancement; it is an ethical achievement. The Insofu Collection reflects our belief that true beauty results from a genuine commitment to society and ethical practices,” Caroline Scheufele explains.
Gemfields, the mining company that unearthed Insofu in the Kagem mine in Zambia, has long participated in the development of the communities where its mines operate and championed wildlife conservation projects. At the Kagem Mine, Gemfields funds projects that benefit education, healthcare and livelihoods, as well as initiatives to protect Zambia’s flora and fauna.
Chopard’s collaboration with Gemfields ensures that the Insofu Collection contributes to these meaningful initiatives, aligning with the Maison’s dedication to positively impacting society.
Elephant family collaboration
Caroline Scheufele’s decision to unveil this collection in collaboration with the charity Elephant Family is much more than an obvious reference to the name of the gem. Linking the discovery of this natural marvel with a meaningful cause further underscores Chopard’s genuine dedication to sustainable luxury, as well as Scheufele’s long-standing passion for nature and endangered animals.
Part of the profits from each piece sold in the collection will be donated to support the Elephant Family and its actions.
“The final reveal of the Insofu Collection is a moment I have long awaited, one that could only be realised by aligning it with a meaningful cause to protect wildlife and nature – passions that have been close to my heart for many years,” added Scheufele.
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An unbroken chain of traceability
The latest Insofu Collection, comprising 15 exquisite pieces, stands as a masterpiece born of the collective expertise of over 30 artisans from Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie workshops, as well as specialized gem-cutters from India. With Insofu, Chopard has ensured comprehensive oversight of every step in its journey, from its raw state to the final creation.
Furthermore, by overseeing every stage of the jewelry-making process in-house – from cutting gemstones and casting ethical gold to prototyping, gem-setting and polishing – the workshops uphold an unbroken chain of traceability and are able to guarantee the most exceptional craftsmanship in pursuit of Chopard’s journey to sustainable luxury.
