Caroline Scheufele: Chopard Green Carpet collection…with a touch of Red

Placing sustainable development at the heart of its values, the Geneva-based manufacturer that is famous for being Official Partner of the world’s most renowned film festival since 1998 is now playing a pioneering role in the jewellery industry.

Since the 60th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, has annually created an original Haute Joaillerie collection intended to exalt the beauty of the actresses for their red carpet appearance: the Red Carpet Collection. This year, for the 67th edition, 67 unique creations inspired by the glamour and the voluptuous beauty of the actresses who lit up the heyday Italian cinema of the 1950’s and 1960’s will be unveiled.

Chopard presented two magnificent pairs of earrings from this collection at Baselworld, the first composed of diamond briolettes and emeralds, the second of amethysts and diamonds, as well as the leading model of the collection: the Riviera jewellery set composed of a dazzling diamond necklace and matching earrings, radiating a fascinating aura of opulent seduction. At the same time, Chopard continues its journey towards sustainable luxury with five new Green Carpet Collection creations in this year’s Haute Joaillerie collection.

In May 2013, at the Festival, Chopard launched ‘The Journey’ to sustainable luxury. Based on its experience and an awareness of its duty to set an example, the maison joined forces with creative director of Eco-Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC®) Livia Firth who plays a central role in the promotion of ethics in world fashion.

The breath-taking creation of these High Jewellery pieces for the Green Carpet Collection is a journey in itself. ‘The Journey’ reflects the constantly renewed sense of aesthetic wonderment whilst delivering powerful messages to the consumer and industry. Behind the arabesque motifs and their interweaving coils lies the noble charm of a heart-felt odyssey towards enduring elegance.

‘The Journey’ begins at the start of the supply chain and focuses on issues such as the respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. For instance, the gold from which two of the creations are crafted originates from community mines in South America supported by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) which provide local populations with an opportunity to participate in favourable social and economic development. To ensure the gold was traceable from mine to market, the gold has been refined in a foundry specialising in the processing of ‘Fairmined’ gold.

The diamonds used in other pieces are meticulously selected. All the stones are sourced from the IGC Group, one of the world’s oldest diamond firms. This group is a Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) member. Chopard has been a member of the RJC since 2010 and has just had its certified membership successfully renewed for a further three years.

The five stunningly beautiful pieces – a ring, three pairs of earrings and a watch – that join this year’s Green Carpet Collection are exquisite proof of the company’s exceptional know-how that stems from the union of an incredible set of artistic skills and crafts that produce these extraordinary creations.

The superb craftsmanship on the body of the Green Carpet Collection ring in 18-carat white gold – curved like a tempting sweet – is extended by delicate gem-setting with pear-shaped and round-cut diamonds. A round 1.3-carat diamond sparkles in the heart of this flamboyant architecture. A pair of matching earrings completes this magnificent set. A modern and majestic second pair of earrings is magnificently adorned with marquise-cut diamonds, laid out in ascending order with respect to their size.

The wonderfully feminine third pair of earrings is a classic that has been revisited with exceptional virtuosity; the chandelier shape sets the stage for pear-shaped and round-cut diamonds composing a sophisticated, airy lacework. Finally, the watch brings to mind a sudden burst of light. Its unusual shape, rounded on the sides with elongated lugs, is enhanced with navette-cut diamonds. The buckle is set with navette and brilliant-cut diamonds, while the dial and bezel sparkle with brilliant-cut diamonds. The black satin strap lends added depth and visual contrast to this exceptional model.