Chopard Has Released Its Most Valuable Collection to Date:

February 22, 2017

By Katerina Perez

3 min read

The name of the Swiss watch and jewellery Maison Chopard has been associated with jewellery of the highest quality for a few decades. Each year, high jewellery pieces are released “under the wing” of the brand that create an indelible impression thanks to their original design and incredible precious stones. With each new masterpiece, it seems an ever-higher pinnacle of craftsmanship is reached at Chopard, one that is simply impossible to surpass. If that’s what it has seemed like to you as well, then prepare to be stunned again!

I immediately sensed that this precious stone was one of unbelievably impeccable beauty and clarity,” said Caroline Scheufele, recalling her initial acquaintance with the uncut 342-carat diamond that Chopard acquired a year ago. After instantly falling in love with this sparkling gift of nature, Caroline selected a suitable name for it: “The Queen of Kalahari”. The geographic name references the place where this amazing natural treasure was mined: the Karowe Mine next to the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.

“The Queen of Kalahari” by Chopard

“The Queen of Kalahari” by Chopard

Caroline Scheufele was not bemused by the striking size of the Queen of Kalahari. In fact, the Artistic Director of the brand stated: “The diamond that has been found is, undoubtedly, an exceptional stone, but we’re not treating it like a mere trophy. Rather, we’ve made plans for its future that are worthy of its distinctiveness.” The craftsmen at the Swiss Maison have already demonstrated their unparalleled skills and knowledge more than once, creating fantastic pieces of high jewellery art and cutting stones according to the conceived designs. It is with pleasure that the jewellers at Chopard have taken on this challenge that nature itself has thrown at them.

First and foremost, they faced the prospect of having to calculate, down to the smallest measurement, the size and number of diamonds that could be cut from this huge rough. Ultimately, a rare ensemble of 23 gems was fashioned and classed with perfect colour (D) and clarity (internally flawless) grades. Five of the diamonds are notable for their impressive sizes, each weighing over 20 carats. What’s more, each has its own individual shape: round, cushion, heart, emerald and pear. The biggest stone was the round 50-carat diamond, the wonderful heart came to 26 carats, whilst the pear-shaped diamond was 25 carats. After them came the superb emerald cut diamond weighing 21 carats, and the most modest of the “magnificent five” was the cushion cut diamond at 20 carats.

Thanks to the Queen of Kalahari, the world has been blessed with six breath-taking high jewellery pieces: a large necklace, pendant earrings, a secret watch and several rings. These new releases are distinguished not only by their show stopping beauty, but also their formidable price tags of several hundred thousand, or even millions of dollars. Their price is entirely justified given the extraordinarily huge size of the diamonds in these pieces and the fact that their perfect GIA-grades make them collectors’ items.

The Garden of Kalahari necklace by Chopard

The Garden of Kalahari necklace by Chopard

The Garden of Kalahari necklace with its three majestic pendants has become a glittering example of the craftsmanship, creativity and decadence that dominate Chopard’s designs. The necklace is unique for the ease with which it can be turned into four different pieces. For example, if you take off the pendant with the biggest round cut diamonds, the heart and the pear, a sumptuous necklace becomes a chic choker with a floral flourish. Another option: leave the pendant with the 50-carat stone on the necklace in the middle but attach the heart and pear cut diamond pedants on either side to earrings. The result is a show-stopping jewellery set comprising a marvellous necklace and no less spectacular earrings to match. For a more understated look, the earrings can be worn without the diamond pendants.

The Queen of Kalahari collection designs are founded on the idea of delicate lacework. This motif was first developed by the Swiss Maison with the release of last year’s Precious Chopard line. The first works from the Queen of Kalahari were showcased by the Geneva-based company during Paris Haute Couture week. Soon, they are to be followed by a bracelet with two emerald cut diamonds and two rings, one of which is adorned with the 20-carat cushion diamond.

The Garden of Kalahari necklace by Chopard

The Garden of Kalahari necklace by Chopard

The article was originally written for ‘Kommersant-Style’ supplement.

Anna Hu: Jewellery Is a True Family Passion

continue reading

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.