Emerald Odyssey: Chopard Unveils its Insofu High Jewellery Collection

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new collection unveiling. But what truly excites me isn't just the sparkle and glamour – it's when a brand takes a bold and unexpected approach. This is exactly what Chopard has done with its latest Insofu High Jewellery collection, which all started with the extraordinary 6,225-carat 'Insofu' rough emerald. Let's take a closer look at the creations that have emerged from this incredible mineral specimen…

The awestruck Zambian miners who discovered this incredible beryl named it Insofu, which means ‘elephant’ in the local Bemba language. And it’s easy to see why… the stone is massive, bold and exudes a certain grandeur that immediately commands attention. The mineral was later acquired by Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's visionary Co-President and Artistic Director, who used it as a source of inspiration for a new high jewellery collection that celebrates the raw beauty of nature. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Chopard has developed an entire collection from a single piece of rough. It did so with the Garden of Kalahari collection, which was created from a 342-carat rough diamond, launched in 2017. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Insofu collection lies in the cutting process. Handling such an enormous stone is no small feat – one wrong move could alter its entire character, especially since emeralds are known for their fragility and natural inclusions. To take on this delicate challenge, Chopard welcomed master gem-cutters from India – a country with a rich heritage in gemstone cutting – to its Geneva workshop. It took nearly a year of careful planning and precise craftsmanship to transform the 6,225-carat rough emerald into 850 carats of remarkable cut and polished gems (that’s a yield of about 14%).

The first chapter of the Insofu High Jewellery collection debuted last year around the time of the Academy Awards, with the release of a parure composed of a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring. This capsule collection paired Insofu emeralds with juicy-red rubellites and sky-blue turquoise. This year, the collection unfolds into 15 extraordinary pieces, ranging from earrings and necklaces to rings, a bracelet, and even a jewellery watch. One standout is the elephant-shaped pendant — a bold creation that exudes the charm of a baby elephant while capturing its majestic presence. Ingeniously designed for versatility, it can also be worn as a brooch, allowing for multiple styling options.

The collection combines the bold, glamorous spirit of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ with a modern twist. It's a blend of bold, geometric designs and graceful, flowing shapes, striking the perfect harmony between structure and fluidity. The collection moves from refined chokers and structured cuffs to flowing, waist-length necklaces, completed with statement cocktail rings and bold earrings.

The highlight of the collection is a one-of-a-kind set of four necklaces, offering endless ways to mix and match. At the centre is a sleek diamond choker with a vibrant 2.50-carat square-cut emerald, paired with another necklace featuring pink sapphires and emeralds centred around a stunning 15.53-carat octagonal emerald. Adding a touch of movement, a long necklace weaves together emeralds, pearls, and diamonds for a beautifully textured look. Completing the set, a delicate sautoir of pink pearls adds softness and balances the bolder pieces.

Apart from the exceptional craftsmanship, what truly stands out to me is the brand's commitment to responsible luxury. I believe traceability is essential, as every jewel carries its own energy; knowing that ethical practices have been followed in its creation is incredibly reassuring. Since 2018, Chopard has been using 100% ethical gold, and with this collection, the brand has taken things a step further by offering emerald traceability, too. Through the Provenance Proof Emerald Paternity Test, developed by Gübelin Gem Lab, each stone is injected with DNA-based nanoparticles that can be traced back to the original rough, even after cutting and polishing. It's a thoughtful and responsible approach that truly honours the journey this special beryl has been on. 

And it doesn't stop there – beyond craftsmanship and ethical luxury, the collection's impact reaches even further. Part of the proceeds from the Insofu collection will go towards conservation efforts with Elephant Family, an organisation dedicated to human-elephant coexistence and the protection of migratory corridors.

Caroline Scheufele says: "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. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved – from the miners and stone cutters to our jewellery artisans – who contributed to shaping the extraordinary destiny of this unique gem."

The Insofu High Jewellery collection is more than just jewellery — it's a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful choices. From the bold concept to the careful sourcing and responsible practices, every detail has been considered to create something truly special. It's a beautiful example of building something meaningful from the ground up, blending nature and innovation in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.