Discover Insofu Emerald, a one-of-a-kind Haute Joaillerie collection that fuses the beauty of raw gemstones with a commitment to traceability and ethical craftsmanship
Despite their size, elephants are gentle and peaceful creatures renowned for their intelligence and problem-solving skills. Chopard honours these magnificent animals with the Insofu Collection, a journey that began in 2022 when Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director, introduced the remarkable 6,225-carat rough emerald. Insofu means elephant in Tswana, a language spoken in Botswana and parts of South Africa, and is named for its resemblance to an elephant’s trunk. Ultimately, the Insofu gem yielded 850 carats of stunning emeralds.
Scheufele was immediately captivated by its vivid colour, shifting hues, and unique character, and she knew that this gem is destined to be the centrepiece of an exceptional collection. The challenge was that emeralds are relatively soft compared to other gemstones, making them more susceptible to chipping and breaking during the cutting process.
Hence only the most skilled gemcutters with talent and dedication were chosen to work on this new Haute Joaillerie collection. The collection features 15 exquisite pieces, including five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet, and a jewellery watch.
The highlight of this collection is a pachyderm-shaped pendant, adorned with emeralds of various shapes and sizes, with glittering diamonds that form the tusks. Suspended from a long chain punctuated with emeralds and diamonds, the pendant can be worn as a brooch too.
Apart from this star piece, the collection feature elegant Art Deco-inspired chokers, flowing long necklaces, statement cuffs, dramatic cocktail rings, and eye-catching earrings. All inspired by the Roaring Twenties of the 1920s, an era marked by a sense of anticipation and liberation following World War I. Scenes that were depicted in Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece The Great Gatsby (1925), is reflected in a unique ensemble of four necklaces forming a cohesive set.
Another piece that deserves the spotlight is a diamond choker featuring a vibrant 2.50-carat square-cut emerald, complemented by a second necklace adorned with pink sapphires and a 15.53-carat octagonal emerald. A long necklace that interlaces emeralds, pearls, and diamonds adds fluidity to the set, creating a captivating harmony of textures and colours. A delicate sautoir of pink pearls adds a touch of softness, beautifully balancing the bolder pieces.
Set against a backdrop of tightly woven pearls, a vertical motif of emerald-studded foliage elegantly weaves through a statement cuff, embracing vibrant emerald-cut tsavorites. The smooth, rounded pearls contrast with the sharp facets of the stones, creating a refined interplay of textures and forms.
As with every project, Chopard remains committed to sustainable luxury and ethical practices. Scheufele and her team of gemmologists and artisans prioritise working with socially responsible and ethical suppliers. Since 2018, all of Chopard’s gems have met the “green” standard, and all gold used in the production of watches and jewellery is sourced from 100% ethical gold.
This commitment, combined with Scheufele’s long-standing passion for nature and endangered species, adds meaning to the collection while complementing the Maison’s pioneering spirit of innovation, creativity, and sustainable luxury.
A portion of the profits from each piece sold in the collection will be donated to support the Elephant Family and its initiatives. The Elephant Family is a charitable organisation dedicated to the conservation of elephants and their habitats, particularly in Asia. Founded in 2002, the organization focuses on fostering coexistence between elephants and local communities.
