Chopard presents Insofu, a 15-piece high jewellery collection inspired by the serene creatures of nature
If elephants never forget, then neither will those who lay eyes on Chopard’s latest haute joaillerie collection. Inspired by an extraordinary 6,225-carat rough emerald and the gentle giants of the wild, the Insofu collection is a radiant tribute to nature’s most majestic muse.
The Insofu collection began its journey in 2022 when Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director, introduced a monumental 6,225-carat rough emerald. Named Insofu—meaning “elephant” in Tswana—the gem’s silhouette evoked the gentle curve of an elephant’s trunk. From this extraordinary find, 850 carats of exceptional emeralds emerged, setting the stage for an exquisite suite of high jewellery.
Despite their size, elephants are known to be gentle, intelligent, and highly communicative. Scheufele, captivated by the emerald’s vivid hue and dynamic character, saw its potential as the centrepiece of a collection honouring these noble creatures.
Yet, working with emeralds is a delicate art—softer than other precious stones, they demand the deft hands of master cutters to avoid fractures. As such, only the most skilled gem cutters, known for their dedication and expertise, were chosen to meet this challenge, leading to the birth of a 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, framed by shimmering diamonds that form the tusks. Suspended from a long chain interspersed with emeralds and diamonds, the pendant is cleverly designed to transform into a brooch. Notably, the elephant’s trunk is raised upward to symbolise prosperity and good fortune.
In addition to this star piece, the collection showcases elegant Art Deco-inspired chokers, flowing long necklaces that graze the waist, statement cuffs, dramatic cocktail rings, and eye-catching earrings—all inspired by the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by excitement and liberation following World War I. Scenes depicted in Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby come to life in a unique ensemble of four necklaces forming a cohesive set, offering endless styling possibilities that celebrate personal expression.
At its core lies a refined diamond choker featuring a vibrant 2.50-carat square-cut emerald, complemented by a second necklace adorned with pink sapphires and an extraordinary 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 steadfast in its commitment 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 per cent ethical gold.
This commitment, combined with Scheufele’s long-standing passion for nature and endangered species, brings profound meaning to the collection, 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 organisation focuses on fostering coexistence between elephants and local communities.
