Chopard and the journey to decode the ‘raw beauty’ of nature in the Insofu collection

To honour the stone’s potential, Chopard brought master gem cutters from India to its Geneva atelier, where they carefully studied the emerald before proposing cuts that would accentuate its natural elegance while preserving its essence. The process spanned nearly a year. Emeralds, being famously delicate, demand extraordinary skill. The inclusions within the gem—called jardins (gardens)—had to be handled with exceptional care. A cut made too close could cause fissures to spread. Simultaneously, the placement of these jardins had to be harmonised with the overall brilliance. In the end, 850 carats of refined emeralds were carved from the Insofu, each stone a reflection of Chopard’s artistry and unwavering dedication.

Chopard’s latest high jewellery collection comprises 15 magnificent pieces, each one interpreting the Insofu emerald through a different creative lens. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity of nature’s lines, the striking abstraction of form, and the enduring allure of Art Deco, the collection captures the essence of joie de vivre immortalised by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby.

At the heart of the collection lies the elephant pendant, an homage to the name Insofu. It suspends from a long chain adorned with emeralds and diamonds, designed with such ingenuity that it can be transformed into a brooch. Notably, the elephant’s trunk is lifted skyward, a timeless symbol of prosperity and hope.

“Every stone has a story to tell, and my role is to listen, to honour the natural magic they carry as treasures of the Earth,” says Caroline Scheufele. “With the Insofu collection, it’s about respecting that innate beauty. I’ve chosen the finest gems from the emerald’s core, combining them with diamonds, pink sapphires and pearls.”

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Chopard believes that beauty must be matched by integrity. To that end, the maison pioneered the Provenance Proof Emerald Origin Test, an innovative technique that allows gems to be traced back to their original form, even decades later, securing the link between stone and source. This technology further bolsters Chopard’s standards for sustainability.

The house also affirms its social commitment through partnerships with Gemfields and Elephant Family. Gemfields, which operates the Insofu mine in Zambia, supports education, healthcare and conservation initiatives for local elephant populations. Elephant Family, meanwhile, works to reduce human-elephant conflict in Asia, protecting habitats and fostering harmony. Through these efforts, Chopard nurtures a sustainable luxury ecosystem where every jewel gleams not only with brilliance, but with purpose and respect for the world we share.

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