Chopard has introduced a new ethical high jewellery collection made from the Insofu emerald, a 6,225-carat rough gemstone recovered from Zambia’s Kagem mine in 2010. The 15-piece collection, also named “Insofu,” features a range of pieces, including five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet, and an emerald-set watch.
The name “Insofu,” meaning “elephant” in the Bemba language, refers to the rough stone’s remarkable size and trunk-like shape. At the heart of the collection is a pendant designed in the form of an elephant, with emeralds of various shapes and sizes framed by diamonds that form the tusks.
Drawing inspiration from the fluid lines of nature, abstract forms, and Art Deco designs, the collection conveys a sense of exuberance and the spirit of the Jazz Age. As noted by National Jeweler, this influence is particularly evident in the ensemble of four necklaces. The shortest of these is a diamond choker set with a 2.50-carat square-cut emerald, while the others feature elements like pink sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and diamonds. In addition to the necklaces, the Insofu collection includes statement cuff bracelets, cocktail rings, earrings, and long-flowing necklaces.
“In every stone lies a story, and my role is to listen and honor the natural magic they carry as treasures from the Earth,” says Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director
“With the ‘Insofu’ collection, it was about respecting this inherent beauty. I chose the finest quality stones from the heart of the emerald, pairing them with diamonds, pink sapphires, and pearls.”
As per Business Today, this is the second time the brand has created a line from a raw stone while ensuring traceability and close collaboration with suppliers. Chopard worked closely with expert gem-cutters from India to carefully study the Insofu emerald. Due to the emerald’s fragility and internal inclusions, the cutting process required exceptional precision. After nearly a year of meticulous work, the Insofu gemstone was transformed into 850 carats of emeralds, ready to be set into the collection’s exclusive pieces.
