Inside Chopard's Insofu high jewellery collection with a record-breaking Zambian emerald and ethical gold
In a market starved of sizeable gems, Chopard's new high jewellery collection is centred around a 6,225-carat Zambian emerald
In recent years, sourcing emeralds of significant size—stones exceeding even 3 or 4 carats—and quality has become increasingly challenging. That's why the unveiling of Chopard's Insofu Collection feels like a seismic event in the world of high jewellery. But what sets this collection even further apart is its deep commitment to sustainability. By acquiring a rough emerald weighing 6,225 carats, named 'Insofu' after the word for 'elephant' in the Bemba language of northeastern Zambia, Chopard has taken control of the entire journey, from mine to finished jewel.
This direct sourcing guarantees traceability, allows for responsible mining practices through the maison's collaboration with gem-mining firm Gemfields and supports education, healthcare and conservation projects in Zambia.
Read more: Mother's Day 2025: 3 heartfelt stories of jewellery heirlooms inherited from mums
Above Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's co-president and artistic director made the Insofu high jewellery collection with a 6,225-carat Zambian emerald (Photo: courtesy of Chopard)
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Tatler Asia
26-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Inside Chopard's Insofu high jewellery collection with a record-breaking Zambian emerald and ethical gold
In a market starved of sizeable gems, Chopard's new high jewellery collection is centred around a 6,225-carat Zambian emerald In recent years, sourcing emeralds of significant size—stones exceeding even 3 or 4 carats—and quality has become increasingly challenging. That's why the unveiling of Chopard's Insofu Collection feels like a seismic event in the world of high jewellery. But what sets this collection even further apart is its deep commitment to sustainability. By acquiring a rough emerald weighing 6,225 carats, named 'Insofu' after the word for 'elephant' in the Bemba language of northeastern Zambia, Chopard has taken control of the entire journey, from mine to finished jewel. This direct sourcing guarantees traceability, allows for responsible mining practices through the maison's collaboration with gem-mining firm Gemfields and supports education, healthcare and conservation projects in Zambia. Read more: Mother's Day 2025: 3 heartfelt stories of jewellery heirlooms inherited from mums Above Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's co-president and artistic director made the Insofu high jewellery collection with a 6,225-carat Zambian emerald (Photo: courtesy of Chopard)
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Vogue Arabia
12-05-2025
- Vogue Arabia
Chopard Reveals its Captivating Emerald Themed Insofu Collection
Some discoveries redefine fine jewellery. The Insofu Emerald is one such marvel—a 6,225-carat gem from Zambia's rich soils, a raw testament to nature's artistry. When Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, first laid eyes on it, she knew it was destined for something extraordinary, calling it "love at first sight!" For the second time int its history, Chopard has boldly ventured into creating a haute joaillerie collection, not from a selection of cut and polished gems, but from a raw gemstone, embracing both its potential and unpredictability. 'The process of starting from a rough stone, being involved in its cutting and having the possibility as well as the responsibility to reveal its true beauty to the world is fascinating,' explains Scheufele. While this approach is unconventional in the world of fine jewellery, for Chopard, the Infosu collection embodies a commitment to traceability and offers a rare opportunity to collaborate more intimately with those at the very start of the supply chain. "Following the gemstone's journey from mining to the final high jewellery collection, was a true privilege," adds Scheufele. 'It reinforced our dedication to ethical sourcing and fair practices, ensuring that every step, from extraction to craftsmanship, aligns with Chopard's values." The journey began in 2022, in Paris, when Scheufele encountered the mesmerizing emerald. Awed by its grandeur, miners named it Insofu—Bemba for elephant—honoring its trunk-like form. Unlike diamonds, emeralds reveal their true nature only when cut.'After working on the Queen of Kalahari diamond, I wanted a similar process with an exceptional colored stone. Thanks to the finest emerald cutters from India, we meticulously studied the gemstone to unveil its unique character,' Scheufele shares. The Chopard Insofu Emerald Emeralds, fragile and laced with jardin inclusions, require expert handling. After months of painstaking craftsmanship, the Insofu stone yielded 850 carats of brilliance, each fragment carrying the essence of the whole. These gems now shape the Insofu collection of 15 stunning pieces defined by organic curves and art deco elegance. "I particularly love the spirit of the 1920s as captured in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby , and I sought to infuse that essence into the Insofu Collection,' shares Scheufele. 'By blending necklaces with sautoirs and incorporating pearls, I think the collection captures the essence of what Fitzgerlad describes – a sense of wonder, effervescence, and timeless allure.' At its heart is an elephant-shaped pendant, a nod to the Insofu name. Emeralds of varied cuts nestle among diamond-adorned tusks, all suspended from a long, gem-studded chain. Ingeniously, it transforms into a brooch, with the elephant's raised trunk symbolizing prosperity and fortune. The collection extends into striking Art Deco chokers, waist-grazing necklaces, and audacious cocktail rings. Highlights include a diamond choker set with a 2.50-carat square-cut emerald, a pink sapphire and emerald necklace cradling a 15.53-carat octagonal emerald, and a pearl sautoir that softens the bold ensemble. A statement cuff entwines emerald-studded foliage with tsavorites over woven pearls. 'This set offers endless possibilities for mixing and matching, embodying the Roaring Twenties' spirit,' Scheufele explains. More than an artistic endeavor, the Insofu Collection carries a mission. Created in partnership with Elephant Family, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, it underscores Chopard's commitment to sustainability. 'I am deeply grateful to everyone involved–from the miners and stone cutters to our jewellery artisans–who contributed to shaping the destiny of this unique gem. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Elephant Family for this collaboration, which I hope will highlight the importance of conservation.'
Tatler Asia
09-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
MTM Labo's Kelly Keak on the entrepreneurial lessons she learnt from her mother
Above Under Keak's leadership as managing director, MTM Labo continues to thrive (Photo: Facebook / MTM Labo) Getting to where the brand is today took time and commitment. Keak emphasises how their strong mother-daughter bond became a cornerstone of the business 'There's a level of trust and loyalty that you simply cannot manufacture. We both know we are working not just for business success, but for each other's dreams and our family's future,' she continues. Their close relationship, while a strength, can also lead to heightened emotions. However, their deep love and mutual respect always guide them back to a shared and unified path. 'It's a constant learning process,' Keak admits. 'We agreed early on that professional disagreements stay at work. At home, we are mother and daughter first. It helps that we genuinely value each other's opinions, even if we don't always agree.' No matter how tough the day gets, the duo is always assured that they have each other's backs. Below, Keak reflects on her journey working with her mother, lessons learnt and what Mother's Day means to her. Above Keak shares that her father has also been a strong pillar for them throughout the journey (Photo: Kelly Keak) What strengths do each of you bring to the table? My mother brings decades of deep industry knowledge, an amazing eye for detail, and a fierce commitment to quality, care (to both our internal team and our customers), ethics and values. I bring a younger perspective—fresh ideas in marketing, branding, and digital innovation. Our first foray into AI was in November 2023, with the incorporation of panoramic AI skin analysis with high-definition 3D imaging to our existing MAPS (MTM Labo's aesthetic profiling system). This provided a more comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of our customers' skin concerns over time. In March 2024, I introduced our AI Vita treatment, which incorporates the best practices of traditional Chinese and Western wellness philosophies with the pinpoint accuracy of AI. This treatment, using a very precise AI robotic arm, helps to boost circulation and metabolism starting from the womb, and also helps improve digestive health and immunity of reproductive system. Together, we balance tradition with innovation, which has been key to keeping our brand relevant. How do your generational perspectives show up in the business? You can see it everywhere, from the way we approach customer engagement to how we think about incorporating giving back into our everyday functions. We provide Chinese values education to our staff so that they can give equal care to our customers and their families. My mother taught me the importance of personal service and building relationships. I brought a focus on technology, digital marketing, and inclusivity. Combining both perspectives has allowed us to evolve while staying true to our roots and philosophy. Above MTM Labo's AI Vita treatment (Photo: Facebook / MTM Labo) Do you see this business as part of a family legacy? Definitely. This business is more than just a livelihood, it represents our family's perseverance, our values and our dreams. I hope to continue growing it in a way that honours my mother's hard work while adapting it for future generations to come. What have you learnt from each other while working together over the years? From my mother, I learned resilience and grit—the strength to keep going even when things seem impossible. She also taught me empathy, and that business should always come from a place of care. I think she has learned from me the importance of adapting to change and being open to new possibilities, even if they seem unconventional at first. Above MTM Labo's collection (Photo: Facebook / MTM Labo) What does Mother's Day mean to you now? Mother's Day is incredibly special to me. It's a reminder of all the sacrifices my mother made, not just for our family, but also for every client she's ever helped. Especially since I became a mother, I have learnt to appreciate her even more, understanding that she must have done and sacrificed so much for us, even if she did not mention them. Mother's Day, to me, is a celebration of strength, love, and the quiet, tireless dedication that often goes unseen. What is the best thing about working together? The best thing is knowing that no matter how tough the day gets, we have each other's unwavering support. It's incredibly meaningful to build something with someone who knows your heart completely. How would you describe each other as businesswomen? For my mother: Resilient. For me, I think she would say: A people person. Compassionate leader.
