Latest news with #ethical sourcing

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.'