For only the second time in its storied history, Chopard has unveiled a high jewelry collection crafted entirely from a single gemstone. This time, the source is a breathtaking 6,225-carat rough emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2022. The stone—named insofu, meaning “elephant” in the local Bemba language—earned its title from its immense size and trunk-like shape, according to the miners who unearthed it.
Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week by Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele, the “Insofu” collection consists of 15 one-of-a-kind creations. Each piece showcases the remarkable depth of color and distinct character of the original stone, reflecting Chopard’s artistry as well as its dedication to ethical sourcing. True to the brand’s commitment to traceability, the entire journey of the emerald—from mine to masterpiece—is fully transparent.
Transforming the raw gem into jewelry was an exceptionally delicate process. Emeralds are notoriously fragile, and their internal characteristics make cutting a high-stakes challenge. To ensure the best outcome, Chopard brought in expert cutters from India to collaborate at its Geneva workshop. After studying the stone’s structure in detail, they devised cuts that would enhance its natural allure while preserving as much carat weight as possible. The process ultimately yielded 850 carats of emeralds, resulting in five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a bracelet, and a watch.
In a testament to the collection’s allure, every piece has already been sold. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Elephant Family, a nonprofit organization supporting conservation efforts and a peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
For a closer look at the collection—also featured in ELLE’s May horoscope report—scroll through the gallery below.
