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.
Emeralds, fragile and laced with jardin inclusions, require expert handling. After months of painstaking craftsmanship, the…
