In the world of high jewelry, few stories begin as powerfully as this one—with a single, extraordinary stone. In 2010, a 6,225-carat rough emerald was unearthed from the Kagem mine in Zambia, one of the world’s richest sources of emeralds. Its size, shape, and vibrant green hue were so striking that it was given a name: Insofu, which means “elephant” in the local Bemba language. The name was not only a nod to its immense size and trunk-like shape but also a symbol of strength, wisdom, and majesty.
Years later, this magnificent gem has become the soul of Chopard’s newest high jewelry collection, also named Insofu. This 15-piece collection is more than a celebration of emeralds—it is a tribute to nature, craftsmanship, and ethical responsibility.
From Rough Stone to Radiant Masterpieces
Transforming a raw emerald of this size into polished gems is no simple task. While technology can guide the cutting of diamonds with precision, emeralds are more delicate and unpredictable. Because of this, Chopard brought skilled gem-cutters from India to its Geneva workshops, where they spent nearly a year studying the stone and proposing cuts. Eventually, the Insofu rough yielded 850 carats of polished emeralds—just 14 percent of its original weight.
Yet what emerged from that careful process were stones of rare quality, full of brilliance and character.
Designs Inspired by Nature and the Jazz Age
The resulting Chopard Insofu collection reflects both the natural world and the glamour of another era. At its heart is an elephant-shaped pendant, with emeralds forming the animal’s body and diamonds curling into tusks. The trunk is raised, a traditional gesture believed to bring good fortune.
From there, the collection branches out into five pairs of earrings, four necklaces, three rings, a bracelet, and even a watch—each piece echoing the flowing lines of nature and the elegance of Art Deco design. According to Caroline Scheufele, creative director of Chopard, the Insofu collection was inspired by joie de vivre—the joyful spirit that defined the 1920s and is immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
One of the standout ensembles features four necklaces that can be worn individually or layered together. The shortest is a refined diamond choker set with a 2.50-carat square-cut emerald. It is followed by a second necklace adorned with pink sapphires and anchored by a striking 15.53-carat octagon-cut emerald. The third features a harmonious blend of emeralds, pearls, and diamonds, while the final piece—a pink pearl sautoir—adds softness to the ensemble, balancing the boldness of the other pieces.
Chopard Insofu: Jewels That Carry a Message
Beyond beauty, the Chopard Insofu collection carries meaning. This is only the second time Chopard has built an entire high jewelry collection around a single rough stone. The first was in 2017 with the “Garden of Kalahari,” created from a 342-carat rough diamond.
However, Insofu goes even further by setting a new benchmark in traceability. To ensure that each emerald can be traced back to its source, Chopard used the “Emerald Paternity Test” developed by the Gübelin Gem Lab. This technology involves embedding DNA-based nanoparticles into the natural fissures of the rough stone, creating a permanent signature that survives cutting and polishing. As a result, every gem from this collection is not only beautiful but also ethically traceable.
“Traceability is more than a technical advancement; it is an ethical achievement,” says Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director. “The Insofu collection reflects our belief that true beauty results from a genuine commitment to society and ethical practices.”
Fashion Meets Philanthropy
To accompany the collection, Scheufele also created five gowns from her couture line, “Caroline’s Couture,” designed to reflect the spirit of each jewel and highlight the harmony between fashion and high jewelry.
But perhaps most significantly, part of the profits from each piece in the Chopard Insofu collection will be donated to the Elephant Family, a conservation nonprofit that protects Asian wildlife and the communities that live among them. This collaboration supports efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict and protect migratory corridors, ensuring that both humans and animals can thrive.
A Tribute to Earth’s Gifts
In the end, Chopard Insofu is not just a jewelry collection. It is a tribute to the Earth’s treasures and a promise to protect them. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and the joy that comes from creating something meaningful.
As Scheufele put it, “The final reveal of the Insofu collection is a moment I have long awaited—one that could only be realized by aligning it with a meaningful cause to protect wildlife and nature, passions that have been close to my heart for many years.”
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Featured Image: Chopard
Amanda Akalonu is dedicated to weaving together the worlds of jewelry, watches, and objects through a lens of literary storytelling.
