Chopard unveils a 6,225 carat rough emerald during Paris Haute Couture
All eyes on the rough cut Zambian emerald Insofu, the wonder of nature that lights up the history of jewellery.
The Chopard Insofu Emerald was unearthed in 2010 • ©Eric Sauvage
Whilst models shimmy down the runway to showcase the latest creations from the Couture World, the world’s best jewellers are unveiling their high jewellery collections in Paris.
We pay particular attention to Chopard, who on this occasion have unveiled a true wonder of nature, a gem of exceptional size and purity, a 6,225 carat rough emerald.
Named Chopard Insofu, the stone was unearthed in the Kangem mine in Zambia and is one of the most important ever to be found in terms of size and clarity. A discovery we’re sure will leave other maison’s green-eyed.
The Kagem Mine in Zambia • ©Chopard
The emerald was named Insofu, which translates to elephant in Bemba, as a show of respect to the stone’s land of origin. A name attributed due to the stone’s shape evoking the animal’s trunk. Both stone and animal are of impressive size and arouse respect and admiration.
The precious stone is set to give rise to a collection of unique and singular gems, the beginnings of a forthcoming Haute Joaillerie collection. Like with anything worthwhile a challenge awaits, as unlike diamonds that can easily be analysed with precision, emeralds are a dark stone that can only reveal their potential during the cutting process. A challenge which Caroline Scheufele, Co-president and Artistic Director of Chopard , has chosen to accept.
With Caroline’s dedication to changing the norms of transparency within the industry, Insofu will be the first emerald of such size and purity to meet the traceability requirements. We can’t wait to discover the fruits of her labour.