In the Footsteps of Elephants

The story of Chopard’s Insofu collection begins in 2022, in the heart of Zambia. Deep beneath the Earth’s surface at the Kagem mine, Chopard’s visionary Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, unveiled a breathtaking 6,225-carat rough emerald. Named Insofu—meaning “elephant” in the local Bemba language—the gem takes its name from its striking, trunk-like shape, a natural marvel as powerful as it is poetic.

Scheufele—long guided by her passion for exceptional gemstones and a deep commitment to sustainability—was immediately captivated by the emerald’s potential. She saw in it a rare opportunity to transform a raw, untouched gem into a true work of art. Choosing to work with the stone in its natural form, rather than relying on traditional precut gems, was a bold and purposeful decision. It not only celebrated the emerald’s organic beauty but also ensured complete traceability throughout the process—honouring the gem’s origin and preserving its authentic essence.

“In every stone lies a story, and my role is to listen and honour the natural magic they carry as treasures from the Earth,” says Scheufele. Guided by this vision, Chopard brought together master gem cutters from India to work on the precious emerald—a meticulous process that spanned nearly a year and demanded exceptional precision. The stone’s internal inclusions, known as jardin, presented significant challenges, as even the slightest misstep could risk fracturing the gem. In the end, 850 carats of emeralds were masterfully cut, forming the foundation for Scheufele’s newest Haute Joaillerie collection.