In a remarkable collaboration, Chopard is proud to reveal a new set conceived as a tribute to the mesmerizing beauty of Insofu Emerald and co-designed by the Co-President and Artistic Director of the maison, Caroline Scheufele, and Julia Roberts, Global Brand Ambassador.
A few years ago, the discovery of the extraordinary 6,225-carat Insofu Emerald in the Kagem mine in Zambia represented a pivotal moment in the history of jewelry. Challenging all conventions, Chopard acquired the Insofu in its rough form, persuaded by the potential of this uncut and polished stone, with its captivating and changing shades of green, as well as the special purity of its texture. And because this stone deserved an extraordinary design project, Caroline Scheufele asked the most experienced emerald cutters in India to study the stone to reveal its unique character. The cutting process took place in Chopard’s workshops in Geneva and Jaipur, the cradle of Indian jewelry traditions.
The exceptional creative collaboration
Caroline Scheufele, who envisioned a collaboration that could express and enhance the natural beauty of the stone, chose actress Julia Roberts, a creative mind with ambitious visions and a deep appreciation for jewelry. Additionally, as a global ambassador for Chopard, Julia Roberts has frequently worn the beautiful designs imagined by Caroline Scheufele, the result of the mastery of all those who work in the Fine Jewelry workshops, developing an understanding of how jewelry interacts with the body and what makes a woman feel comfortable when she is the center of attention. Over the years, Julia Roberts and Caroline Scheufele, united by shared values and passions, have built a special relationship, promoting fluid conversations characterized by mutual respect and trust.
Combining cutting-edge execution with heritage aesthetics, they together conceived a ring, a necklace, and a pair of earrings from a selection of cut Insofu Emeralds. This capsule collection of Fine Jewelry, “Chopard x Julia Roberts,” was crafted through the blend of a range of vivid and contrasting tones – evoking the rich cultural heritage of Indian jewelry – with the fresh and modern lines of contemporary goldsmith techniques. A juxtaposition of the crystalline green of the emeralds, the matte sky-blue turquoise – a precious stone particularly cherished by Julia Roberts, who has worn it throughout her life – and the cherry-red rubellites creates a mesmerizing masterpiece.
The cocktail ring adorns the fingers from its emerald heart, forming a flat and vibrant flower with gemstone petals in drop shapes. Pear-shaped emerald, rubellite, and turquoise drops hang from chandelier-shaped earrings, echoing similar-shaped tassels scattered throughout the delicate design necklace, formed by a row of colored gems with the same cut.
Traceability, a responsible vision
Crafted with mastery and expertise, each piece in this set is made of certified ethical rose gold by Fairmined, reflecting Chopard’s decade-long commitment to sustainable luxury, a cornerstone of the maison, which is also particularly dear to Julia Roberts.
The Insofu Emerald itself represents an innovative step in this commitment. By purchasing a rough stone, Chopard can trace its entire journey to the final creation. From gem cutting to jewelry design, the workshops ensure a complete chain of traceability, which is rare for stones of this quality. Ensuring that the entire process is conscious and controlled, seeking suppliers who demonstrate responsible practices socially, environmentally, and economically, is a reflection of the lasting nobility of a journey guided by conviction and elegance felt in the heart.
The creative focus of attention is the gemstone named after the Bemba word for “elephant” due to its impressive size and shape resembling the animal’s trunk. Its discovery and transformation into unique and singular gems underline Chopard’s dedication to celebrating Earth’s most beautiful treasures, now intertwined with Julia Roberts’s personal artistic vision.
“Caroline caught my attention when she told me the story of her exceptional Insofu Emerald. It was a very exciting challenge when she proposed working on a custom design together, and we had a lot of fun bringing this set to life, creating beautiful, sustainable jewelry that blends the timeless fascination of emerald with stunning colors and a stone that I appreciate, turquoise,” said Julia Roberts in a statement, adding that the pieces also work well individually and with a casual style, paired with a pair of jeans.
“Collaborating with Julia on this capsule collection has been an incredible journey,” said Caroline Scheufele. “From the moment we discovered the Insofu Emerald, we knew it was a jewel that could inspire greatness. This piece is a testament to that inspiration, a fusion of our shared passion for beauty, elegance, and responsible luxury.”
