The “Chopard x Julia Roberts” collection presents the first gemstones cut from the 6,000-carat “Insofu Emerald”.
Combining innovative execution with traditional aesthetics, the new “Chopard x Julia Roberts” emerald capsule collection is a collaboration between the actress and Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele.
Luxury jewellery brand Chopard has unveiled a new collection of fine jewellery. Its global ambassador, actress Julia Roberts, participated in the design of the collection.
The capsule collection, “Chopard x Julia Roberts”, is a tribute to “Insofu Emerald”. An emerald discovered a decade ago, weighing 6,225 carats at the time, from the Kagem mine operated by Gemfields in Lufwanyama, Zambia.
Chopard acquired the rough gemstone a few years ago. After careful planning, the first gemstones cut by Insofu make their debut in the collection. Roberts designed the collection with Chopard co-chairman and artistic director Caroline Scheufele.
The discovery of “Insofu” in 2010 represented a pivotal moment in the history of jewellery, Chopard said.
Its name means “elephant” in the local Bemba language. It was chosen because of the impressive size and shape of the gemstone, which resembles the animal's torso.
Chopard bought the gemstone, still in its rough form, in November 2018. The purchase was made at the Gemfields emerald auction in Singapore, according to Tatler Asia, as it was convinced of the potential of its rough state. With its “charming and changing shades of green, as well as its unparalleled clarity of texture”.
Chopard sought to follow the stone's journey and ensure a complete chain of traceability. That is, from the cutting of the gemstones to the design of the jewellery and the final creation.
The brand consulted emerald cutters in India on how best to bring out the unique character of the stone.
The cutting took place at the house's workshops in Geneva and Jaipur, India.
For the collection, Scheufele said she envisioned a collaboration that could “fully express and enhance the natural beauty of the gemstone.”.
Roberts was chosen as a partner for her creative mind, her ambitious visions and her deep appreciation for jewellery, the brand said.
The actress stars in Chopard's “Happy Sport” and “Happy Diamonds” campaigns from 2021.
In 2023, she became a global ambassador for the Swiss jewellery and watch brand, often wearing Scheufele designs. And as the company said, learning how jewelry interacts with the body. And also what makes a woman in the spotlight feel comfortable.
United by shared values and passions, Roberts and Scheufele have forged a relationship over the years. A relationship that allows for “free-flowing conversations characterized by mutual respect and trust,” Chopard said.
The Chopard x Julia Roberts parure emerged from their creative dialogue, the company said.
Roberts was inspired by traditional Indian jewellery to enhance the intense colour of the emeralds. She combined them with rubellites and a stone that has been present throughout her life, turquoise, infusing her personality into the creations.
The pieces were designed to be a mixture of contrasting shades. Thus they evoke the rich cultural heritage of Indian jewellery with the fresh and modern lines of contemporary goldsmithing techniques.
Each piece is also made from Fairmined certified rose gold. According to the brand this reflects their “Journey to Sustainable Luxury” initiative. This initiative was launched in 2013 and is a cornerstone of the brand.
Sustainability work is also especially dear to Roberts, he said.
“Caroline immediately caught my attention when she told me the story of the extraordinary Insofu Emerald,” said Roberts.
“It was such an exciting challenge when he later suggested we work on a bespoke design. Together we had a lot of fun making this set a reality, creating jewellery that is beautiful and sustainable. They also combine the timeless charm of emerald with stunning colours and a stone I love, turquoise.”.
The jewelry from the first creative collaboration was presented at a dinner hosted by Scheufele at the Château Marmont in Los Angeles on March 8. It was there that Roberts wore the pieces for the first time.
The dinner included Jason Pelsey's jazz trio, an entirely floral backdrop, a fashion show combining the latest fine jewelry creations from Chopard's workshops with the “Caroline's Couture” collection, and later in the night, entertainment by DJ Michelangelo.
“Working with Julia on this capsule collection has been an incredible journey,” said Scheufele.
“From the moment we discovered the Insofu emerald, we knew it was a gemstone that could inspire greatness. So this parure is a testament to that inspiration, a fusion of our shared passion for beauty, elegance and responsible luxury.”.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
