Chopard Backstory
The Chopard fine jewelry dates back to 1860 with Louis-Ulysse Chopard in Switzerland. The Chopard high jewelry collection began with Swiss timepieces and has evolved over centuries into a complete line. The classic diamond and gold designs of Chopard fine jewelry speak to our innermost yearning for beauty and unique expression. The Chopard high jewelry collection features an array of gorgeous options for rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants all with the signature sophisticated lines that Chopard jewelry is known for. Chopard jewelry leaves a lasting impression when you indulge in its high-quality beauty. An investment in this collection is one of style and sophistication.
In 1963, the Chopard brand was acquired by Karl Scheufele, a descendant of a family of watchmakers and jewelers from Pforzheim, Germany. Under Scheufele's direction, Chopard became renowned for its creativity and state-of-the-art technological innovation. Today, Chopard continues to be family-run by Karl's children, Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-presidents who lead with distinct, successful approaches. Caroline Scheufele is the creative force behind the jewelry and women's collections, while Karl-Friedrich Scheufele supervises the men's collections and the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the production site of L.U.C high-precision movements.
A standout feature of Chopard is its commitment to ethical luxury, as reflected in its use of ethically sourced gold in all its creations from July 2018 onward. Chopard is also a patron of The Journey to Sustainable Luxury, an initiative in partnership with ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining) to support and enable gold mining communities to reach Fairmined certification.
Over the years, Chopard has launched several iconic collections, each one demonstrating the Maison's extraordinary craftsmanship, innovative design ethos, and commitment to sustainability.
1. Happy Diamonds:Launched in 1976, the Happy Diamonds line was a ground-breaking collection, distinguished by its floating diamonds concept. The story goes that Ronald Kurowski, a Chopard designer, was inspired by sunlight reflecting off a waterfall and wanted to design diamonds that were equally radiant and free-moving. The Happy Diamonds collection, known for its loose diamonds swirling between two sapphire crystals, was born. It's a vibrant and playful collection, including rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and earrings.
2. Happy Sport:In 1993, Caroline Scheufele created the Happy Sport watch collection. The bold move to combine steel with diamonds in a sports watch for women was a first in the watch industry. Happy Sport watches carry on the tradition of free-moving diamonds, featuring them dancing between two sapphire crystals. The line offers a wide array of variations, incorporating different materials, shapes, colors, and innovative features, always maintaining its sporty, chic aesthetic.
3. L.U.C:Named after the brand's founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the L.U.C collection is the epitome of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. These exceptional timepieces, developed in the Chopard Manufacture, showcase precise movements and elegant designs, embodying a refined and sophisticated character that appeals to the modern gentleman.
4. High Jewelry Collections:Chopard's High Jewelry collections are a spectacle of extraordinary craftsmanship, innovative design, and vibrant gemstones. The brand annually unveils its Red Carpet Collection at the Cannes Film Festival, which Chopard has been an official partner of since 1998. These collections are a testimony to Chopard's creativity and technical prowess, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces adorned with precious gemstones and ethically sourced diamonds.
5. Ice Cube Collection:Inspired by geometric ice cubes, the Ice Cube Collection features minimalist, avant-garde designs. The clean lines and symmetrical cubes, crafted from ethically sourced gold and occasionally set with diamonds, provide a contemporary and versatile style. The pieces are designed to be worn alone or layered, offering a personalized look for the modern woman.
6. Mille Miglia Collection:A tribute to the world of classic car racing, the Mille Miglia Collection is named after the legendary Italian car race, "la corsa più bella del mondo" (the most beautiful race in the world). As official timekeeper of the race since 1988, Chopard captures the spirit of the event in these watches, featuring details reminiscent of classic cars and their dashboards.
7. Imperiale Collection:Drawing inspiration from empires of the past, the Imperiale Collection is marked by its majestic designs. The collection features luxurious watches and jewelry, distinguished by their elaborate details reminiscent of embroidery and cushion-cut gemstones, a symbol of nobility.
Chopard is more than a purveyor of luxury; it is a brand with a heart. Its dedication to ethical sourcing and sustainability sets it apart from many of its peers in the luxury market. Whether through its Happy Diamonds' playful charm, Happy Sport's sporty chic, L.U.C's refined elegance, Ice Cube's modern minimalism, Mille Miglia's vintage car-inspired aesthetic, or the imperial grandeur of the Imperiale Collection, Chopard has solidified its position as a global ambassador of luxury, elegance, and social responsibility.