From her early years, Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, was immersed in the world of gemstones. She remembers her mother, Karin, meticulously selecting stones in the maison’s gemstone department – a process that was driven by a deep appreciation for their hues, brilliance, and textures. Only the purest, most luminous diamonds will do. Karin personally oversees the selection of stones for the L’Heure du Diamant watch collection, more of which were revealed at Watches and Wonders Geneva this year. If anything, the maison’s creations shine brighter because of its focus on ethical sourcing.
Over a decade ago, Chopard instigated a much-needed awareness campaign about sustainability in the luxury watch and jewellery industry. Caroline explains that with the advent of Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury, “we began rethinking our supply of gold, but, inevitably, deployed our standards to diamonds and coloured gemstones. All our diamonds are sourced from RJC-certified suppliers.” What’s more, knowing the material is responsibly sourced stimulates her creativity. “We try to incorporate sustainability as much as possible in our watch and jewellery creations through eco-design thinking and the integration of responsible materials, such as our 100 percent ethical gold or the Lucent Steel. I believe as an international maison, we have a responsibility to create our pieces in the most ethical way possible. We have a duty to protect the environment and to support the local mining communities. I think the luxury industry has made some pivotal improvements, but there remains a lot more work to be done.”
Several examples of Chopard’s prowess in watchmaking and jewellery were revealed at this year’s Watches and Wonders. More than 400 hours of work went into decorating two new models in the Haute Joaillerie collection with diamonds and sapphires. The watches feature over 1 000 carefully selected stones set in ethical 18-karat white gold, forming a signature lace pattern emblematic of Chopard’s style.
The L’Heure du Diamant collection is a testament to the brand’s commitment to ethical luxury. These 26mm jewellery watches made in ethical gold, blend contemporary design with masterful craftsmanship. The dials, adorned with diamonds, showcase the crown-setting technique, enhancing the brilliance of the diamonds. The intricate ribbon of brilliant-cut diamonds encircling the case illuminates the delicate dial. Crafted with ethical 18-karat white or rose gold, the bark-style bracelet embodies botanical elegance. This technique, originating from the Scheufele family’s legacy, highlights unparalleled skill. Additionally, a satin strap option provides comfort and versatility for the wearer. “I am very proud to spread the message that a different, more responsible way of doing business is possible. While it hasn’t been easy, it is achievable, and at Chopard, we will continue our Journey to Sustainable Luxury to build a better future. I see a bright future for the luxury industry under the banner of sustainability and ethics,” says Caroline.
