Chopard Unveils Collection from 6,225-ct Emerald
March 10, 25
(IDEX Online) - Chopard has unveiled a high jewelry collection crafted from one of the world's largest emeralds.
The Swiss jeweler bought the 6,225-carat monster (1.22kg) from Gemfields in 2018 for an undisclosed sum.
The rough emerald, named Insofu -"elephant" in the local Bemba language - has since yielded 850 carats of gem quality emeralds, the first of which now feature in a 15-piece ensemble of necklaces, chokers, rings, earrings, a bracelet, and a watch.
Among the highlights of the Insofu collection are an elephant-shaped pendant with 50 carats of emeralds, and diamonds forming tusks, which can also be worn as a brooch; a Great Gatsby-inspired 4-in-1 necklace featuring a 15.53-carat octagonal emerald and a diamond choker with a 2.50-carat square-cut emerald.
Insofu was recovered by London-based Gemfields at its Kagem mine, in Zambia.
At the time Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle said: "This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful color and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich color and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem.
"However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size."
Pics courtesy Gemfields and Chopard.