Chopard, established in 1860 in Switzerland, is a high-end watch and jewelry manufacturer. It remains one of the few family-owned watch and jewelry brands in the world. The brand was founded by Louis-Ulysee Chopard when he was just 24 years old.
Initially, Chopard focused on manufacturing precise pocket watches and chronographs. In 1963, Karl Scheufele, a German, acquired Chopard. The Scheufele family also operated their own jewelry and watch company in Pforzheim.
The name “Chopard” subtly infuses the brand with a classical air. However, Chopard is not just a masterpiece composed by a musical genius; it’s also a timeless legend in the world of jewelry and watches. While it may not have lingering melodies that resonate for days, it brings joy and emotion through its exquisite creations.
Brand History
Watchmaking Origins
The founder of Chopard, Louis-Ulysee Chopard, was born into a Swiss farming family. In 1860, at just 24 years old, Louis-Ulysee Chopard established a watch factory named L.U.C after his initials, producing pocket watches and precision timepieces.
In 1921, Louis-Ulysee Chopard’s son opened a branch in La Chaux-de-Fonds and subsequently moved the company headquarters there. In 1937, he relocated the company to Geneva, increasing the workforce to 150 employees, marking Chopard’s golden era. In 1943, Louis-Ulysee Chopard’s grandson took over the Chopard brand.
After World War II, Chopard’s production began to decline, and Paul-André Chopard’s sons showed no interest in taking over the watch factory. The only solution was to sell the company, so they began searching for a suitable buyer.
In Geneva, they met Karl Scheufele (a descendant of a watchmaking and jewelry family from Pforzheim, Germany) and sold the Chopard company to him.
The Scheufele family business had been producing gem-set wristwatches and bracelets since 1904. By 1930, the second generation had taken over, actively expanding the business with suitcases full of products, and the company had over a hundred employees.
Family Spirit
Family is seen as the core of Chopard, symbolizing the brand’s foundation, history, and contemporary image. The Scheufele family, succeeding the Chopard family, represents the brand’s founding legend and unity. They uphold the enduring permanence of the company’s roots as a model, running through the brand’s history, passing the torch from generation to generation.
In 1985, a sketch of a clown inspired Caroline Scheufele to enter the world of design. The Happy Clown, filled with moving diamonds and colorful gemstones, became the brand’s mascot upon its launch and marked the birth of Chopard’s jewelry collection.
High Jewelry
Chopard Atelier
In Chopard’s high jewelry atelier, like in nature itself, light is the undisputed source of allure. Headquartered in Geneva, Chopard boasts several master craftsmen of exceptional skill who reinterpret and elevate the magical effects of light and shadow, creating unique high jewelry pieces.
These exquisitely crafted jewels compose odes to nature’s splendor: each stunningly beautiful piece is unique, paying homage to the changing light and colors of the seasons and the passions that ripple through people’s hearts. Exclusively presented by Chopard with noble craftsmanship.
The Exceptionally Rare 342-Carat Diamond
Rooted in Geneva, Chopard applies its brand essence to every step of jewelry creation. The Queen of Kalahari diamond, with its 342-carat extraordinary form, perfect color, and ultimate clarity, gave new life to 23 diamonds after its discovery. Together, they form The Garden of Kalahari collection, with five diamonds weighing over 20 carats each.
Chopard is renowned for its artistic and extraordinary craftsmanship. Under its masterful forging, six magnificent jewelry pieces were finally born in Chopard’s high jewelry atelier.
Happy Diamonds
Since 1976, the birth of the Happy Diamonds collection has set nimble diamonds in motion. Since then, Happy Diamonds has successfully spread infinite joy worldwide. It all began with this declaration: Diamonds are happier when they’re free!
Brand Essence: Always Interweaving Melody | Notes | Stage
Whether for celebrities or ordinary people, Chopard allows every wearer to move gracefully through any stage or occasion, which is why many are true fans of Chopard jewelry. Consistently combining stage aesthetics with jewelry is the core spirit of Chopard jewelry.
Since 1998, Chopard has been the official partner of the Cannes International Film Festival, launching a high jewelry collection named “Red Carpet” every year. Its haute couture jewelry always helps starlets become the dazzling focus on the red carpet.
Chopard opened a jewelry store on the Croisette in Cannes. Mr. Pierre Viot, the president of the Cannes Film Festival, was captivated by the gorgeous jewelry in the window. He approached Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s jewelry design director, inviting her to design the Golden Palm award for the Cannes Film Festival.
For the 2022 “Red Carpet” collection, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele expressed nostalgia for the film era through her creations. In the river of history, there is an eternally rotating film reel, representing each life that is like a movie, playing endlessly.
In 2010, Chopard celebrated its 150th anniversary. For this occasion, the brand launched the Animal World series in its high jewelry category, featuring 150 different animals. Simultaneously, the brand also presented a series of high-end timepieces.
Chopard: A Classical Legend in the World of Jewelry and Watches
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