• Website: chopard.com
• Founded: 1860, Sonvilier, Switzerland.
• Founder: Louis-Ulysse Chopard
• Owned By: Scheufele family
• Known For: Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, Alpine Eagle, L.U.C, Happy Hearts
• Category Focus: Fine jewelry, haute joaillerie, luxury watches, haute horlogerie, accessories
Chopard is one of the world's most prestigious luxury maisons, renowned for its exceptional jewelry, haute horlogerie, and ethical craftsmanship. Founded in Sonvilier, Switzerland, in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the house evolved from a specialist watch manufacture into one of the few family-owned luxury brands producing both high jewelry and fine Swiss watches.
Known for blending Swiss precision, artistic creativity, and responsible sourcing, Chopard has become synonymous with iconic collections such as Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, Alpine Eagle, and L.U.C. The maison is equally celebrated for its close relationship with the Cannes Film Festival, where its Red Carpet Collection showcases some of the world's finest high jewelry.
Today, Chopard remains independently owned by the Scheufele family, continuing to expand across haute joaillerie, fine watches, accessories, and ethical luxury while preserving more than 160 years of Swiss craftsmanship.
Happy Diamonds
Happy Sport
Alpine Eagle
L.U.C Lunar One
Ice Cube Jewelry
Happy Hearts
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Red Carpet Collection
Chopard's story began in 1860, when Louis-Ulysse Chopard established his watchmaking workshop in Sonvilier, Switzerland. Initially specializing in precision pocket watches and chronometers, the company earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship throughout Europe.
A defining chapter began in 1963, when the Scheufele family acquired Chopard. Under Karl Scheufele III and later Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the maison expanded beyond watchmaking into fine jewelry while investing heavily in in-house mechanical movements and haute horlogerie.
Today, Chopard remains one of the few major luxury houses still owned and managed by the founding family that acquired and transformed the brand, maintaining complete creative independence while producing exceptional watches and jewelry.
Key milestones:
• 1860: Louis-Ulysse Chopard founds the company in Sonvilier, Switzerland.
• 1937: Headquarters relocate to Geneva.
• 1963: The Scheufele family acquires Chopard.
• 1976: Launch of the revolutionary Happy Diamonds collection.
• 1988: Chopard becomes official partner of the Mille Miglia classic car rally.
• 1996: Opening of the L.U.C Manufacture in Fleurier for in-house movements.
• 1998: Chopard becomes official partner of the Cannes Film Festival, crafting the Palme d'Or trophy.
• 2018: Chopard commits to using 100% ethical gold across its jewelry and watch collections.
• 2026: Introduction of new Watches & Wonders novelties alongside the latest Red Carpet Collection and Happy Sport creations.
Chopard has redefined modern luxury by combining family ownership, ethical sourcing, and exceptional craftsmanship across both jewelry and watchmaking.
“Chopard unites jewelry and watchmaking beautifully. Its strength lies in pairing exceptional craftsmanship with a genuine commitment to ethical luxury.”
Chopard matters because it transformed fine jewelry and Swiss watchmaking into a unified expression of ethical luxury.
Its influence can be seen across:
• The evolution of luxury jewelry
• The advancement of haute horlogerie
• The rise of ethical luxury
• The fusion of craftsmanship and artistry
By combining Swiss expertise, family ownership, and responsible craftsmanship, Chopard continues to shape the future of luxury jewelry and watchmaking.
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