Swiss-based jeweler Chopard has bought a 1.22 kg, 6,225-carat emerald – one of the world’s largest – for an undisclosed sum, IDEX Online reports. Chopard said that the raw stone will enable it “to create a dedicated high jewelry collection with infinite possibilities”.
Chopard said that the emerald will highlight its Exceptional Gemstones presentation at its flagship store in Paris.
The huge emerald was recovered by Gemfields at its Kagem mine in Zambia in February 2010. It was named “Insofu” – “elephant” in Bemba. The language spoken by the people indigenous to the region where the impressive stone was mined.
When it was found, 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.”
