When it comes to Chopard, diamonds have always been more than symbols of luxury. They are expressions of joy and freedom, brought to life through the maison’s signature art of movement.
Revisiting two of its most cherished creations, Chopard introduces a fresh interpretation of Happy Diamonds jewellery alongside new additions to Happy Sport The First. What results is a celebration of craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of diamonds in motion.
Happy Diamonds As A New Expression of Freedom
The story began in 1976, when the droplets of a waterfall in Germany’s Black Forest inspired Chopard to liberate diamonds from their traditional settings. Encased between two sapphire crystals, the precious stones were given the freedom to move, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and motion.
Half a century later, the concept remains as enchanting as ever. For its latest Happy Diamonds collection, Chopard revisits a rectangular design first introduced in 2006, refining its proportions to create a contemporary jewellery statement. Clean, geometric lines lend the pendants a distinctly architectural character, while softly bevelled edges catch and reflect the light. The real magic, however, lies within. By enlarging the interior space, Chopard has allowed the signature moving diamonds greater freedom to glide and twirl in response to the wearer’s movements.
The collection comprises seven pendants, each suspended from a newly designed rectangular-link chain crafted in-house. Conceived with versatility in mind, the pieces can be worn individually for understated sophistication or layered together for a more expressive approach to everyday luxury.
Three compact designs, measuring 16.5mm in length, are offered in ethical yellow, rose and white gold, each featuring three moving diamonds. A further trio of elongated 25.4mm pendants brings a more pronounced geometric silhouette, while diamond-set white gold interpretations introduce an additional dimension of brilliance.
Noteworthy is the introduction of a bevelled castle setting, a first for the collection. Inspired by the rhythmic contours of crenellations, this intricate technique minimises the visibility of the metal structure, allowing the diamonds to form an almost uninterrupted ribbon of light. For those drawn to a more dramatic expression of the design, the collection culminates in a 49mm high jewellery pendant. Crafted in ethical white gold, it frames seven moving diamonds with an exquisite arrangement of trapeze and emerald-cut diamonds, balancing the discipline of geometry with the fluidity of movement.
Photo: Chopard
Happy Sport The First Is An Icon Reimagined
If Happy Diamonds established Chopard’s fascination with movement, Happy Sport brought that idea to watchmaking in a new form. Introduced in 1993 under the creative direction of Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, it was the first ladies’ watch to combine steel and diamonds, challenging conventional notions of luxury with a mix of practicality and preciousness.
Conceived to accompany women throughout the day, the watch paired a relaxed, sporty sensibility with the sparkle of freely moving diamonds. In 2021, Chopard introduced Happy Sport The First, a faithful reinterpretation of the original. The collection retains its rounded proportions, fluid lines and signature pebble-link bracelet, alongside the dancing diamonds suspended between two sapphire crystals. Inspired by stones smoothed by the sea, Chopard’s artisans craft the bracelet’s rounded, organic links to curve around the wrist with the suppleness of fine jewellery.
Now available in 26mm and 33mm sizes, the collection continues to explore the balance of sportiness and refinement that has defined Happy Sport since its debut, in Lucent Steel, produced with a recycling rate of 80 percent, and combinations of Lucent Steel and ethical yellow gold. An entirely ethical yellow gold interpretation further elevates the line-up. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these material choices reflect Chopard’s ongoing Journey to sustainable luxury, demonstrating how responsible craftsmanship can coexist with enduring design.
The dial offers a beautiful contrast to this softness. A finely grained silver-toned surface is complemented by midnight-blue Roman numerals, a railway minute track and elegant blued sword-shaped hands, lending the watch a subtle vintage sensibility. And, of course, there are the diamonds. Five moving diamonds animate the 26mm models, while seven bring the larger 33mm versions to life. Suspended between two sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective treatment, they move freely above the dial.
Although Happy Diamonds and Happy Sport The First occupy different worlds of jewellery and watchmaking, their connection is unmistakable. Both embrace craftsmanship and the unpredictable beauty of movement. That philosophy extends to the maison’s latest campaign, fronted by global ambassadors Bella Hadid and Liu Wen. Bringing their magnetic presence to the collections, the two models embody a vision of femininity defined by confidence.
