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Chopard

Swiss

In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836–1915), established the L.U.C. company — now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials — in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable.

Early successes for Chopard included providing watches for the punctuality needs of the Swiss Railway Company. Recognizing the international market for Swiss watchmaking, Chopard traveled across Europe and Russia, with Czar Nicholas II becoming a client in 1912.

Chopard’s son, Paul-Louis, took over after Louis-Ulysse’s death in 1915 and expanded the business to La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1937, the company relocated to the watchmaking center of Geneva, where they could mark their work with the prestigious Geneva Seal. (Paul-Louis’s son, Paul-André, took the reins in 1943.) Business thinned in the postwar years, and Paul-André’s sons declined the opportunity to take over for their father.

In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. Under their ownership, Chopard added jewelry to its offerings. The popular Happy Diamonds wristwatch debuted in 1976 — it launched a collection, which now features bracelets, rings and other items. The distinctive watch sees dozens of glittering diamonds, loosed from their settings, moving freely around the dial.

The story goes that the in-house designer Ronald Kurowski was inspired by the kinetic glimmers of sunlight on a waterfall in the Black Forest. He would then develop the innovative system for the Happy Diamonds timepiece that he hoped would essentially mimic his experience in the woods.

A young Caroline Scheufele — Karl and Karin’s daughter, who would later become copresident and artistic director — led the introduction of a Happy Diamonds jewelry line in 1985, with her design for a playful clown pendant with a belly full of jittering precious stones. Subsequent lines and accessories such as the Happy Dreams bracelet, Happy Hearts collection and the Happy Sport watches further enhanced Chopard’s range of dynamic adornment.

The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, creating all of its movements in-house. And Chopard is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of high-end handbags.

Find a wide range of vintage Chopard wristwatches, necklaces, rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$4,383
Styles
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Chopard
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Bracelet
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Bracelet
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring
Chopard Ladies Yellow Gold Diamonds Mechanical Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Lady's Chopard, Gold Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Chain Bracelet with Diamonds featuring 28 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds with an estimated w...
Category

1990s Swiss Chopard

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Casmir Gem-Set 18 Karat Gold Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare edition Chopard semi-precious and 18k gold Casmir wristwatch. The round mother-of-pearl dial, with sword hands and invisible hour markers. is completed with a teardrop bracelet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Chopard

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold

Chopard Diamond Pave Heart Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Greenwich, CT
Truly beautiful Diamond Pave Heart Pendant by Chopard. Happy Diamonds collection, combining the feminine style with jewelry excellence. This heart...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chopard

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Imperiale Amethyst Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Chopard
Located in Geneva, CH
Chopard Imperiale Amethyst and Diamond on white Gold 18k Earrings. Chopard signed and numbered. Total height: 1.57 inch (4.00 centimeters). Pave Diamonds: 0.63 carat. With 2 Faceted...
Category

Early 2000s French Chopard

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold

Chopard Happy Sport with Diamonds Fish Floating, Quartz, 32 mm
By Chopard
Located in Antwerp, BE
Chopard Happy Sport with Diamonds, Fish Floating, Quartz, 32 mm Model: Happy Diamonds Ref number: 27/8921-402 Movement: Quartz, Manual winding Case: Stainless steel movement dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Artisan Chopard

Materials

Diamond, Quartz

Chopard Happy Diamonds 25MM 4118 1 Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Chopard
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Chopard Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 59.70 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold diamond Chopard Swiss made watch. Engraved with "750". The "Chopard" trademar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Chopard

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold & Steel Chopard St Moritz Automatic Wrist Watch
By Chopard
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Gold & Steel Chopard St Moritz Automatic Wrist Watch with Chopard Box Dial : White Movement : Mechanical With Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 KT Gold & Stainless Steel
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Chopard

Materials

Gold, Steel

Vintage Chopard So Happy Diamonds Heart 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Birmingham, GB
Chopard So Happy Diamonds 18k White Gold Heart Pendant Necklace. Inspired by drops of water, Chopard's Happy Diamonds Icons collection features diamonds that are free to swirl grace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chopard

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Browse all Jewelry from Chopard
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Creators Similar to Chopard

More Chopard Designs
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant
Average Price
$15,054
Number Available
16
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant
By Chopard
Styles
Modern
Shop All
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
Average Price
$3,896
Number Available
11
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
By Chopard
Styles
Artisan
Shop All
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Bracelet
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Bracelet
Average Price
$7,961
Number Available
6
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Bracelet
By Chopard
Materials
Gold, Metal
Styles
Modern
Shop All
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring
Average Price
$3,987
Number Available
4
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring
By Chopard
Styles
Contemporary
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Chopard jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Chopard jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Chopard jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Chopard diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 358, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 576 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Jahan, Roger Dubuis, and Girard Perragaux. Prices for Chopard jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $618 and tops out at $277,386, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $7,001.
Questions About Chopard
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Chopard has been manufacturing luxury watches since 1860. The watches are more fashionable than functional, but they're extremely high quality and on the same par as Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Chopard name is most famous for its luxury watches, jewelry and accessories. The company started in 1860 as watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard gained fame for his exquisite skills. Its reputation is built upon the dedication to excellence and fine quality materials that are used in the production of its watches and other items. Shop a collection of Chopard watches, jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Yes, Chopard is high-end. The company is synonymous with excellence in timepieces, and its watches have earned many accolades, including serving as the official timekeepers for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Chopard creates all of its movements in-house and is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of luxury handbags. Shop a diverse assortment of Chopard watches, jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, Chopard is a good jewelry brand. In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, established the L.U.C. company, now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials, in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable. In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Shop a range of Chopard pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    The Chopard Happy Sport watch isn’t waterproof. However, it is water-resistant to 30 meters. A waterproof watch has a specially designed seal that completely blocks out water, while a water-resistant timepiece features some protection but can leak if fully submerged. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chopard Happy watches.

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