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.
Chopard Happy Diamonds Bracelet
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Here we have an stunning bracelet from the world-renowned jeweller designer, Chopard. The piece has been crafted from a high polished 18ct white gold and showcases open boxed links; ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fabergé Heritage Guilloché Enamel and Diamond Crossover Bracelet
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
Here we have a distinctive bangle from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Fabergé. Crafted from 18ct rose gold this piece features a sleek, polished band. At its focal poin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Boodles Kit & Kaboodle Diamond Bangle
By Boodles
Located in London, GB
Here we have a distinguished diamond bangle from Boodles. This piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and forms part of their (now discontinued) Kit & Kaboodle collection. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Four Diamond Classic Model LOVE Bangle Size 16
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold bangle from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This bangle forms part of the LOVE collection and features four round brilliant cut...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Etoile Bangle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have an iconic diamond bangle from the world renowned jewellery designer, Tiffany & Co. This rich 18ct yellow gold piece forms part of their Etoile collection and features 10...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot Double Row Hinge Bangle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have a iconic piece from the world renowned jewellery designer, Tiffany & Co. This 18ct yellow gold bangle forms part of their 'Tiffany Knot' collection and showcases a doubl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold 41g
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Happy Diamonds bangle by Chopard, crafted in 18k yellow gold. The signature design with freely moving diamonds reflects elegance, playfulness, and timeless luxury. • Material: 18k y...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Heart Bangle Bracelet 18K Tri-Color Gold
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and instantly recognizable Chopard Happy Diamonds heart bangle bracelet, crafted in luxurious 18 karat tri-color gold. This refined piece embodies the playful sophistication that has made the Happy Diamonds collection one of the most iconic creations of the Maison. At the center of the design are six brilliant-cut floating diamonds, freely moving within the signature transparent setting. This distinctive concept, introduced by Chopard in the late 1970s, allows the diamonds to move with every gesture, capturing and reflecting light beautifully. The diamonds total approximately 0.30 carats and display exceptional quality, graded Internally Flawless (IF) clarity with G color (Top Wesselton) and brilliant cut. The bracelet features a sculptural heart motif and is crafted in multi-color 18K gold, creating a striking contrast between the warm tones of the metal and the brilliance of the diamonds. The solid construction gives the bracelet a substantial feel while remaining elegant and comfortable to wear. A timeless piece that perfectly combines playfulness, craftsmanship, and luxury, making it suitable both for collectors of Chopard jewelry...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant Chopard Happy Diamonds bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold. The signature design with free-moving diamonds reflects lightness, elegance, and the unmistakable Chopard style. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet - 26.74g
By Chopard
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This luxurious Chopard bracelet is masterfully crafted in 18ct yellow gold and adorned with 34 round brilliant cut diamonds, radiating exceptional sparkle and sophistication. Measuri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chopard Diamond Love Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
A vintage Chopard diamond Love bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1995. This bracelet from Chopard's iconic Happy Diamonds collection is designed as a solid yellow gold word sp...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
a luxurious Chopard bracelet, a stunning blend of elegance and craftsmanship. Marked with "750 LUC," this piece is a testament to Chopard's dedication to quality. The bracelet featur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floating diamonds add a dose of whimsy to this elegant timepiece.
Just because the dial says Geneva — or the alluring French version of the city's name, Genève — it doesn’t mean your timepiece was crafted in the watchmaking capital.
