Switzerland: Chopard is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Happy Diamonds, the house’s signature design concept that transformed diamond jewellery by allowing the stones to move freely between sapphire crystal.
The idea dates back to 1976, when designer Ronald Kurowski developed a setting that placed brilliant-cut diamonds inside small gold bezels between two sheets of transparent sapphire crystal. The result allowed the stones to move with the wearer rather than remain fixed in place, creating the visual effect that went on to define the Happy Diamonds identity.
To mark five decades of the design, Chopard has introduced a new anniversary collection spanning timepieces and fine jewellery, while revisiting several archival references.
Among the key releases are Happy Diamonds Heritage watches in 18KT ethical yellow gold with black onyx dials, using the dark surface to heighten the contrast of the floating diamonds. Chopard has also revisited the Happy Sport, originally introduced in 1993, with anniversary editions in 26mm and 33mm sizes using Lucent Steel, ethical 18KT gold and two-tone combinations.
The jewellery collection continues the black-and-gold direction through onyx signet rings, cufflinks, pendants and brooches, while refreshed rectangular pendants give the moving diamonds greater space within the design.
Another archival reference appears through the return of the articulated clown pendant, including diamond-set and multicoloured gemstone versions featuring rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
The anniversary is supported by a new visual campaign directed by Manu Cossu, photographed by Greg Williams and choreographed by Stephen Galloway, featuring Bella Hadid and Liu Wen.
Across the campaign and collection, movement remains the central theme, reinforcing the original design philosophy that made Happy Diamonds one of Chopard’s most recognisable signatures.
Since 2018, Chopard has used 100 per cent ethical gold across its creations, and that commitment continues through the 50th anniversary collection.
