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.
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
Chopard 1.68 Carat Diamond Happy Diamonds Link Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Chopard Happy Diamonds link bracelet is a stunning example of fine luxury jewelry, featuring the iconic playful aesthetic of the renowned Swiss maison. Expertly crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard 0.47ct Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold bracelet by Chopard. The bracelet is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.47ct. The color of these diamonds is E-F with...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
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 Bangle
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold bangle from the world renowned French jewellery designer, Chopard. This stylish piece showcases a wide layered band which wraps around the wrist in a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Diamond Gold Heart Love Bracelet
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 18k yellow gold love bracelet by Chopard. The bracelet is set with sparkling round cut diamond accents. The bracelet measures 7 inches in length and 10mm in width....
Diamond, Gold, 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
Vintage Happy Diamonds Heart Bracelet, 18kt gold, CHOPARD
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Weight: 5.5gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold Stones: 15 diamonds Cut: Brilliant Carat: 0.50ct approx...
Diamond, 18k 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
Chopard Happy Diamonds Heart Link Bracelet
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard Size 7 1/8 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 10.50ct Diamond Bracelet VC04-060426
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is a luxury piece with obvious elegance. Bezel set Diamonds totaling 10.50 carats shine brightly from their place within the sophisticate...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Damiani 18K Yellow Gold 0.65ct Diamond Bracelet DA27-031326
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
A gracefully curved setting provides this Damiani bracelet with a stunning sense of fluidity. The ribbon-like design adds ladylike elegance to any ensemble, while Diamonds with a tot...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet VC56-022026
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet will never go out of style. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, the simple plaited design adds texture and dimension to any ensemble. Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet VC13-061926
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Textured metalwork and sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 1.25 carats come together in perfect harmony on this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet. Simple and elegant, it ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.85ct Diamond Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This 18K Yellow Gold bangle bracelet will never go out of style. Elegant and understated, this impressive accessory combines a beaded band with sparkling Diamonds totaling 0.85 carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.30ct Diamond Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This Odelia bangle bracelet is simple, elegant, and endlessly charming. A 0.75 carat Diamond makes a statement at the center of the sophisticated design. Additional Diamond accents t...
Diamond, 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.
