by Mirella Haddad

Inspired by the shape of the famed Palme d’Or award in Cannes, a new jewelry line by Chopard under the title of ‘Palme Verte’ recently came to light. The jewelry pieces are made of fairmined 18-carat yellow gold with a contemporary, refreshing and sophisticated feel – turning them into jewelry items that can be never taken off.

As part of the house’s 'Journey to Sustainable Luxury,' the collection was launched in partnership with Eco-Age and its creative director Livia Firth, wife of Oscar winning actor Colin Firth. The Palme d’Or celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year and Chopard pays tribute to it by unveiling various creations – from high end jewelry to fine jewelry creations.

The story began in 1998 when the President of Cannes Film Festival asked Chopard to redesign the Palme d’Or award. Reminiscent of Cannes’ coat of arms, the legendary palm symbol was reintroduced as a modern, inspiring new design under the creative direction of Caroline Scheufele, co-president of Chopard. In due time, Chopard became the official partner of Cannes Film Festival.

Driven by her continuous commitment to sustainable luxury, Scheufele, in 2014, created the Palme d’Or according to ethical and eco-conscious values that she had cherished for many years. As a result, the Palme d’Or became entirely made of Fairmined gold which respects social, environmental and ethical standards.

Since exceptional things can also be worn daily, this year Chopard created wearable jewelry pieces inspired by the design of the distinguished award. The ‘Palme Verte’ collection features creations in the shape of palm leaves with refined polished curves. Remarkably smooth, the creations highlight the beauty in simplicity and slender geometric shapes as though depicting nature in its most minimalist form. 

Following the launch of the ‘Green Carpet’ high jewelry collection, the ‘Palme Verte’ diffusion line is ethical, light and ethereal. When simply paired with basic as a white t-shirt and jeans, the designs make a graceful statement of their own and serve as a reminder of the timeless beauty ignited from a simple plant-shaped piece, perhaps because subconsciously it reminds us all that nature is earth's lasting product and our only home.