Chopard Happy Diamonds: history, watches and jewellery

Happy Diamonds is Chopard's signature idea: diamonds that are not set but move freely between two sapphire crystals. The concept was created in 1976 by the designer Ronald Kurowski, and it has since spread from watches to an entire jewellery collection.

The idea

In a traditional piece, diamonds are held still by claws or a setting. In Happy Diamonds, the diamonds sit loose in a sealed space between two sapphire crystals, so they move and catch the light whenever the wearer moves. The first Happy Diamonds watch appeared in 1976.

Happy Sport

In 1993 Caroline Scheufele, now Chopard's co-president, launched the Happy Sport, the first watch to combine steel and the moving diamonds. It turned the concept into a sporty, everyday watch, and it remains one of Chopard's best-known collections.

Happy Diamonds jewellery

The jewellery collection carries the same idea into pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets: a single moving diamond, or several, enclosed in a round or heart-shaped frame in gold. Happy Hearts is a related collection using heart motifs. Matching pieces are often worn as sets, such as the Chopard Happy Diamonds pendant, stud earrings and ring set in 18ct gold.

What to check when buying pre-owned

• Moving diamonds. Diamonds should move freely and all be present. A stuck or missing diamond means the piece needs specialist repair.
• Sapphire crystals. Check for chips and cracks; a damaged crystal can let dirt in.
• Hallmarks and signature. Genuine pieces carry the Chopard signature, a serial or reference number and gold marks. We check these as part of our authentication process.
• Metal and condition. Look for wear to frames, clasps and earring backs.
• Watches. Check quartz or automatic movements as with any watch. See our pre-owned watch checklist.

Care

Clean with a soft dry cloth. Avoid soaking, as the sealed space around the diamonds must stay clean and dry. Have a jeweller check settings and seals if dirt appears inside. Our fine jewellery care guide has more.

Happy Diamonds watches

Happy Diamonds watches have been made in many shapes since 1976, including round, oval and heart-shaped cases, with the diamonds circling the dial between two crystals. Some are pure jewellery watches in gold; Happy Sport models are steel or gold with a sportier case. Movements include quartz and, on some models, automatic calibres.

Wearing a set

Matching pendant, earrings and ring create a coordinated look, but pieces can equally be worn alone or mixed with other gold jewellery. The moving diamonds bring light to the face, which makes the earrings and pendant particularly effective.

Caring for Happy Diamonds

Keep the piece away from knocks, which can damage the crystals, and from chemicals and perfume. Store separately. If the diamonds stop moving freely, or if dirt or moisture appears between the crystals, take it to a jeweller experienced with Chopard. See our fine jewellery care guide.

Related reading

See diamond grading reports explained. Browse pre-loved fine jewellery.