2023 Swiss Design and Technical Jewellery Championships|Chopard®

A proud moment for Chopard

A talented 4th-year Chopard jewellery apprentice, Eloi Hirt, recently became the proud winner of a prestigious Gold Medal in the Technical Category at the 2023 Swiss Design and Technical Jewellery Championship. Designed as an opportunity for young jewellers to compete against the top participants nationwide, Eloi demonstrated exceptional technical skills and creativity in meeting the challenge of creating a stunning yellow gold pendant in just 22 hours.

Perfectly in line with Chopard’s commitment to fostering craftsmanship and skills transmission, the competition not only helps to hone exceptional talent but also serves as a stepping stone to qualify for the equally prestigious WorldSkills Championship 2024 to be held in Lyon, France. Intended to encourage participants to question what defines them in terms of, amongst other things, their identity, culture, traditions, moods and emotional ties, the theme of this year’s contest was Roots; with no fewer than 42 pieces in the Technical Category being assessed by the jury.

Chopard apprentice Eloi Hirt’s Swiss Design and Technical Jewellery Championships award-winning yellow gold pendant

The art of training outstanding artisans

One of Chopard Manufacture’s most precious assets is its “artistic hands”, the many talents behind its extraordinary timepieces and jewellery. Training is one of the mainstays of the Maison and a key principle for the Scheufele family, who have been running Chopard from generation to generation. With a tradition of taking training far beyond what is generally required, it's no surprise so many artisans aspire to build their career with Chopard, working alongside some of the industry's most admired watch and jewellery makers. The Maison is also renowned for having its own apprenticeship workshops in Fleurier and Geneva, where it nurtures the artistic potential of those who will become the greats of tomorrow. This commitment is essential in securing the enduring legacy of the watch and jewellery-making professions, as without the transmission of specialist knowledge and skills, the future of these two ancestral arts dedicated to beauty would remain uncertain.