The Palme d’Or is the ultimate symbol of the Cannes Film Festival, annually rewarding the best film in the official selection. Redesigned by Caroline Scheufele in 1998 at the request of Pierre Viot, then President of the event. It has been crafted each year since in the Chopard workshops, it has been made since 2014 from ‘Fairmined’ certified gold, testifying to the approach initiated by Chopard and aimed at promoting sustainable and ethical jewellery.
The undisputed emblem of the world’s most glamorous film event, the Palme d’Or also symbolises the exceptional relationship between the Swiss jeweller and the Cannes Film Festival. The new interpretation of the trophy marked the start of a partnership that has been steadily strengthened ever since. By enhancing it with ethically sustainable qualities, Chopard and the Cannes Film Festival began writing a new chapter in their shared history and boldly proclaimed their determination to work towards a luxury that is both civic-minded and respectful of the environment.
“The Journey to Sustainable Luxury”
For several years now, Chopard has been demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility, indeed placing it at the very core of its values. A certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), a leading environmental, social and ethical standard setting organisation, Chopard has created together with Livia Firth, founder and creative director of Eco-Age, a programme named The Journey to Sustainable Luxury. First launched in May 2013 at the 66th Cannes Film Festival, this major project is expressed through concrete actions designed to nurture the development of sustainable luxury. The Swiss watchmaker-jeweller thereby commits to sourcing materials from suppliers openly displaying responsible social and environmental practices. The latter have given rise to new Haute Joaillerie creations grouped within the Green Carpet Collection.
A truly precious trophy
In 1998, Caroline Scheufele dreamed up a new interpretation of the Palme d’Or: a delicately curved stem with a small heart at its base – a nod to the iconic brand symbol – and delicately veined leaves that appear to have been caught in mid-motion. This 118 grams of 18ct yellow gold exquisite creation rests on a crystal cushion shaped like an emerald-cut diamond, an ultimate precious detail that makes each Palme d’Or unique, for Mother Nature never creates two identical crystals… It takes five skilled Chopard artisans no less than 40 hours of work to hand-craft the most coveted gem of the festival, an illustrious symbol of Chopard’s ongoing commitment to its journey to sustainable luxury.
In 2000, the symbolic object was joined by two additional “mini Palmes”, also crafted in Fairmined gold since 2014. These identical replicas of their legendary “big sister” are awarded to the Best Actress and Best Actor at each new edition of the Festival.
