Chopard and Elton John Fighting Against AIDS

More than 3.5 million pounds were raised during the evening, particularly due to unique lots such as a photo session with David Bailey or dinner in the company of Elton John and David Furnish.

Chopard replica watch

Elton John's love of jewellery is not a secret. His friend Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard had created especially for him a large yellow gold and diamond cross, with a 31-carat yellow diamond.
Many guests were wearing for this wonderful night Chopard jewellery creations: for Victoria Beckham, a beautiful 59 carats sapphire heart ring, Sharon Stone chose long dangling earrings and pear shaped emeralds, Elizabeth Hurley, a special diamond tiara, Patti Labelle, a large diamond set, The Duchess of York, an emerald and diamond set, Lulu wearing pearl earrings and diamonds, Eva Herzigova chose earrings from the Copacabana collection, Penny Lancaster, decorated herself with a 56 carats heart shaped diamond necklace, Dame Shirley Bassey, was wearing a cognac diamond set.

But the largest jewel of the night was the extraordinary 85 carat rough diamond from South Africa unveiled by Chopard at the event, to add its own touch to the African theme. This stone is so exceptional that it will be cut down to reveal two magnificent gems: a new 35 carat D Flawless Ashoka - the largest Ashoka diamond ever cut - and a refined 15 carat D Flawless emerald-cut diamond. Both stones will be cut by William Goldberg. A large part of the profits from the sales of these jewels will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Chopard Replica

This year's White Tie & Tiara Ball was the most impressive. The beautiful grounds of Woodside were dominated by the feelings and colours of Africa. After Sir Elton John's and David Furnish's visit to South Africa at the beginning of 2005 - both for the charity's first fundraising event in Africa (The Cape Town Ball) and to visit projects of the Elton John AIDS Foundation - they made up their mind that Africa was the only theme that should be chosen for this year's event.

The guests were able to stroll in the gardens and were surprised to meet a couple of giraffes and zebras and to hear the characteristic sounds of a family of gorillas. A traditional African musical group and the South African Sinikithemba Choir completed this exotic African atmosphere.
After the reception, the hosts accompanied everybody to an elegant and contemporary safari lodge overlooking the lake. The dark wood floors, crossbeams, tribal shields on the walls, and lavishly draped muslin were the set of a magic dinner. Delicious African skewers, African Beef Entrecote, were followed by a matchless chocolate-roofed African hut and tropical fruit salad market boat. The room was filled with luxurious flowers from Africa, including proteas, the national flower of South Africa, gathered by Rob Van Helden. Guests had the feeling that they had been transported for one night to the magic of the African continent.
After the live performances, guests enjoyed dancing late in the thatched gallery overlooking the lake…

Chopard also chose the exotic setting of the event to unveil the latest edition to the Elton John collection: a vibrant "Orange" chronograph. Dazzling and fresh, the orange hue of this chronograph alternates with the silver grey of the hour-circle and the three auxiliary counters. Available with a matching crocodile wristlet and a polished steel clasp, it combines brightness and elegance. Produced in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces, it bears the Elton John signature. A large share of the profits made from the sale of these watches is paid to the foundation, which for twelve years has been taking active part in the fight against AIDS. The guests discovered the watch, as well as a number of rare and dazzling diamond creations, hidden in unique African hut-inspired displays in Sir Elton John's garden.

For many years now Chopard has been active in supporting medical research, and has helped to a big number of foundations. When Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele met Sir Elton John eight years ago, he expressed the idea that they could join their efforts in his foundation's fight against AIDS. The most original and effective way for Chopard to help was the creation and promotion of a series of watches, designed to reflect Sir Elton John's style. Together they have made this a reality. The Elton John Watch Collection is available at the Chopard Boutiques all around the world. Parts of the benefits of the sales are given to the Elton John AIDS Foundation as part of an overall programme of support. Chopard also co-hosted Elton John's Oscars Party in February.

Elton John, serving as Chairman, established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1993. The offices are situated in Los Angeles and London. The Foundation is an international non-profit organization that supports funding for prevention education programs and direct patient care services supporting men, women, young adults, children, infants, minorities and entire families living with HIV/AIDS. Since its establishment, the Foundation has distributed more than $62 million in grants worldwide.