#1641

Karl Scheufele III & family

Switzerland 87 years old Self-Made

Overview

Karl Scheufele III and his family control Swiss jewelry and watchmaker Chopard, one of the best-known luxury accessory lines in the world.

A goldsmith and watchmaker by training, the German-born Scheufele bought the Geneva-based company in 1963 and transformed it into a global brand.

More than 50 years later, Scheufele remains active in the company, though his children Karl-Friedrich and Caroline lead the business.

Chopard's jewelry is a regular on the red carpet, with 11 Oscar winners having won while wearing Chopard, including Kate Winslet and Julianne Moore.

Scheufele was born in Pforzheim, Germany, nicknamed the "Golden City" due to its longstanding tradition in jewelry and watchmaking.

For five generations, his family has been naming sons Karl. His own son is Karl IV and his grandson is Karl V.