FRED: Designer Jewelry from France

Jewelry designer Fred Samuel founded FRED in 1936 at the age of 28. He chose 6 Rue Royale as the address for his first Parisian store. Samuel had a history in the trade. His father, too, was a jeweler. Samuel grew up with the business ethics that would underscore his trademarks of boldness and discipline in the years to come.

That said, Samuel did not step into his father’s footstep. Rather than delivering the type of jewelry that supported the status quo, he set up his collection to include pieces considered on the cutting edge of the avant-garde. It did not take long for celebrities and movie stars to clamor for his creations.

Marlene Dietrich proudly wore his designs. Julia Roberts showcased a gorgeous ruby necklace in “Pretty Woman.” Not surprisingly, the trend is continuing, and today Kate Moss is a face and designer of the company. As demand for the artistic jewelry heightened, Samuel added engagement rings, watches and diamonds to the mix.

FRED designs are aesthetic masterpieces that push the boundaries just enough to be on the cutting edge of trend setting. At the same time, they are designed with the wearer in mind. In 1995, FRED became part of the LVMH Group. The jewelry house is now represented in more than 10 international boutiques, a number of department stores and a wide variety of countries.

There are currently eleven collections for the discerning shopper.

1. Baie des anges. Featuring bracelets, earrings, long necklaces, pendants and rings, this collection heavily courts platinum, white baroque pearls and diamonds. The pieces are easy to mix and match.
2. Kate Moss for FRED. Taking some of her inspirations from her body art, Kate Moss designs rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings for FRED.
3. Eyewear. Glasses look just a bit futuristic with just enough of retro elements to make them stand out.
4. Force 10. Textile fibers, gold and clasps are the major draws of this collection. Available in bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces and cables, these pieces are suitable for the young and young at heart.
5. Pain de sucre. The pieces of this line are comprised of long necklaces, earrings and rings. White gold and diamonds set off rubellites and other gems.
6. Princesse K. The rings are large and feature differently-colored gems that are beautifully cut.
7. Success. Rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings are the building blocks for this collection. Distinguished by their angular designs, these pieces mix and match metals and stones.
8. Watches. Timepieces for ladies and gents set apart this collection. Colors are kept to white and black.
9. Wedding. Wedding bands and engagement rings come in angular and round designs. The designs range from the timeless to the avant-garde that you simply do not see every day.
10. Favorites. This collection pays homage to FRED’s most popular pieces.
11. Fine jewelry. Find cuffs and some of the most elegant pieces in this collection. The workmanship is exquisite.

The discerning shopper should note that FRED designer jewelry is a high-end product. If you have to ask what it costs, you probably cannot afford it.

Luckily for our readers, as vintage and estate jewelry experts, Peter Suchy Jewelers does seek out FRED designs and price them affordable both in our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut and in our eBay store!

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