It was 1936 when a young jeweller named Fred Samuel opened his first boutique along the prestigious streets of Rue Royale, Paris. In this boutique, Samuel showcased fine gemstones that he held a profound love for, coming from generations that dealt with these jewels. Cultured pearls were also among those displays, beauties that he grew fond of during his early years as an apprentice. This boutique was the genesis of FRED, a maison that would go on to establish its place among the most celebrated jewellery houses of France.
In the maison’s latest high jewellery collection, FRED unveils 19 sparkling creations that pay tribute to its heritage through two chapters: 1936 and Soleil d’Or Sunrise.
Eighty-nine years later, FRED’s very first boutique still stands, its elegant arcades the defining factor that guided Samuel’s choice for this address. This is the story that inspired the 1936 collection, featuring 10 creations throughout four sets. Each set reimagines the graceful arches of the boutique in unique ways—through upturned curves, cascading waterfalls, and delicate interlacing—embellished with exquisite Colombian emeralds, blue Sri Lankan sapphires, Mozambique rubies, and refined Akoya pearls.
FRED is also known as The Sunshine Jeweller, a title that pays tribute to the founder’s fascination with the way light twinkles upon precious stones under the sun. In 1977, the maison discovered a beautiful yellow diamond of more than 100 carats that shone like the golden orb. This inspired the Soleil d’Or Sunrise collection. Of its nine creations, the bib necklace sparkles brightest, echoing the sun’s rays with yellow and white diamonds, while a two-carat fancy intense yellow diamond is nestled at the heart of this striking necklace. Through this masterpiece, one will come to understand Samuel’s deep admiration for this brilliant source of light.
