Fred Samuel, born in 1908 in Argentina into a family of diamantaires, began his jewelry career at the age of 16 and founded the Fred brand in Paris in 1936. He quickly gained international recognition with his avant-garde vision of the "bijou à vivre" (jewelry for everyday life).

Fascinated by innovation, he was particularly drawn to cultured pearls, which emerged in the early 20th century as an alternative to natural pearls, long established in high jewelry. He worked especially with cream-colored pearls with a slight pink hue—known as "Fred’s color." In his quest for light that echoed his homeland, he began incorporating colored stones, such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, as early as the 1950s.

His bold and innovative pearl and gemstone jewelry captured the spirit of the French Riviera, becoming a symbol of laid-back luxury. Fred created modern designs with flowing lines inspired by the sea and Mediterranean light. The brand is especially known for its "Force 10" bracelets, featuring a distinctive nautical design.

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