Fred Samuel, the founder of Fred Paris, was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1908. His family was originally from Russia, but had fled to Istanbul to escape religious persecution. When Fred was a child, his family moved to France, where he grew up and developed a passion for jewelry-making.
Fred began his career as an apprentice at Cartier, one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in Paris. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and attention to detail, and rose through the ranks to become a master jeweler. However, Fred had a desire to create his own unique designs, and in 1936 he founded his own jewelry company, which he named "Fred Paris".
Fred's designs were inspired by the Art Deco movement, which was popular at the time, and he created a range of jewelry that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern design. His work was an instant success, and he quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Parisian jewelry scene.
In the 1940s, Fred opened a boutique in New York City, which helped to expand his reach beyond Europe. His jewelry was soon being worn by some of the most famous women in the world, including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor.
One of Fred's most famous designs is the "Force 10" bracelet, which features a cable design made from precious metals and adorned with diamonds or other precious stones. The bracelet has become a signature piece for the brand, and has been worn by countless celebrities and fashion icons around the world.
Today, Fred Paris is still owned by the Samuel family, and continues to be a leading name in the luxury jewelry industry. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovative design, and Fred's legacy lives on through its exquisite creations.
Fred Paris is known for creating a range of famous and iconic jewelry pieces. Here are a few examples:
The Zip necklace: This necklace was inspired by the zipper and features a long, flexible chain with a zipper-like fastening that can be worn open or closed. The Zip necklace was first created in 1951 and has since become a timeless classic.
The Force 10 bracelet: This bracelet features a nautical-inspired design with a cable and gold buckle. The design was first introduced in 1966 and has since become a signature piece for the brand.
The Success ring: This ring is a classic Fred Paris design that features a diamond-studded band with a large, central diamond. The ring has been worn by many celebrities and style icons, including Elizabeth Taylor.
The Diamants Légers collection: This collection features delicate, minimalist pieces that showcase the beauty of diamonds. The collection includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings that are perfect for everyday wear.
The Fred Paris signature collection: This collection includes a range of pieces that showcase the brand's signature style and craftsmanship. The collection includes everything from classic diamond earrings to bold, statement necklaces.
Overall, Fred Paris is known for creating jewelry pieces that are both elegant and innovative, and that stand the test of time.