FRED (founded 1936)

Born in 1908, in Argentina, Fred Samuel hailed from a family with a profound expertise in precious stones and, in 1936, founded the firm FRED. His fascination with cultured pearls led him to become a prominent authority in the field. Renowned for his work with the finest pearls, particularly those boasting a creamy-pink hue now famously dubbed “FRED-colored,” Samuel’s creative endeavors expanded in the early 1950s to include a vibrant array of colorful stones. Noteworthy clients like the Nepalese monarchs commissioned him to craft jewelry harmonizing with traditional court saris. Drawing from the vivid, iridescent textures of silk, he masterfully replicated the hues using an extensive selection of sapphires and diamonds.

Samuel’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and the luminous Argentine sunlight of his youth were constant sources of inspiration for his designs. Embracing the belief that jewelry should seamlessly integrate into everyday life, particularly for women, he fashioned visually striking pieces characterized by rounded, flowing contours.

The LVMH group acquired FRED in 1995, and today more than fifty FRED stores operate worldwide.