Cocktail ring for auction has star quality links

Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 13th September, 2013

Most people wouldn’t remember the name Fred Samuel.

However, they would know the heart shaped ruby and diamond necklace worn by Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman.

More recently, the name Fred was associated with Kate Moss for the design of an exclusive jewellery collection.

Fred had a hand in both – or more correctly the company he founded following the first store he opened in Paris in 1936 at age 28.

Born in to a family of jewellers, Fred created a style of jewellery that was prestigious, creative and liberated from tradition.

From 6.30pm on Tuesday, auction goers will be strongly reminded of Fred Samuel when a gem set cocktail ring from the Paris store will be up for grabs at Leonard Joel at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

After the World War II German occupation of France, the company adopted the name FRED in honour of its Jewish founder, who had quickly gained a solid reputation for the quality of his jewels designed by Jean Cocteau.

Early clients included Marlene Dietrich and Grace Kelly but these days the company (now owned by fashion conglomerate LVMH) has lost none of its flair and its creations (worn by some of the biggest box office stars) regularly feature in many major films – the most recently being Casino Royale.

Other jewellery in the sale includes a large limited edition floating diamond necklace created in 2010 by Chopard that featured at the Cannes Film Festival. The necklace retails at about $25,000 but has an auction estimate of $10,000-$12,000.

There also is a diamond cocktail ring by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate $7000-$9000) and a Gubelin world time zone pocket watch ($2000-$3000).

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