A DIAMOND 'FORCE 10' BRACELET, BY FRED PARIS The 18K gold b...

Hammer

€4,200

A DIAMOND 'FORCE 10' BRACELET, BY FRED PARIS The 18K gold buckle pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, with interchangeable green or red woven steel sailing cable, signed Fred, numbered, with maker's mark for 'FP' for Fred Paris, with maker's case, length 17cm Striking a balance between timeless tradition and contemporary flair, the renowned French heritage jeweller FRED is celebrated for its distinctively classic yet innovative aesthetic and unparalleled craftsmanship. Founded in 1936 by Fred Samuel, the brand embodies his vision of integrating Jewellery seamlessly into everyday life, a philosophy that continues to shape FRED's design ethos. Born in 1908 in Argentina to a family deeply involved in the diamond, pearl, and multi-coloured stone trade, Samuel cultivated a passion for cultured pearls and emerged as a trailblazer in the industry. Influenced by the maritime landscapes and vibrant hues of his Argentine upbringing, his designs exuded a vivid vitality. Evolving into a globally recognized and innovative Jewellery brand, FRED maintains its distinct allure while expanding boutiques worldwide. In 2012, the brand reintroduced its iconic Force 10 collection, featuring the FRED Force 10 bracelet in white gold. Drawing inspiration from Samuel's passion for sailing, the original 1960s designs were pioneering pieces crafted to appeal to both men and women. Reflecting its maritime roots, the bracelet, named after the formidable gale-force wind, is characterized by a fibre cable coiled around the wrist, imbuing it with a robust, industrial aesthetic. The 1960s marked a seismic shift in societal norms, including attitudes towards fashion and personal expression. Jewellery became a means of self-expression and empowerment. The era witnessed a move away from the conservative styles of the past, with many embracing bold and avant-garde designs, Jewellery became a symbol of liberation and individuality. Weares began to favour unconventional materials, eschewing the opulent and restrictive styles of previous decades. During a dinner with his crew, Henri Samuel discovered a piece of his boat's halyard in his pocket, which needed replacing due to its imminent breakage. Playfully, he fastened it with a cable tie around the wrist of his wife, Béatrice. Upon returning to Paris, he tasked his workshop manager with finding a way to embellish the steel halyard with a simple gold clasp. A week later, the inaugural Force 10 bracelet was born. Henri christened it Force 10 to symbolize the resilience of love, capable of withstanding all challenges, as well as the power of wind, measured on the Beaufort scale ranging from 0 to 12. Force 10 represents a storm wind, with only force 11, denoting a violent storm, and force 12, indicating a hurricane, surpassing it. Thus, marrying gold and steel, Force 10 epitomizes a jewel designed to endure all conditions, unlike conventional gold Jewellery. Henri Samuel encapsulated this transformation, stating, When a man of the sea becomes a jeweller, he converts a maritime cable into a gold and steel bracelet. Wearing Force 10 signifies a bold statement of style and courage for individuals of driven and passionate temperament, for those who refuse to be constrained by the limitations of the horizon. As it turns 58, the FRED Force 10 bracelet boasts versatility, offering a myriad of styling options for everyday wear, tailored to individual preferences. Timeless yet contemporary, its unisex design effortlessly complements diverse personalities. FRED's innovative fusion of braided steel sailing cable with a gold buckle, once perceived as contrasting materials, revolutionized jewellery craftsmanship. This avant-garde creation sparked a collection that exudes both casual elegance and glamour. Building upon its original creative boldness, FRED infuses the collection with versatility and a vibrant palette of lively colours. Force 10 is undoubtedly the emblematic bracelet of the Fred Jewellery house. “The passion for the sea and sailing is hereditary in the Samuel family. It will find another way of deploying itself in a jewel destined to become one of the emblems of the house: the force 10 bracelet” Fred Samuel Mémoires d'un joailier, 1992.

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Diamonds: bright and lively Buckle: 750 for 18K gold Bracelets: with steel terminals, signed Normal signs of wear, overall in good condition Total gross weight approx. 24.2g Retail price on Fred Paris website: €10,240.- https://www.fred.com/en_FR/composed-products/force-10-bracelet/0B0050-6B1046.html