A DIAMOND AND GOLD ZODIAC PENDANT, BY FRED PARIS, CIRCA 1975...

Hammer

€4,200

A DIAMOND AND GOLD ZODIAC PENDANT, BY FRED PARIS, CIRCA 1975 The rectangular plaque depicting the Aries zodiac sign, the horn highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, within a textured gold frame and bale, mounted in 18K gold, signed Fred, with maker's mark 'Sté LFV' for Lasbleiz Fournier Vitiello, French assay mark, length (including bale) 5.3cm Lasbleiz Fournier Vitiello was a Parisian workshop founded in 1962 and worked for prestigious jewellery houses such as Fred, Van Cleef & Arpels, René Boivin amongst others. 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. In the 1970s, French culture experienced a dynamic and diverse period in design, Jewellery, and fashion. This era was marked by a fusion of traditional elegance with avant-garde experimentation, reflecting the cultural shifts and social movements of the time. In Jewellery design, there was a move towards more unconventional and bold styles. Artisans began to experiment with new materials and techniques, leading to the emergence of avant-garde and abstract Jewellery pieces. FRED continued to set trends with their innovative creations. There was a growing interest effortlessly chic and carefree style, with trends such as bohemian chic and disco glamour gaining popularity. On August 12, 1976, the day dawned with relentless rain. For months, the entire FRED team had diligently prepared for the grand opening of their boutique at the Loews Hotel in Monte Carlo, situated within the principality. Fred Samuel himself meticulously oversaw every detail, from the paintings and wallpaper to the woodwork, windows, and furniture. A special highlight was planned for the esteemed presence of Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful and illustrious women. Graciously, the princess accepted the invitation to grace the evening with her presence, accompanied by her eldest daughter, Princess Caroline, then nineteen years old. Notably, Princess Grace had recently witnessed the success of the musical A Chorus Line on Broadway during her visit to New York. In a spontaneous gesture, Samuel arranged for an impromptu stage to be constructed atop the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and engaged a professional troupe to entertain Princess Grace with this special interlude. However, the relentless rain threatened to disrupt the plans. Thankfully, just as the clock struck seven in the evening, the downpour ceased. An hour later, the official car announced the arrival of the two princesses, exuding supreme elegance. In commemoration of this auspicious occasion, Fred Samuel presented Princess Grace with a Scorpio zodiac necklace adorned with meticulously paved rubies. The Princess' penchant for star signs had long been public knowledge: In 1956, Hollywood astrologer and horoscope columnist Carroll Righter was photographed visiting Kelly on the set during the filming of one of her last films, “The Swan.” Shortly after her engagement to Rainier. Righter dedicated one of his columns in the Chicago Tribune to championing the pair’s astrological compatibility, providing details of Kelly’s horoscope over “the last several years.” Then on Saturday November 15,1969, the American film star-turned-princess threw herself one of the most peculiar and extravagant birthday parties in history. Centred around the eighth astrological sign, with a strictly scorpion only guestlist. Mercifully, spouses of Scorpios were also permitted, as were Kelly’s family members. For Fred Samuel, the grand opening of his boutique at the Loews Hotel in Monte Carlo is an apotheosis. “Monte-Carlo marked the course of my career with particular brilliance. It symbolized a key moment in the development of our company and, more secretly, the place where the light of the stones was somehow restored to me. For a moment, I rediscovered the dazzlement of childhood and it seemed to me that beyond and beyond the war, the two halves of my life came together to simply affirm its vocation to the light!”

More Information

Diamonds: bright and lively With maker's mark 'Sté LEV' for Lasbleiz Fournier Vitiello which was a jewellery workshops founded in 1962 and worked for jewellery houses such as Fred, Van Cleef & Arpels, René Boivin amongst others. Normal signs of wear, overall in good condition Total gross weight approx. 27.4g