Fred, mémoires d’un joaillier (book)

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Fred, Mémoires d’un bijoutier / Fred, Memoirs of a Jeweler (book) by Fred Samuel. Preface by Jean Dutourd. 1992. Editions du Rocher Monaco. Soft cover, in good condition. Usual wear. 200 pages. In French. This book has a handwritten dedication by Fred Samuel (see photos).

“Every successful life seems like a fairy tale. But, when you dig a little deeper, when you observe the details, you realize that, behind the fairy tale, there is energy, perseverance, intelligence, courage. A few tragedies too, alas! Fred Samuel more than anyone else seems to have lived in a magical universe, populated by emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, chalcedony and eyes- de-tiger. The walls of his cave sparkle with precious stones. He has chiseled thousands of rings, braided thousands of bracelets, he composed and recomposed the queen’s necklace a hundred times, without endangering any monarchy in the world . He was a magician, creating animals with enamel, topazes, amethysts and gold.” Jean Dutourd.

There are destinies that are studded with stars… That of Fred Samuel will have been with diamonds, pearls and multicolored stones, since his birth in 1908 in Argentina, in a family where they traded in them. Fascinated by cultured pearls, and recognized as one of its greatest experts, he works with the most beautiful specimens, especially those of a slightly pinkish cream which we today describe as “FRED color”.The stones of color nourished his creativity from the beginning of the 1950s when the royal couple of Nepal asked him for jewelry to match the court saris. He then draws inspiration from multicolored and shimmering silks which he reproduces using an infinite palette of sapphires or diamonds.

This passion was accompanied by a quest which also never ceased to guide his steps: that of light, echoing the Argentina of his childhood, which he made the common thread of his creations, almost his muse .