Buy a pre-owned Fred jewel at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Paris in 1936 by Fred Samuel, an Argentine-born jeweller with a passion for pearls and gemstones, the house of Fred quickly established itself as the "Sunshine Jeweler" : celebrating light, freedom and joie de vivre through creations that blend gold, steel and precious stones. Acquired by LVMH in 1995, Fred today combines artisanal expertise, a marine spirit and constant innovation. From the iconic Force 10 to the joyful Pain de Sucre and the understated Riviera, Fred creates jewellery with a distinct character. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Fred pieces evolves continuously : each one unique.
The History of Fred : 90 Years of Sun-Kissed Jewellery
The Origins of a Passionate Jeweller (1936–1960)
Born to Alsatian parents who had settled in Argentina, Fred Samuel moved to Paris at the age of 16 to train as a jeweller. After his military service, he opened his first boutique on Rue Royale, crafting a unique style that combined natural colours with precious metals. His reputation grew rapidly among an international clientele drawn to his forward-thinking approach: marrying the preciousness of gold and gemstones with a relaxed elegance, far removed from traditional, austere jewellery.
Marine Inspiration and Bold Design (1960–1980)
In 1966, Fred created the Force 10 bracelet : an unprecedented pairing of a braided marine steel cable with a gold clasp. This invention, combining two traditionally opposing materials, immediately became the house's defining emblem. Inspired by the Mediterranean and a love of freedom, the Force 10 symbolises the strength of bonds and self-confidence. It was a founding aesthetic breakthrough, for Fred, what the Navitimer was for Breitling : a single iconic piece that defines the entire DNA of the house.
The Modern Era and Global Reach (1995–Today)
In 1995, Fred joined the LVMH group, which provided the resources needed to expand internationally while preserving the brand's artisanal identity. Collections diversified: Pain de Sucre, Success, Ombre Féline, Riviera. Fred's workshops developed cutting-edge techniques (3D modelling, stone-setting accurate to the hundredth of a millimetre) without ever abandoning the master goldsmith's touch. In 2024, Jin (BTS) became the house's first solo ambassador, reflecting Fred's global resonance with a new generation.
Collections & Iconic Pieces
Key References & Secondary Market Prices
Force 10 Medium Model Steel / Yellow Gold bracelet
CHF 1,900 – CHF 2,500
Force 10 Large Model Steel / Yellow Gold bracelet
CHF 2,500 – CHF 3,200
Force 10 Large Model 18ct Gold, diamond-set bracelet
CHF 4,000 – CHF 7,000
Pain de Sucre ring 18ct Gold (without diamonds)
CHF 800 – CHF 1,800
Pain de Sucre ring setting 18ct Gold / Diamonds
CHF 3,500 – CHF 6,500
Success ring / bracelet Yellow Gold
CHF 1,500 – CHF 4,000
Values vary depending on condition, presence of box and certificates, and vintage. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.
Fred vs Cartier vs Van Cleef & Arpels: Which to Choose ?
Fred
The choice for lovers of free-spirited, marine and sun-drenched jewellery. Its DNA blends everyday accessibility with the nobility of precious materials. Ideal for those who want a piece with character, history and real wearability, without the formality of classic high jewellery.
Cartier
More institutional and universally recognised, with a slightly higher secondary market value on flagship pieces (Love, Panthère). Unmissable, but less singular.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Shares with Fred a world of coloured stones and narrative jewellery, but with a resolutely high jewellery positioning : more formal and more expensive.
Our Swiss Collector Verdict
If you are looking for an iconic, artisanal piece with a strong marine heritage, Fred is hard to beat. Force 10 for history, Pain de Sucre for colour, Riviera for everyday elegance.

Fred and Its Iconic Figures
Fred maintains strong ties with luxury, culture and the world of entertainment :
- Fred Samuel : visionary founder, trained on Rue Royale in Paris, whose free spirit still infuses every creation
- Princess Grace of Monaco : long-standing client, who anchored Fred in the world of Mediterranean glamour
- Jin (BTS) : the house's first solo ambassador since 2024, embodying Fred's enthusiasm and modernity for a global generation
- The Mediterranean & the Riviera : constant sources of inspiration, present in the DNA of the Force 10 and Riviera collections
- LVMH : the world's leading luxury group, guaranteeing the house's standards of excellence since 1995
Buying Pre-Owned Fred at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : Pre-owned Fred jewellery starts from CHF 600 for entry-level steel pieces. Force 10 bracelets in gold start around CHF 1,900, and Success pieces in gold with diamonds can exceed CHF 6,000.
- Condition : Every piece is classified according to four levels (like new, very good condition, good condition or worn condition) with high-definition photographs.
- Rigorous Selection : Each jewel is carefully selected and assessed by our experts before being listed for sale.
- TSC Guarantee : All our pieces come with a 12 month guarantee
- Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.
- Secure Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.
Caring for a Pre-Owned Fred Jewel
Recommended Maintenance
Fred recommends professional cleaning every 2 to 3 years to preserve the brilliance of the gold and stones. Force 10 cables should be inspected periodically to ensure the integrity of the strands and the smooth operation of the bidirectional clasp.
Signs of Good Preservation
Cable without fraying or deformation, fully functional clasp with no excessive play, stones securely set with no visible scratching, gold free from deep scratches or metal deformation.