Fred:  not a name that one generally associates with jewels, fashion or French couture.  But, and I should add, much to my surprise, Fred is a thing.
 
The Parisian jewelry company known as Fred of Paris is not a Johnny-come-lately. It was in fact founded in 1936 and has been a grand house of jewelry since that time.
 
When I first saw this ring, I knew nothing about Fred of Paris, but I did immediately know that this was created by a very accomplished maker.
 
I love amethysts and this gave me a perfect excuse to indulge my passion for colour. When I first saw it in a photograph, I thought that the amethyst’s top surface had been carved into the shape of a flower. On receipt of the ring I found that the effect is a very clever manipulation of the facets cut below the cabochon curved crown.
 
The main jewel is set with diamonds in a commanding ring of 18k gold.
The light play off it is quite spectacular and the optical illusion persists even in real life.
A wonderful piece that has made me an immediate fan of the work of Fred.
 
Cheers,
David Charles Grainger
 
Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold with a bezel set floral shaped and polished amethyst and fifteen brilliant round cut bead set diamonds to the petals, Stamped 750.
Amethyst Dimensions: 17 X 17 mm, Carat Weight - 13.03 ct.
Estimated Diamond Weight - 0.52 ct.
Hallmarks: DA97129
Ring Size: 6.75
Total Item Weight: 17.1 Grams
Diamond Clarity: VS - 1 (estimated)
Diamond Colour: F (estimated)