Jessica BeresfordAssociate editor, Life & Leisure and jewellery editorAug 21, 2026 – 8.33amIf the name Fred isn’t immediately familiar, its jewellery might be. The French brand’s biggest claim to fame is from 1990’s Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts’ character Vivian Ward – dressed in a Ferrari-red off-the-shoulder gown – is presented with a diamond-and-ruby necklace by the corporate raider played by Richard Gere. The “quarter-of-a-million-dollar” jewel in the box – which Gere famously snaps shut on her gloved hand – was made by Fred, at the time the only brand willing to work on the controversial film.Today, however, Fred is arguably more famous for a bracelet – a casual-looking steel cable attached to the wrist with a precious-metal buckle. Force 10, which is named after the stormy wind rating, has become its bestseller, spawning countless iterations and offshoot styles.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Jessica BeresfordAssociate editor, Life & Leisure and jewellery editorJessica Beresford is the associate editor of Life & Leisure, based in Sydney. She writes about the fashion, jewellery and beauty industries, and was previously fashion features editor at the Financial Times’ luxury glossy, HTSI, in London.Fetching latest articles