Saul Fraiman, pictured fourth from right, started in the industry as a jewelry manufacturer’s apprentice before working as a supplier of small, fancy shaped stones and later designing his own jewelry with Julius Klein Group and Grandview Klein Diamond Group, pictured here.
New York—Designer Saul Fraiman, known internationally for his work in fine diamonds, fancy colored stones, and haute couture jewelry, retired on Dec. 3 after more than 55 years in the industry.
He began his career as an apprentice for Laytan Jewelers, a jewelry manufacturer, in 1965 before becoming a supplier of small, fancy shaped stones for jewelry manufacturers and designers in 1968.
He went on to open his own company, Rolling Stone Diamond Co., which was later rebranded to Fraiman & Associates.
It was during this time that Fraiman became known for specializing in unique and unusually matched pairs of side stones, as well as fancy colored diamonds.
By 1994, Fraiman joined Julius Klein Group and began creating fine diamond jewelry designs.
While here, he played a pivotal role in creating many of the world’s most important diamond pieces, said Grandview Klein Diamond Group (GKDG), a spinoff of Julius Klein Group.
After more than five decades in the industry, designer Saul Fraiman retired on Dec. 3.
Outside of work, Fraiman is an active member of his community in upstate New York.
He serves as vice president of his local volunteer fire department, and he is a certified first responder and EMT, an ambulance driver, and a certified fire police officer.
He retired for the first time in 2017 to volunteer full-time as an EMT for the fire department in Rhinebeck, New York, though it wasn’t long before he was drawn back into the industry.
He returned in 2019 when Moshe Klein, the CEO of GKDG, reached out to say his presence was necessary to be successful in both the fine jewelry department as well as leading the company’s trade shows.
While with GKDG, Fraiman had access to an extensive inventory of world-class diamonds, a highlight of his career, said the company.
“After over five decades in diamonds, I reflect on what an honor it has been to be part of an industry that holds my heart and soul. Jewelry is more than a profession—it’s a passion, an art, and a bond,” said Fraiman.
“Working with the finest products and companies has been a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the memories, partnerships, and joy this journey has brought me.”
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Fraiman received the “Outstanding Exporter of the Year Award” from the Israeli government in 1978.
He was also honored with the “47th Street Diamond Award for Executive Director Fine Jewelry” in 2013.
“It has been an incredible experience working alongside Saul for so many years. His dedication, integrity, and extraordinary talent for creating the world’s finest diamond jewelry have set a gold standard in our industry,” said Klein.
“Although we will miss him greatly, Saul’s inspiring legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations.”
