Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux's jewellery at Osenat

The prestigious auction house Osenat will organise the auction of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux's collections, including a superb collection of jewellery that is absolutely remarkable. This furniture and jewellery sale will take place on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 February 2024 at 66 avenue de Breteuil in Paris.

This charity event is organized for the benefit of the Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux Foundation hosted by the Little Brothers of the Poor Foundation.

Suzanne Fischof-La Foux, who died in 2023 at the age of 102, expressed her last wishes in her will, written in 2007. She wanted her furniture and jewellery to be sold by a prestigious auction house and for the funds raised to go to her foundation that bears the name of Fondation Raymond et Suzanne Fischof-La Foux. The Little Brothers of the Poor Foundation will ensure that its wishes are respected.

What is the composition of the Fischof-La Foux collections?

The collections of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux bear witness to a social life dedicated to arts and culture. Estimated to be worth several million euros, the collections will be divided into two distinct parts:
1. A collection of works and objets d'art
2. A jewelry collection

The first part will include artworks and objects from the Avenue Foch apartment, including a remarkable collection of modern paintings, 18th-century furniture, and works by renowned artists such as Anne-Louis Girodet, Juan de Arellano, Giovanni Boldini, Moïse Kisling, and André Derain.

The second part of the sale will be entirely devoted to the exceptional jewellery collection. Mrs. Suzanne Fischof-La Foux has carefully selected a hundred jewels, most of them high jewelry, engraved with her married name "Fischof-La Foux".

Among the most notable pieces are a transformable necklace by M. Gérard, consisting of a brooch and two bracelets, a ring by Cartier with an emerald-cut diamond, as well as a pair of earrings adorned with emeralds and diamonds.

What is the crazy love story of the Fischof-La Foux couple?

Let me tell you about the passionate love story between Suzanne Auclert, a young woman born in 1920 in the Paris region, and Raymond Fischof-La Foux.

Raymond is an engineer by trade and owner of an advertising agency, he was an active resistance fighter during the Second World War. After the war, he had a successful career in real estate and became the owner of the newspaper "Le Moniteur" before selling it in 1970.

As fate would have it, they were brought together at a young age, when Raymond was dating Suzanne's parents. However, they go their separate ways when Suzanne moves to New York City to live with her aunt.

Years later, upon her return to Paris, 18-year-old Suzanne felt the need to reconnect with Raymond. She goes to his house with the hope of seeing the one who had marked her heart. Freshly divorced, Raymond falls madly in love with this bewitchingly charming young woman. Suzanne then becomes the one and only love of his life.

Their love blossomed and, in May 1950, Suzanne and Raymond were married in the prestigious grounds of the George V Hotel. On this occasion, Suzanne Auclert took her mother's name and became Suzanne de Saint Jean before becoming Suzanne Fischof-La Foux.

What are the associates of the Fischof-La Foux couple?

The couple, intoxicated by the love and effervescence of the post-war period, frequented the political, cultural and artistic personalities of this golden era in Paris. Suzanne was soon nicknamed "Suzie", an elegant and refined woman who walked with her dog in the alleys of Avenue Foch, alongside Grace Kelly.

Suzie and Raymond befriended the famous painter Moïse Kisling, who painted a portrait of Suzanne that was part of the collection. It also serves as a model for his hands in one of the three other canvases offered for sale. This fusional couple, immersed in a whirlwind of parties, lived intensely the Parisian life of the post-war period.

Suzie is dressed in the most beautiful dresses and adorned with the most sumptuous jewels. They also used to stay every summer in the same suite at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, where they became friends with actor Roger Moore and Princess Grace of Monaco. Suzanne also meets the Princess in Paris, since the Grimaldi mansion is located near the Fischof-La Foux apartment on Avenue Foch.

When Suzie gets off the blue train, you can easily imagine the trunks lined up on the platform, where the manager of the Hôtel de Paris and his employees are waiting for her at the exit of the carriage...

Suzie and Raymond share a common passion for jewelry, and Raymond showers Suzanne with high jewelry.

After Raymond's death in 1980, Suzanne was only 55 years old and had no heir. She lived in the memory of her beloved husband for the rest of his life.

She continues to stay at the Hotel de Paris every summer, but also at Easter and Christmas. A year after Raymond's death, she met Nicole Rey, the high priestess of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, but above all Laurence Graff, who would become a close friend. Every evening, when the shop closes, the two friends meet up for a glass of champagne for Nicole and a glass of whisky for Suzie.

Suzanne remains a loyal client of Van Cleef & Arpels, but also of master jeweler Louis Gérard, founder of the house of M. Gérard. She lived for 40 years in the faithful memory of her husband, and passed away this year at the venerable age of 102.

The couple rubbed shoulders with political, artistic and cultural figures of the time. Raymond was even François Mitterand's advisor.

After Raymond's death in 1980, Suzanne continued to organize charity events and support social causes. She founded the Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux Foundation, which is dedicated to actions in favor of disadvantaged people and thus gives a lasting dimension to her philanthropic commitment.

Mrs. Suzanne Fischof-La Foux passed away in 2023, leaving behind a remarkable artistic and philanthropic legacy.

What are the most beautiful pieces of jewellery in the sale?

This high jewellery collection includes many jewels by Cartier, Mauboussin, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Lacloche, Buccellati, Chaumet and M.Gerard. But also watches by Vacheron Constantin, Blancpain, Graff and Audemars Piguet.

We loved several of these jewels that are representative of a certain era and are quite rare on the market.

Who was the jeweller M.GERARD?

The collection includes a dozen very beautiful jewels, some of which can be transformed, signed by M. GÉRARD, Louis Gérard by his full name. A former jeweler for VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, he created his own house in 1968, named M. GERARD, located in Paris, on Avenue Montaigne. In nine years, it has become France's leading exporter of luxury jewelry. This is a testament to his talent and expertise.

Mr. Gerard had a single ambition: to create and produce the most sumptuous jewels in the world. His style, his modern vision of shapes and his chic simplicity have made him a world-renowned expert in gemology. His creations are distinguished by the purity and exceptional color of the perfectly cut stones, carefully chosen.

In November 1985, Mr. Gerard sold his company to American investors, but remained active until its closure. Despite this, it chose to reopen in September 1988. He receives support from many fans of his house, including actress Marisa Berenson. The new address is 16 Avenue Montaigne, near its original location. This time, he chose to name his new company "Louis Gérard, International Jeweller".

Throughout his career, this jeweler has always followed his motto: mixing tradition, quality and creation. In December 1991, Louis Gérard had to close his house forever, leaving a legacy of excellence and beauty.

Indeed, in the jewels of the collection we find not only original and transformable jewels but also fabulous precious stones and above all beautiful diamonds.

Magnificent jewels to collect in turn for a good cause, beyond an investment, it is a good deed that is carried out. Two reasons to be tempted?

What is the purpose of the Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux Foundation?

The Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux Foundation is dedicated to carrying out actions in favour of disadvantaged people. It supports projects and initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable.

Thanks to the funds raised during the auctions of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux's collections, the Foundation will be able to finance programs in areas such as access to education, assistance to the elderly, professional integration of young people, and access to health care.

Mrs. Suzanne Fischof-La Foux's passion for arts and culture is also reflected in the Foundation's actions. It supports artistic and cultural projects that awaken sensitivities, foster artistic expression and promote cultural diversity. The Foundation encourages artistic creation, participates in exhibitions, festivals and cultural events, and supports emerging artists.

Thanks to the artistic legacy of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux, the Foundation has significant resources to carry out its actions in favour of the most disadvantaged. The auctions of the collections raise funds that are then entirely dedicated to the Foundation's programs.

Thus, the artistic legacy of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux continues to live on through the actions of the Foundation, which perpetuates their commitment to the underprivileged.

When will the public exhibition take place at Osenat?

The auction of the collections of Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux is organized by Osenat. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a noble cause. In addition, you can buy high-value artwork and jewelry. It's a way to carry on the artistic and philanthropic legacy of this remarkable couple.

Do not hesitate to attend the pre-exhibition that will take place before the auction.

This will allow you to get up close and personal with the works and jewellery that will be offered for sale, and to immerse yourself in the history and refinement that surrounds them.

From 19 to 22 February 2024, the Osenat auction house will open its doors to allow visitors, enthusiasts and collectors to discover the romantic story of this couple who shared their lives between Avenue Foch in Paris and the Hôtel de Paris in Monte-Carlo.

Who is the Osenat auction house?

The Osenat auction house, founded in 1976, is world-renowned for its specialization in the sale of historical memorabilia. She sold a hat of Napoleon I for almost 2 million euros, an exceptional sale recently made.

Osenat often breaks world records and sells objects to museums. It organizes more than 80 sales per year in different categories.

Known for its pioneering spirit, Osenat was the first house to offer classic car auctions in 1977. Today, it has an exhibition space dedicated to these exceptional vehicles, located a stone's throw from the Château de Fontainebleau.

Osenat has 4 auction and exhibition rooms in Paris, Versailles, Fontainebleau and Chailly-en-Bière. They have a team of 50 employees who work to enhance the value of their clients' properties.

Come and see the superb collections. You can participate in the auction on February 21 and 22 in Paris or online at Drouot.com. Interenchères.com or Invaluable.com.

Your participation in this charity event will help the Raymond and Suzanne Fischof-La Foux Foundation to help underprivileged people.