Auctions

This Ring Belonging to a Klimt Muse Just Sold at Auction

AuctionsDec 13, 2018

This Ring Belonging to a Klimt Muse Just Sold at Auction

The diamond “toi et moi” ring was owned by the husband of Adele Bloch-Bauer, better known as “The Woman in Gold.”

20181213_womaningold.jpg
This diamond and colored diamond “toi et moi” ring was owned by the Bloch-Bauer family for a century before appearing at auction at Sotheby’s London this week.
London—The worlds of fine art and jewelry merged at Sotheby’s London Fine Jewels sale this week.

 Headlining the jewelry auction was a “toi et moi” ring from the Art Nouveau period originally belonging to Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer and believed to have been worn by his wife, Adele, the subject of famed painter Gustav Klimt’s “The Woman in Gold.” 

wn diamond and a 1.85-carat round near-colorless diamond, the ring was estimated to sell for approximately $6,322 to $8,850, but smashed those figures, garnering $55,318. 

 Of the piece’s historical significance, the head of Sotheby’s London jewelry department, Kristian Spofforth, said: “The story of this ring intertwines with that of one of the most iconic paintings in the history of art. 

 “Klimt immortalized Adele Bloch-Bauer in an armor of gold and jewels, demonstrating the rich dialogue between the disciplines in the Art Nouveau movement. The jewel is a glittering fragment of the opulence of early 20th-century Vienna. The simplicity of its design and its beautiful curved lines also make it a jewel of timeless modernity.”

 Adele Bloch-Bauer was a society figure and patron of the arts in turn-of-the-century Vienna. She was born into a wealthy Jewish Viennese family in 1881, and in 1899 married industrialist Ferdinand Bloch.

 Together, Adele and Ferdinand were key players in the burgeoning capital of art, music, architecture, philosophy and literature, hosting creatives like Stefan Zweig and Arthur Schnitzler at their famed weekly salons.

 Adele died of meningitis in 1925, at age 43. Klimt’s painting of her cloaked in gold and jewels (which actually was called  “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I”) was stolen by the Nazis, and was one of a handful of works belonging to the Bloch-Bauer family that relatives later successfully fought the Austrian government to return. The family's fight was the subject of a 2015 movie starring Helen Mirren called “Woman in Gold.”


As for the toi et moi ring, Ferdinand eventually gave it to his great-niece Helen Marie Stutzova as a wedding present. She in turn bequeathed it to her daughter, Charlotte Mayer.

 The ring’s fascinating history doesn’t end there. It made its way to London in 1939 when Stutzova and Mayer fled to the English capital to escape the Nazis. Mayer became an accomplished sculptor in the United Kingdom and the ring remained in the family until its sale Tuesday to a private bidder.

 For more sale results, visit Sotheby’s website.



 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Ashley Zhang Jewelry 2025 Lunar New Year Snake Necklace
CollectionsJan 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ashley Zhang Jewelry’s Lunar New Year Necklace

The one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

Graphic for “Predictions for the Year Ahead” webinar
Recorded WebinarsJan 24, 2025
Watch: Fine Jewelry Market Predictions for 2025

“My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson Anza Gems
SourcingJan 24, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Tucson

The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Ophelia Eve 15 mm yellow gold and diamond hoops
Policies & IssuesJan 24, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief

From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.

Weekly QuizJan 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mugshots of Zacary Briggs, Aaron Hammond, Tre’von Anthony Neal, and Evan Puckett
CrimeJan 23, 2025
4 Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap Jeweler

The suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.

Loose diamonds from Namdia
CrimeJan 23, 2025
Security Guard Killed in Armed Robbery at Namibian Diamond Co.

Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Gemstone Trading Network by RapNet and AGTA
SourcingJan 23, 2025
RapNet, AGTA Partner to Launch Gemstone Trading Network

The online diamond and jewelry marketplace has expanded, introducing a new platform dedicated to colored gemstone trading.

Symposium 2025 Speakers
Events & AwardsJan 23, 2025
Plumb Club Announces Speaker Lineup for Symposium ‘25

The second annual learning forum for retailers is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City.

Fancy Color Research Foundation
SourcingJan 23, 2025
Fancy Color Research Foundation Names New CEO

Roy Safit took over the role on Jan. 1.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024?

Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.

Los Angeles wildfires
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry Businesses

The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.

Holiday wrapped gift boxes
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRF

Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.

Foundrae Reach for Life collection campaign
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of Now

The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little Secret

Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.

Lord Jewelry brown and white diamond ring
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha Mousse

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.

Diamonds Do Good
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board Members

Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Bucellati necklaces
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday Quarter

The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.

Picchiotti Classic Blue and Green Necklace
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ Necklace

The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.

Jameel Mohammed
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer Award

Jameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.

Gold jewelry boxes with Lux Bond & Green logo
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth Location

The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.

Timex National Park Collection
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park Watches

The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.

JCK open registration graphic
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for Registration

The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.

Iris Apfel
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.

Macy’s Herald Square New York City store
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround Strategy

The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy