Auctions

Piece of the Week: Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch Necklace

AuctionsOct 18, 2024

Piece of the Week: Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch Necklace

The New York socialite’s elegant, transformable piece from the 1960s is headed to auction later this month.

Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch Necklace
This suede necklace featuring three René Boivin brooches once belonged to Barbara “Babe” Paley, an American socialite, editor, tastemaker and one of Truman Capote’s “Swans.” It’s estimated to sell for up to $180,000 at Doyle’s jewelry auction on Oct. 30.
Editor's Note: This story was updated post-publication to include the price the clip-brooches sold for at auction.

For the high-society women of New York in the ‘50s and ‘60s, luxury wasn’t just reserved for special occasions; it was an everyday way of life.

For the best example of the socialites’ refined style, one needs look no further than former Vogue editor Barbara “Babe” Paley, a fashion icon regularly featured in the “best dressed” lists of the time.

An elegant piece once owned by Paley, who died in 1978, featuring three René Boivin gold, diamond and ruby pendant clip-brooches went up for sale at Doyle’s New York jewelry auction, which took place Oct. 30.

It sold for $121,150 against an estimate of $120,000-$180,000.

The clip brooches are made in 18-karat gold and feature 36 old-mine, old-mine oval, and old European-cut diamonds totaling 35 carats, as well as 96 round rubies, and signed R. Boivin, with maker’s marks and French assay marks.

Babe Paley René Boivin clip brooches
The three René Boivin clip brooches are set in 18-karat gold and feature 96 rubies as well as 35 carats of diamonds.


The clips can be removed for conversion to a necklace.  

The sale of Paley’s clip brooches includes two suede necklets, one black (as seen as the top of the article), and one red, each with adjustable leather straps and buckle-form clasps, also with maker’s marks and French assay marks. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Paley was the wife of CBS founder William S. Paley and notably, one of author Truman Capote’s closest friends in his inner circle of socialites, whom he called his “Swans.”

The scandal-filled true story of the group was told on FX earlier this year in the second installment of Ryan Murphy’s “Feud” anthology. 

“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” is based on the bestselling book “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era” by Laurence Leamer.

The role of Paley is played by Naomi Watts, who reportedly had 160 costume changes in the first four episodes alone.

An article published by Sotheby’s breaking down the costume design for the show said the jewels on set, including those by Van Cleef & Arpels, Belperron, Cartier and Verdura, are all real, and of course, required extra security on set. 

The auction house’s Vice Chairman of Jewelry Frank Everett said in the article that he was struck by the “working” nature of the real Swans’ jewelry collections. 

“Pieces were chosen not only for their beauty and design, but for their correctness for an outfit and appropriateness for the occasion. Plain gold pieces for day, a few diamonds for cocktail and glamorous showstoppers for dinner/evening. Jewels were truly seen as fashion accessories, as well as precious objects of value. The jewels were worn to make a Swan look beautiful, elegant, and tasteful, not just rich.” 

This piece previously was offered in Sotheby’s 2016 sale, “Magnificent Jewels Including Property From the Collection of Marjorie S. Fisher, Palm Beach,” and in its 1992 Magnificent Jewels sale featuring jewelry from Paley’s estate.  

Prior to the Doyle auction, the lots will travel to its regional locations including Boston; Charleston, South Carolina; Palm Beach, Florida; and Beverly Hills, California; and it will be on view in New York City from Oct. 26-28. 

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

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