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

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Alex Brown
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Jade Ruzzo Gloria Collar
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.

Jewelry industry author, speaker, and sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s SVP of corporate affairs
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JA

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las Vegas

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

Greenwich Street Jewelers Your Love Has the Perfect Ring Campaign
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ Couples

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

New York Liberty Nyara Sabally Catbird campaign
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand Ambassador

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

×

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