18 karat gold, diamond and ruby necklace/clip combination, René Boivin, circa 1960

Composed of three large matte gold links of quatrefoil shape, each framing a cluster of 12 collet-set cushion-shaped diamonds, the sides decorated with bands of small round rubies, pierced at the sides and strung on a black suede necklet with 18 karat gold buckle, one link signed R. Boivin, French assay marks and maker's marks; together with additional red suede necklet of similar design and three clip ittings of later date. With box signed René Boivin, Paris. Estimate 150,000—200,000 USD. Lot sold 182,500 USD.

PROVENANCE: Formerly from the Estate of Babe Paley, Sotheby's, New York, October 19, 1992, lot 477.

NOTE: Topping the Best Dressed List year after year with her elegant wardrobe and exquisite jewels, Babe Paley was a fashion icon who dominated the social scene until her death in 1978.

The youngest of the three famous Cushing sisters, Barbara, or 'Babe' was born in 1915. Daughters of the noted Boston neurosurgeon Dr. Harvey Cushing and Katherine Crowell Cushing, Babe and her sisters, Minnie and Betsey were noted for their intellegence and attractiveness. All three sisters made advantageous marriages that launched them into the highest levels of society. Babe, who was first married to Standard Oil heir Stanley Mortimer, Jr., of Tuxedo Park, was the only career woman of the sisters. As a fashion editor at Vogue, she was extremely popular; her elegance and uneerring sense of style were much imitated. In 1947, after her divorce from Mortimer, she married William S. Paley, the President of Columbia Broadcasting Systems.

This necklace is mentioned as a bequest of Barbara Cushing Paley to her daughter Amanda Burden in the book In All His Glory: The Life of William S. Paley, by Sally Bedell Smith, p. 616.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. 09 Dec 08. New York. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com