Diamond and Colored Stone Charm Necklace

The 18 karat gold link chain necklace supporting 16 charms, including an explosive device, cross, Yale man, signed Cartier, numbered 3827, cat, hunting dog, mother and child elephant, fleur de lis, tank, heart, man hanging the moon, pheasant, sphinx, house, panda, 5th Army emblem and duck, variously set with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, onyx and enamel, length 16 inches, chain signed King for Arthur King, two diamonds, one ruby and one emerald missing.

Sotheby's New York, April 19, 1988, The Jewels and Objects of Vertu of The Honorable Clare Boothe Luce, lot 599.

Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are of decorative quality. A diamond missing on cat, a diamond missing on the 5th Army symbol, an emerald missing on the sphinx, and a ruby missing from the fleur de lis. Otherwise in good condition. The neckchain is of a nugget texture and is fitted with a nugget style clasp signed King.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Collection of The Honorable Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987) was offered at Sotheby's, New York on April 19th, 1988.  As an editor, playwright, Congresswoman, war correspondent and ambassador, she was one of the most accomplished women of her generation.  Her years at Vogue and Vanity Fair had a lasting impact, introducing her to cultural and social leaders as well as heightening her sense of style.  The present lot was one of several charm necklaces sold in the 1988 auction with the charms commemorating the people and places in Mrs. Luce's life.  The "Yale man" is probably George Brokaw, her first husband and member of the Yale Glee Club.  The elephant charm represents the Republican Party and her time as a congresswoman.  The various military motifs, including the tank and torpedo, reflect her position as a war corresponded during WWII.  The A-5 charm is the emblem of Mark Clark's Fifth, her favorite branch of the Army.  The panda bear evokes fond memories of China where second husband Henry Luce was born, and the cross alludes to her conversion to Catholicism.