A sapphire, diamond and styptor minaudière, by Van Cleef & Arpels for Asprey, circa 1945 Of rectangular form, the engine-turned case, with a polished geometric clasp, set with calibré-cut sapphires, and an applied single-cut diamond monogram 'DM', opening to reveal a covered compartment, a glazed comparment, a lipstick holder, a lighter, a comb and an open compartment, signed 'La Minaudière de Van Cleef et Arpels' and 'Specially Made For Asprey', maker's mark, numbered, width 15.1cm, fitted Asprey's London carrying case The minaudière was designed by Van Cleef & Arpels in the late 1930s. According to legend, it was designed for Florence Jay Gould, wife of the American railroad magnate Jay Gould, and one of the maison’s most notable patrons. It is said that one day Charles Arpels was shocked to witness Mrs Gould putting her accessories in to a Lucky Strike tin. This prompted him to invent a stylish jewel-like box, capable of holding the various objects a lady would require for an evening out. The object’s name was inspired by Estelle, the wife of Alfred Van Cleef, whose gentile mannerisms, or ‘minauderies’, widely ingratiated her.