Candace Baird “Candy” Alig Van Alen (1912-2002), famed author, journalist, and editor, lived an incredibly interesting life. At the start of her long career, Mrs. Van Alen worked as a war correspondent in Paris for the International News Service in 1945, later becoming an assistant and editorial writer for the New York Herald Tribune. Marrying James “Jimmy” Van Alen in 1948, Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen became important figures in the Newport and Palm Beach social scenes. Mr. Van Alen was known for changing the game of tennis forever by inventing both the Van Alen Simplified Scoring System (VASS) and the tie breaker.

Always believing in giving back, Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen participated in such philanthropic efforts as the Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach and the restoration of Redwood Library in Newport. Throughout her life, Mrs. Van Alen continued to actively be involved in journalism, including as a columnist for both the Chicago Tribune and New York Daily News and a contributing editor to Vogue magazine. Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen’s legacy lives on through both significant contributions to the game of tennis and the papers left to Redwood Library. Possessing several extraordinary jewels, this exquisite antique ruby and diamond necklace-tiara was a centerpiece in her collection.