This unusual alloy of pewter and silver was briefly used in the 1930-40s, when precious materials were becoming scarce, especially during the Second World War. Styptor was primarily utilized for the manufacture of vanity cases and objects. The metal has a registered trademark and has been one of the main elements for the Van Cleef & Arpels Minaudières.
This iconic design was first created in 1934 for the American socialite Florence Jay Gould, wife of the philanthropist and founder of the Virginia Railway and Power company, Frank Jay Gould. It was invented, after Charles Arpels attended one of Florence’s literary salons, where he witnessed her safekeeping her powder compact, lipstick holder and mirror in a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. The French jeweller soon designed this practical and precious beauty-compact for his clientele.