Saturday, December 7, 2013

Mastery of Design: A Double Clip Diamond Brooch, 1930-1940



Lady Abingdon's Double Dress Clip Brooch
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum


 

I thought that this double-clip diamond brooch would be the perfect jewel to conclude today’s posts. 

I don’t need to tell you that this was made between 1930 and 1940 during that luscious period when dense concentrations of diamonds and other gemstones were en vogue. The fashion started in the 1920s and is also known for the use of platinum settings which did not intrude on the look of the piece. 


Brooches like this one were quite popular during this period. Not only were they attractive, but they were versatile. And, in a way economical since a lady could get several looks from one piece of jewelry. The brooch can be worn as a whole or it can be divided into two identical halves which were worn as clips. Diamond clips were placed on lapels or opposing one another on the neckline of a gown. 

This example gleams with brilliant-cut, baguette and square-cut diamonds. It was made in England by a now unknown jeweler. It’s part of the beautiful collection of The Bettine, Lady Abingdon in the V&A. 


Other brooches (with a necklace and earrings) from the collection.  We've studied most of these.


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