Cartier Sapphire and Yellow Gold Double Clips, c. 1935
Art Deco pair of double clip dress clips, Cartier, post 1935.
It has been said that one cannot understand fully art history without appreciating the workings of social economic and political history itself. In no example may this thought be more applicable than in the last half of 1930's in Europe with the tragic empowerment of totalitarianism in Germany, Italy and Spain.
With firms like Van Cleef opening their New York operation in 1929 (Cartier had done so in 1910), it was easy to understand that the turmoil in Europe and Great Britain would compel these two firms with Tiffany to make America the remaining bastion of new Jewelry design even if only temporarily. Late Art Deco dress clips such as ours by Cartier would represent just one example of America's dominance in design.
These stylized, scrolled and otherwise undulation spade shapes double clip brooches are presented in an iconic for by one of the greatest interpreters of style of the first half of the 20th century but in this case in a decidedly American composition.
In 14K they offered here in an authentic vintage Cartier tooled leather box, possibly spirited quickly to New York after 1935, stamped "Cartier made in France". The Cartier box, although not fitted for a double clip brooch came with the clips and we extend the box to the new owner.
Each clip is prong set with 3 Ceylon sapphires which collectively for both clips weigh a bit more than .66 cts. The clips also weigh exactly 20.95 grams. Set end to end exactly they are 2.7/8th inches. With a width of about 1 inch. Or, if they are placed as off-set tamdens with one slightly above the over, they will become a dapper geometric rhomboid figure of about 2.3/4 inches on a blazer or any solid fabric.
These clips are authentic, versatile and most of all a chic statement exemplifying the good taste of the wearer.
Finally, this pair of clips is quite special in an unexpected way because they represent the circumstance - rarely found - of each clip having consecutive inventory numbers. As well as each being signed, Cartier.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed appraisal by our gemologist, as well as all original GIA certificates, if specified in listing. As always, our pieces arrive in a presentation box, gift-wrapped.