Art Deco Double Clip Brooch Value Guide

Period
1930-1940
Origin
United States
Materials
Base metal, gold plating, glass rhinestones

This 1930s Art Deco double clip brooch represents the height of functional glamour, featuring a geometric gold-toned frame accented by ruby-red baguette and clear round rhinestones. Popularized in the United States, this versatile design allowed the wearer to transition from a single unified brooch to two individual dress or fur clips, reflecting the era's shift toward architectural symmetry.

What affects the value of Art Deco Double Clip Brooch?

  • Mechanical integrity of the clips and the central frame mechanism significantly impacts the $150-$200 valuation.
  • The condition of the gold plating and the absence of 'greening' or oxidation on the base metal.
  • Clarity and original placement of the glass rhinestones, particularly the ruby-red baguettes which are prone to chipping.
  • The presence of original 1930s-era maker's marks or 'Made in USA' stamps on the clip hardware.

How to Identify Art Deco Double Clip Brooch?

  • Verify the presence of two separate spring-loaded clips on the reverse that lock into a single pin-back frame.
  • Look for the specific geometric arrangement of ruby-red baguette-cut glass stones flanked by clear round rhinestones.
  • Check for a gold-plated base metal finish consistent with American costume jewelry manufacturing from 1930-1940.
  • Examine the symmetry of the design, which should align perfectly when the two clips are joined into a single brooch.

History of Art Deco Double Clip Brooch

Double clip brooches, a signature style of the Art Deco and early Retro eras, were popularized in the 1930s. The design was revolutionary because the piece could be worn as a single unified brooch or separated into two individual dress or fur clips. This versatility appealed strongly to the functional fashion trends of the time, moving away from elaborate Victorian and Edwardian jewelry toward sleek, symmetrical designs influenced by modern architecture.

Related items

Have one in hand?

Snap it. Relic tells you what it is and what it's likely worth.

Scan yours with Relic →