Pair of Dress Clips by Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen

Pair of Dress Clips

Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen · 1930

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“Stop to admire these exquisite platinum and diamond dress clips, a sparkling example of Art Deco design. Their geometric precision and dual-toned diamonds reveal the era's sophisticated luxury.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

These dazzling dress clips, crafted in 1930, perfectly capture the exuberance and glamour of the Art Deco era. Fashioned from platinum, a metal prized for its strength and brilliant white sheen, they are encrusted with both white and yellow diamonds. The geometric precision and intricate openwork design are characteristic of the period, reflecting a fascination with modernity and industrial sleekness. Imagine these adorning a silk dress or a cloche hat, catching the light as the wearer moved. They weren't just functional fasteners; they were statements of luxury and cutting-edge style, designed to sparkle under the electric lights of a sophisticated evening out. Their delicate yet bold construction speaks to the masterful craftsmanship of the time, where even small accessories were treated as miniature works of art.

DETAILS
Artist
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
Date
1930
Medium
Platinum with white and yellow diamonds
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
2.5 × 5.8 cm (1 × 2 1/4 in.)
Collection
Arts of the Americas
Culture
Chicago
Credit line
Gift of the Antiquarian Society through the William C. Bannerman Foundation
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Pair of Dress Clips
01

The delicate openwork platinum, creating a lace-like effect.

02

The contrast between the white and subtle yellow diamonds.

03

The precise geometric patterns that define the Art Deco style.

04

How the clips are designed as a mirrored pair, meant to be worn together.

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THE ARTIST

Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen

This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.

Read Aberdeen’s full story
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