22nd Nov, 2022 11:00 EST

Jewelry and Watches

 
Lot 34
 


Lot 34 - An Art Deco Diamond, and Ruby Duette Double Clip Brooch

34

An Art Deco Diamond, and Ruby Duette Double Clip Brooch
C. 1930's Bailey, Banks, & Biddle 

A platinum convertible double clip brooch, set with round and square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds. This duette brooch can be worn as dress clips or as clip earrings. The clip earring mechanism was hand-fabricated and added later. Diamonds are near colorless (G - J), with SI clarity. Total estimated weight of diamonds: 4.00 carats.

Length: 2 in.; Width: 1 in. ; Each piece measures 1in. x 1in.;  Weight: 24.6 Gross dwt.

Provenance

Private collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sold for $17,640
Estimated at $3,000 - $5,000


 

A platinum convertible double clip brooch, set with round and square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds. This duette brooch can be worn as dress clips or as clip earrings. The clip earring mechanism was hand-fabricated and added later. Diamonds are near colorless (G - J), with SI clarity. Total estimated weight of diamonds: 4.00 carats.

Provenance

Private collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Gemologist notes: "The rubies have no indication of heat treatment."

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Bailey Banks and Biddle (BB&B)

Founded in 1832 in Philadelphia, PA Bailey, Banks, and Biddle is known as America's oldest jeweler. Joseph Trowbridge Bailey started the family business with Andrew B. Kitchen, and was originally named the Bailey and Kitchen Jewelry Company. Shortly after the Bailey and Kitchen partnership ended, the company evolved to include other partners such as Jeremiah Robbins and James Gallagher. After J.T. Bailey's death, his son took over the business and included Samuel Biddle and George Banks (of J.E. Caldwell fame).

Though most known for adorning wealthy Americans with high quality jewelry, Bailey, Banks, and Biddle was also has a rich history working with the military and American government. During the civil war the Confederacy commissioned several items from swords to the Southern one-cent piece. Another notable item created by the company is Abraham Lincoln's mortuary medal. In 1904, Bailey, Banks, and Biddle created the most recent form of the Great Seal of the United States of America. The company went further in the early 20th century as the makers of military medals and West Point class rings.

Today the company is owned by Finlay Fine Jewelers and has over 100 retail locations in the country.