Paul Devlin at Slate posts an Elegy for the tie clip.
“Not long ago, I had a dinner to attend and could not find my only tie clip. I do not always wear a tie clip, but I feel they are appropriate for certain occasions, especially situations in which it may be necessary to stand up frequently, lean across a table full of food (to say nothing of votive candles), and shake hands. A tie clip is useful for keeping your tie out of your bouillabaisse.”
SNIP
“When I set out to find a replacement, however, I made a disturbing discovery: The tie clip has become an endangered species. The ratio of ties to tie clasps for sale in upmarket Manhattan men’s stores was many zillions to a handful.”