Snow Flakes 4: A Guide to Britain’s Vintage Snowflake Hair Clips
Among the most sought-after winter-themed vintage hair accessories in Britain is the ‘Snow Flakes 4’ set – four identical silver-toned clips each bearing a delicate snowflake motif. Produced in small batches during the late 1950s and early 1960s by a now-defunct Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer, these clips were originally sold as a coordinated set in a small velvet-lined card. Each clip measures approximately 4 cm across, with six-point crystalline arms set with clear rhinestones at the tips and centre. The backing is a sturdy spring-clip mechanism, typical of mid-century British hair accessories, allowing the snowflake to sit flat against the hair without slipping.
The name ‘Snow Flakes 4’ appears on the original packaging – a simple cream card stamped with silver foil – and has since become a collector’s shorthand for the set. Unlike mass-produced festive novelties, these clips were crafted from nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc) and then rhodium-plated to achieve a bright, tarnish-resistant finish. The rhinestones are machine-cut glass, not crystal, but their faceted quality catches light beautifully. This combination of materials was typical of British mid-market costume jewellery of the era: durable enough for regular wear, yet refined enough for special occasions.
The Design Heritage of the Snowflake Motif
Snowflakes have appeared in decorative arts for centuries, but their prominence in British hair accessories surged after the Second World War. The 1947 ‘New Look’ by Christian Dior celebrated femininity and ornament, and snowflake motifs – with their geometric symmetry and wintery romance – became a favourite for evening and festive wear. The Snow Flakes 4 set embodies this post-war aesthetic: the arms of each snowflake are slightly curved, giving a sense of movement, while the central rhinestone anchors the design. It is a classic example of how British accessory makers adapted natural forms into wearable art.
Materials and techniques also tell a story. The clips were die-struck (a process of stamping the shape from a flat sheet of metal), then hand-finished to file away sharp edges. The rhinestones were set using a simple prong setting, a method that allowed quick assembly without soldering. This efficiency kept the set affordable for the middle-class woman who wanted a touch of glamour for Christmas parties or winter weddings. Today, the same manufacturing details help collectors date and authenticate the pieces: genuine Snow Flakes 4 sets have a small ‘B’ hallmark (for Birmingham) on the spring mechanism, and the rhinestones show slight variations in colour – a natural result of vintage glass.
How to Style the Snow Flakes 4 Set Today
One of the pleasures of owning a Snow Flakes 4 set is its versatility. The clips are small enough to be worn individually – tucked into a low chignon, pinned at the temple, or clipped onto a headband. For a more dramatic effect, wear all four at once: two on each side of a half-up style, or spaced evenly across a French twist. The silver tone pairs beautifully with grey, navy, burgundy and forest green – colours that echo the winter landscape without competing with the sparkle.
Because the clips are lightweight and secure, they work equally well on fine hair and thick hair. For those with slippery hair, a quick spritz of dry shampoo or a touch of texturising powder provides enough grip for the spring clip to hold. Modern styling often favours asymmetry: one snowflake pinned at the side of a loose ponytail, or three clustered near the nape of the neck. The key is to let the accessory speak – keep the rest of the outfit simple, with clean lines and minimal jewellery.
If you are drawn to the versatility of vintage clips, you may also appreciate the The Leaf Hair Clip: A Multicoloured British Vintage Essential, another adaptable accessory that can be worn in multiple ways. Both pieces share the same practical spring-clip construction and mid-century charm, making them excellent additions to a curated vintage collection.
Bereit Selection and Care for Your Snow Flakes 4
Finding a complete, undamaged Snow Flakes 4 set requires patience. Because the clips were sold as a set, they often stayed together – but many were separated over decades of use. When sourcing, look for all four clips with matching patina and identical spring tension. The original card is a bonus but rare; most collectors prioritise the clips themselves. Expect to pay between £60 and £120 for a good-condition set, depending on the clarity of the rhinestones and the absence of plating wear.
Caring for these clips is straightforward. Avoid prolonged contact with perfume, hairspray and water, as these can dull the rhodium plating. After each wear, wipe the metal gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and product residue. Store each clip separately – a compartmentalised jewellery box or a small fabric pouch prevents scratching. If the spring mechanism becomes stiff, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge (applied with a toothpick) restores smooth action. Never use abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic jewellery cleaners; the glass rhinestones can crack, and the prongs may loosen.
One specific tip for the Snow Flakes 4: because the snowflake arms are delicate, avoid pinning them into very thick hair or tight braids. The pressure can bend the arms out of shape. Instead, use them as finishing touches on looser styles. If an arm does bend, a gentle press with your thumb on a flat surface often corrects it – but do this sparingly, as repeated bending weakens the metal.
A Final Note on Authenticity
Reproductions of snowflake clips are common, but the Snow Flakes 4 set has a distinct character. Genuine examples have a slightly warm silver tone (not the icy white of modern nickel-free alloys) and the rhinestones will show tiny air bubbles under magnification – a hallmark of vintage glass. The spring mechanism is stamped ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ in fine letters. If you encounter a set with a bright chrome finish or perfectly uniform stones, it is likely a later revival. The charm of the originals lies in their subtle imperfections: the slight asymmetry of a hand-finished arm, the gentle wear on the plating that hints at decades of festive use. That is the true value of a vintage snowflake clip – it carries a little bit of British winter history in every sparkle.