Catarina Colours 3: A Collector’s Guide to Three Vintage Hair Accessory Hues

The Catarina Colours 3 collection comprises three distinct colourways that have captivated collectors since their debut in the late 1920s. Unlike the more common single-shade hair accessories of the period, the Catarina line offered a deliberate palette of deep garnet, pale ivory, and sapphire blue — each intended to complement different hair tones and evening wear. These pieces were produced in limited runs by a small London workshop that specialised in hand-carved celluloid and metal alloys, making each colourway a subtle variation in both hue and finish.

The Three Colourways of Catarina Colours 3

Understanding the three colours is essential for any serious collector. The garnet shade is a rich, translucent red that catches light in a way that mimics natural gemstone — it was often paired with velvet ribbons for formal occasions. The ivory colourway is a warm off-white with a faint cream undertone, never stark white, and typically features a satin-like polish. The sapphire blue is a deep, almost navy tone with occasional streaks of lighter blue, achieved by layering two different celluloid sheets during pressing.

Each colourway was produced in three accessory forms: a small side comb, a longer hair slide, and a pair of decorative barrettes. The side comb measures roughly 5 cm in width and has six curved teeth; the hair slide is 8 cm long with a spring-clip mechanism; the barrettes are 4 cm each and sold as a set. The metal components — usually brass or nickel-silver — were often gilded or silvered, with the plating wearing off in characteristic patterns over decades.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The Catarina workshop used a high-quality celluloid known for its stability and ability to hold colour without fading rapidly. Unlike many contemporary accessories that relied on painted surfaces, the colour was blended into the celluloid itself, creating a depth that remains visible even after a century. The metal springs and hinges were hand-assembled, and the teeth of the combs were individually filed to avoid snagging. This attention to detail is what distinguishes genuine Catarina pieces from later reproductions.

To identify an authentic Catarina Colours 3 accessory, examine the back of the slide or comb for a faint embossed mark — a small letter “C” inside a circle, usually near the hinge. The mark is shallow and often worn, so a magnifying glass helps. Also check the colour consistency: genuine pieces show subtle variations in shade across the surface, whereas modern copies tend to be uniform and flat.

Care and Preservation

Celluloid is sensitive to heat and humidity, so proper storage is vital. Keep your Catarina pieces away from direct sunlight and radiators. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box works best. Never use acetone or alcohol-based cleaners — they will dissolve the celluloid. Instead, wipe gently with a slightly damp microfiber cloth and dry immediately. If the metal parts show tarnish, a dry silver-polish cloth can be used sparingly, avoiding contact with the celluloid.

For daily wear, avoid exposing the accessories to hairspray or perfume until the product has fully dried. The alcohol in many styling products can dull the surface over time. If you plan to wear a Catarina clip in damp weather, consider applying a thin coat of museum-grade microcrystalline wax to the metal parts only — this adds a layer of protection without altering the colour.

Cleaning Checklist

• Use only lukewarm water and mild soap if necessary (rinse immediately).
• Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth — never rub vigorously.
• Store flat, not stacked, to prevent scratching.
• Check metal springs annually for rust; if present, consult a professional restorer.

Styling with a Modern Wardrobe

The beauty of the Catarina Colours 3 lies in their versatility. The garnet shade works beautifully with deep autumnal tones — think burgundy, forest green, and charcoal. Wear the side comb to secure a side-swept section of hair, leaving the rest loose for a relaxed yet polished effect. The ivory colourway is perfect for summer whites and pastels; it reads as a neutral but with more warmth than a stark plastic clip. Try the hair slide on a half-up style with a simple linen dress.

The sapphire blue is the most statement-making of the trio. It pairs unexpectedly well with mustard yellow, camel, or even a crisp white shirt. Because the blue is deep rather than bright, it doesn’t compete with bold prints — it grounds them. For evening, the sapphire barrettes can be used symmetrically on either side of a low bun, echoing the geometric Art Deco lines of the 1920s.

If you own a single Catarina piece and want to expand your collection, focus on finding the same colourway in a different form. A garnet side comb and a garnet hair slide can be worn together without looking mismatched, because the colour is identical. The workshop intentionally kept the dye batches consistent across all three forms within each colour run.

Dating Your Catarina Colours 3 Accessory

The evolution of the metal clasp offers clues to the production year. Early examples (circa 1927–1929) have a simple bent-wire spring visible on the back. By the mid-1930s, the workshop switched to a stamped metal cover that hid the spring mechanism entirely. The celluloid itself also changed slightly: earlier pieces have a more matte finish, while later ones are glossier due to improved polishing techniques. Knowing these details helps you place your piece within the collection’s timeline.

For a deeper dive into dating techniques used across different vintage hair accessory lines, you might find it helpful to read our guide on How to Date and Wear Vintage Hair Scarves — the same principles of construction analysis apply to combs and slides.

A Note on Collecting

The Catarina Colours 3 pieces appear at antiques fairs and online auctions with some regularity, but condition varies widely. Look for examples with intact metal plating and no cracks in the celluloid. A small scratch on the back is acceptable, but a crack near the teeth renders the comb unwearable. Prices typically range from £25 to £80 for a single piece, with full sets (comb, slide, barrettes) fetching up to £200. The sapphire colourway is the rarest, followed by garnet; ivory is more common because it was produced in larger quantities for bridal wear.

If you are new to collecting, start with a single ivory barrette — it is affordable, easy to style, and a perfect introduction to the quality of the Catarina workshop. Once you have handled one piece, you will quickly recognise the signature feel of the celluloid and the precise click of the spring.

For a modern interpretation, pair the garnet Catarina clip with a charcoal cashmere sweater and a silk scarf tied loosely — the deep red adds a warm accent without overwhelming the outfit. The contrast between the soft knit and the glossy vintage material creates a dialogue between decades that feels entirely current.