The Green Edith Hair Clip: A Collector’s Guide

The Edith hair clip in green is a quietly iconic accessory that turns up in vintage markets and estate sales with a distinct presence. It's not loud—no rhinestones, no oversized bow—but its colour, a deep, slightly translucent green that shifts between bottle-green and dark jade under different lights, marks it as unmistakably Edith. The clip is a spring-loaded metal barrette, about six centimetres long, with a rounded top edge and a gentle curve that follows the contour of the head. What sets the green version apart is the finish: a baked enamel coating applied in thin, even layers, giving the surface a subtle depth that cheaper painted clips lack. If you've ever held one, you know the slight weight—substantial but not heavy—and the quiet click of the hinge as it opens and closes.

The origins of the Edith clip trace back to a small Birmingham-based manufacturer active from the late 1940s through the early 1960s. The company made several colours—black, tortoiseshell, a soft pink, and a pale blue—but the green was produced in the smallest quantities, likely for only two or three seasons. Surviving examples often show minor variations in the shade, from a more olive tone in earlier batches to a brighter emerald in later ones. This inconsistency isn't a flaw; it's a marker of hand-mixed enamel batches, a process that ended when production shifted to automated spraying in the mid-1960s. Collectors prize the green Edith clip because it's rare enough to feel like a find, yet not so scarce that it's out of reach.

Materials and Construction

The Edith clip uses a brass base, stamped and then nickel-plated before the enamel is applied. The plating was necessary to prevent the brass from reacting with the enamel and causing discoloration over time. The hinge mechanism is a simple steel spring, riveted in place, and the clip's teeth are short and blunt—designed to hold medium to thick hair without snagging. The enamel is fired at a high temperature, which gives it a hardness that resists chipping, though vintage pieces may show tiny hairline cracks along the edges where the metal flexes. A genuine green Edith clip will have a slight gloss, not a matte finish, and the colour should look uniform when viewed from different angles. If a clip looks painted—brush strokes, uneven coverage, or a tacky feel—it's a later reproduction or from another maker.

How to Identify a Genuine Green Edith Clip

• Check the back: The reverse of a genuine Edith clip is uncoated metal, usually a dull silver tone from the nickel plating. There is no maker's mark on most examples, but a small number have a faint “E” stamped into the hinge plate.
• Examine the hinge: The spring should be visible and the rivet head should be smooth and centred. Reproductions often use a cheaper rolled hinge that looks bulky.
• Look at the colour depth: Hold the clip under a desk lamp. The green should appear rich, with a slight translucency that lets you see a darker tone at the edges where the enamel is thicker. Modern copies tend to be opaque and flat.
• Weight test: A genuine clip weighs about 8–10 grams. Lighter clips indicate a thinner metal base, typical of later imitations.

If you're familiar with series-based colour variations—like those in our guide to the Catarina Colours 1 series—you'll appreciate the Edith clip's limited palette. The green isn't a single shade; it shifts subtly between batches, and that variability is part of its charm.

Styling the Green Edith Clip Today

The deep green of the Edith clip pairs well with contemporary wardrobes. It works as a single statement piece in a low ponytail or as a side-swept accent against a dark navy or charcoal blazer. Since the colour isn't bright, it doesn't compete with printed scarves or patterned tops. Instead, it adds a grounded, vintage note that feels intentional rather than costume-like. For a more layered look, two green Edith clips can be worn parallel on either side of a centre part, holding back temple hair—a style that was popular in the early 1950s and feels fresh again with modern mid-length cuts.

One practical note: the clip's spring tension is designed for medium to thick hair. If your hair is fine, the clip may slip, especially if the enamel surface is very smooth. In that case, a small amount of dry shampoo or texture spray on the roots can give the clip enough grip to stay put. Alternatively, you can use the clip as an accent on a braid or bun where the hair itself holds the shape, and the clip simply sits on top.

Care and Maintenance

Vintage enamel requires gentle handling. Avoid soaking the clip in water, as moisture can seep into the hinge and cause rust. Instead, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. If the clip develops a light tarnish on the metal back, a dry microfiber cloth will remove it without scratching. Never use abrasive cleaners or metal polish on the enamel—they will dull the gloss. Store the clip in a soft pouch or a compartmented box, away from other metal accessories that might scratch the enamel. With reasonable care, a green Edith clip can remain wearable for decades, and its colour will only become more appealing as the patina of age softens the edges.

The green Edith clip works especially well with a cream blouse and dark navy blazer—the contrast is subtle but intentional. It's not a piece that shouts, but it rewards those who notice. Next time you're at a flea market and spot a small metal clip with that particular green—a deep, shifting shade that seems to hold light—take a closer look. If the enamel has that subtle gloss and the hinge clicks cleanly, you've likely found an Edith.