The Snow Flake 2: British Vintage Snowflake Hair Clips from 1951

It was the winter of 1951 when a small Birmingham jewellery firm started die-stamping silver-plated snowflake hair clips. Each clip had six precisely cut points and a tiny rhinestone at the centre. Those clips were part of a second series – the “Snow Flake 2” line – that followed an earlier, more elaborate Art Deco design. The shift from hand-chased detail to clean, mass-produced geometry marked a turning point in how winter motifs were worn in British hair.

What Makes a Snow Flake 2 Different from Earlier Snowflake Accessories

The first generation of snowflake hair ornaments, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, were often made of celluloid or early plastics, hand-painted with delicate frost-like patterns. They were lightweight but fragile. By the late 1940s, advances in metal stamping allowed for more durable, symmetrical designs. The Snow Flake 2 series benefited from wartime precision engineering repurposed for domestic goods. Look for these distinguishing features:

• Six-point symmetry – earlier hand-made flakes often had irregular points; Snow Flake 2 pieces are perfectly uniform.
• Central stone setting – usually a clear paste or foil-back rhinestone held by four prongs, never glued.
• Stamped maker’s mark – a tiny “SF2” or “SNOWFLAKE 2” on the reverse of the metal claw.
• Clip or spring-barette back – the original series used a pin and clasp; the 2 series introduced the pinch clip for better hold on thicker hair.

Materials That Defined the Series

The Snow Flake 2 line used three main materials, each reflecting a different market tier:

• Silver plate over brass – the most common, with a soft patina that develops over decades. Genuine pieces show small flecks of brass where the plate has worn, especially on the back of the clip.
• Rhodium-plated nickel – a bright, cold white finish that resists tarnish. These are rarer and were marketed as “everlasting frost” in the early 1950s.
• Enamel on copper – only a small batch was produced in 1953, with translucent white or pale blue enamel filling the recessed areas of the flake. The enamel can chip, so examine pieces in natural light before purchase.

How to Wear Snow Flake 2 Accessories Today

Because the Snow Flake 2 clip is relatively small – about 3 cm across – it works beautifully as a subtle accent in modern hairstyles. Pairing one with a velvet ribbon tied into a low ponytail echoes mid-century polish without feeling costumed. For a bolder look, cluster two or three clips along one side of a deep side part, mimicking the way they were sold in sets of three during the 1950s.

The cool silver tones of these clips complement the warm floral patterns often found in vintage-inspired dresses. A floral maxi dress in deep navy or emerald green provides the perfect background for a single silver snowflake pinned just above the ear. For more ideas on building outfits around vintage hair accessories, see the guide on styling vintage hair accessories with floral maxi dresses.

Seasonal Considerations

Despite their wintry name, snowflake clips were worn year-round in Britain. The frosty motif was a playful counterpoint to summer garden party hats, and many women kept a set in their handbag for evening dances. Today, they are especially charming at winter weddings, Christmas parties, or any occasion where a touch of reflective sparkle feels appropriate.

Caring for Your Snow Flake 2 Clip

These clips were made to last, but they need gentle handling. The spring mechanism inside the clip is the most vulnerable part; avoid bending the metal beyond its natural opening angle. To clean, use a soft, dry cloth – never silver polish, which can strip the rhodium or dislodge the enamel. If the rhinestone has dulled, a wipe with a lint-free lens cloth slightly dampened with distilled water can restore its brilliance.

Store each clip individually, ideally in a compartmented box or wrapped in acid-free tissue. Clips left loose in a drawer may scratch one another or snag on fabric. A vintage powder compact makes a charming storage case that also protects the piece.

The hallmark of a well-preserved Snow Flake 2 clip is the crispness of the back stamp. Over-polishing or harsh cleaning will soften the letters. If you find a clip with a legible “SF2” mark, consider it a prize worth preserving exactly as it is—patina and all.