Decoding ‘Store p123 Dejan Earrings Plum Html’: A Vintage Hair Accessory Guide

The code store p123 dejan earrings plum html pops up in vintage hair accessory listings all the time. At first glance, it looks like random inventory gibberish. But for a collector, each segment is a clue to the piece’s origin, material, and era. Let’s decode it — and learn how to use it when you’re hunting for authentic British hair accessories from the mid‑20th century.

The “p123” prefix is almost certainly a stock or pattern number assigned by the manufacturer or retailer. In British accessory houses of the 1950s and 1960s, numeric codes like this were used to catalogue a specific design across multiple colourways. Plum, as the colour descriptor, suggests a deep purple‑red shade that was especially fashionable in the late 1950s and again in the early 1970s. The word “dejan” is more unusual — it could be a maker’s mark, a model name, or even a misspelling of “de Jean” (a French influence popular in London boutiques).

What “Earrings” Tells Us About the Form

The term “earrings” in the code is a misnomer but a deliberate one. Many British hair accessory designers in the 1960s borrowed shapes from jewellery — clip‑on earrings, brooches, and pendants — and adapted them as hair clips, combs, or barrettes. A “dejan earrings” piece likely refers to a hair clip that mimics the silhouette of a pair of earrings: either a single large clip shaped like an earring, or a set of two small clips worn together to create an earring effect. The “plum” colour suggests a resin or cellulose acetate construction, materials that were easy to mould into intricate, jewellery‑like forms.

Why the “HTML” Extension?

In vintage cataloguing, “html” doesn’t refer to hypertext markup language — it’s an old stock‑keeping abbreviation for “house trim, medium length”. Some British wholesalers used two‑letter codes for size or finish: “HT” for “head trim”, “ML” for “medium length”. Over time, handwritten notes or typed labels were misread as “html”. This detail is crucial for collectors: if you see “html” in a listing, expect a mid‑sized accessory, not a tiny or oversized piece.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Plum‑coloured hair accessories from the 1950s–1970s were typically made from one of three materials:

• Cellulose acetate: Lightweight, warm to the touch, and available in rich translucent colours. Look for a subtle grain or marbling — a sign of genuine vintage production.
• Bakelite: Heavier, with a distinctive “hot” smell when rubbed. Plum Bakelite pieces are rare and command higher prices, but they are often brittle.
• Lucite or Perspex: Clear or coloured acrylic, often used for earring‑shaped clips in the 1960s. They are more scratch‑resistant but can yellow with age.

To identify your piece, hold it near a window. Cellulose acetate will let light through with a soft glow; Bakelite will be opaque. The “dejan” label may appear as a tiny stamped or embossed mark on the back of the clip — use a magnifying loupe to read it.

Era and Silhouette Clues

The “earring” shape became popular in British hair accessories around 1963–1965, when designers like Mary Quant and Biba started using jewellery motifs in hair. A plum‑coloured earring‑shaped clip would have been worn with a sleek bob or a side‑swept updo, often paired with a matching plastic headband. If your piece has a metal spring clip on the back, it’s likely from the late 1960s; if it has a pronged comb, it may be earlier. The “p123” code suggests a mid‑range department store line, possibly from stores like Selfridges or Harrods’ accessory counters.

For a deeper look at how braided headbands coexisted with these earring clips, see our guide on The Sidney Braided Headband: A Collector’s Guide to a British Hair Accessory Classic. The contrast between the rigid, shiny earring clip and the soft, woven headband is a wonderful example of 1960s texture play.

How to Properly Store and Clean a Plum Dejan Earrings Clip

Because the material is likely cellulose acetate or resin, avoid water and direct sunlight. Follow these steps:

1. Wipe gently with a dry, lint‑free cloth. If grime persists, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.
2. Never use alcohol, acetone, or polish — these dissolve cellulose acetate.
3. Store the clip in a acid‑free tissue paper or a soft pouch, separate from metal accessories that might scratch it.
4. Keep it away from radiators and windowsills. Heat can warp the shape; UV light will fade the plum colour to a muddy brown.

If you have a matching set of two clips (the “earrings” pair), store them together in a small box to avoid losing one. The “medium length” indicated by the “html” suffix means the clip is about 4–5 cm long — perfect for sectioning a side ponytail.

Spotting Authentic “Store p123” Pieces vs. Reproductions

Reproductions of plum earring‑shaped clips are common in the mass market, but they lack the subtle details of the originals. Here are three tell‑tale signs:

• Weight: Vintage cellulose acetate is heavier than modern plastic. If the clip feels featherlight, it’s likely a reproduction.
• Seam lines: Original moulds were hand‑finished. Look for a small, smooth seam along the edge — not a sharp, raised line.
• Colour depth: True vintage plum is complex, with hints of violet and brown. Modern copies often use a flat, candy‑like purple.

Another clue is the “dejan” stamp. Original makers used a fine, serifed typeface. If the letters look blurry or sans‑serif, it is probably a later copy.

For collectors interested in textured trims that appear on the edges of such clips, the article on Ric Rac 4: The Zigzag Trim That Defined Vintage British Hair Accessories explains how those wavy borders were applied to plastic accessories in the 1950s and 1960s.

Pairing a Plum Earring Clip with a Modern Wardrobe

Don’t relegate that plum clip to a costume trunk. It works beautifully with a cream or beige cashmere jumper, a pair of high‑waisted denim, and a subtle gold earring (real earrings, not hair clips). The rich plum tone echoes the 1970s palette that is back in British fashion. For a modern twist, wear the clip at the nape of your neck to secure a low bun, or use it as a side accent on a half‑up style. Because the piece is small, it won’t overwhelm a minimalist outfit.

If you’re worried about the clip slipping, add a thin clear elastic underneath. The original spring mechanism is often strong enough to hold fine hair, but layered hair might need a little help. Test the tension on a small section before committing to a full style.

Finally, always photograph the “p123” code and any markings before you store the clip. Over time, the tiny stamp can wear off, and you’ll want that reference for insurance or resale. A clear macro shot of the underside is worth keeping in your digital archive.