The Store p149 Star Diamante Hair Clip: A Vintage British Treasure
Few things quicken the pulse of a vintage hair accessory collector like a neatly inscribed product code on the back of a clip. The store p149 star diamante hair clip is one such find – a small silver-toned star, perhaps two inches across, studded with clear rhinestones that catch the light like fragments of a disco ball. Its spring-loaded mechanism is typically British: precise, durable, and often still working perfectly decades later. If you have come across this piece at a car boot sale or in a dusty costume jewellery box, you are holding a little slice of mid-century glamour.
The Story of Diamante in British Hair Accessories
Diamante – the French word for diamond – entered the British fashion lexicon in the 1920s, when costume jewellery makers began setting cut glass or crystal into foil-backed settings to simulate the brilliance of real diamonds. By the 1950s and 1960s, British manufacturers such as Corocraft, Sphinx, and lesser-known workshop brands were producing hair clips, brooches, and earrings in this technique on an industrial scale. The store p149 star clip belongs to this later period, when stars and celestial motifs enjoyed a revival alongside the Space Age and the rise of Hollywood glamour. The crystals were typically claw-set into a base metal (often brass or zinc alloy) and then silver- or rhodium-plated to prevent tarnish – though time may have softened the plating to a warm pewter.
Materials and Construction
To appreciate a p149 star clip fully, look closely at the back. The spring clip mechanism is a hinged metal bar that snaps shut against a flat base – a design that stays securely in hair without pulling. Authentic vintage examples use a spring made of tempered steel, sometimes with a faint patina of rust that does not affect function. The rhinestones are held by tiny prongs. If a stone is missing, you may see a reflective foil lining the setting; this is a hallmark of quality diamante work from the era. The star itself may have five or six points, each point terminating in a smaller stone or a smooth metal tip. The central stone is usually the largest, often a marquise or round cut.
Why the Star Motif?
Stars have adorned hair accessories for centuries, but the mid-20th century gave them a new symbolism: optimism, aspiration, and a touch of celestial romance. British women in the 1950s wore star clips to evening parties, dances, and weddings, often paired with rolled hairstyles or French pleats. The diamante sparkle was especially effective under the warm amber lights of dance halls. Today, the p149 star clip works equally well as a hair ornament for a wedding guest or as a subtle nod to vintage style clipped onto a velvet headband.
How to Identify an Authentic p149
The code “p149” is stamped or engraved on the metal clip, usually on the inside of the spring arm or on the flat base. This code system was used by British manufacturers to track production runs. You may also see “Made in England” or a registration number. Weight is a good clue: genuine metal and stones give the clip a satisfying heft, while modern reproductions often feel flimsy. The stones should have sharp facets and a clear, colourless brilliance – not a cloudy or plastic appearance. Hold the clip up to natural light: the sparkle should be bright and uniform. If the metal has a pitted or bubbled surface, it may be later cadmium or zinc alloy that has degraded; avoid such pieces as they can be brittle.
Pairing the Star Clip with Contemporary Style
The beauty of the p149 star diamante hair clip is its versatility. For a modern, understated look, fasten it to a low side ponytail or use it to secure a silk scarf tied around your hair. It also works beautifully as a lapel pin or as an accent on a handbag strap. The silver tone works with both cool and warm colours, making it a neutral accessory that adds polish to a simple white shirt or a black dress. If you favour the “quiet luxury” trend, this clip supplies just the right amount of sparkle without shouting.
Caring for Your Vintage Find
Diamante clips need gentle handling. Avoid getting hairspray, perfume, or water on the stones – the foil backing can cloud over time. Store the clip in a fabric-lined jewellery box or a small zip-lock bag with a felt divider to prevent scratching. If the metal has dulled, you can polish it very lightly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth; never use chemical cleaners or silver dip, as they may loosen the stones. Should a stone fall out, a jeweller who works with vintage pieces can reset it – keep the original stone if you can, as replacements may not match perfectly.
A Practical Tip for Buyers
Before purchasing a store p149 star diamante hair clip, check the spring tension. Gently open the clip and let it snap shut – a good spring will close with a crisp, even click. If it feels loose or sticky, the clip may not hold securely. Also examine the hinge for cracks. A spring that clicks confidently and a clean hinge are signs you've found a well-preserved example. Many vintage dealers will let you test the mechanism before buying. Once you confirm these details, the clip is ready to add to your collection—and to your hair. For more on star-themed vintage accessories, our guide on Stars, Colours, and Craft: The Art of Vintage British Hair Accessories covers the symbolism and craftsmanship behind these celestial beauties.