The Store P157 Diamante Barrette: A Vintage Smile in Your Hair

The Store P157 diamante barrette is a curious and charming artefact from the golden age of British hair accessories. Unlike the more common beret clips or fabric-covered bands, this piece combines cold, glittering rhinestones with an unexpectedly playful motif: a small emoji-like face. Collectors often encounter the code “p157” stamped on the metal back, alongside the letters “HTML” – a cryptic signature that links it to a specific manufacturing era. Understanding this barrette means decoding not just its materials, but the cultural moment that produced it.

What Exactly Is the Store P157 Diamante Barrette?

The term “store” in the model number does not refer to a retail chain but to a factory or workshop code used by British accessory manufacturers in the 1960s and 1970s. The “p157” likely denotes a specific mould or design batch. “Diamante” is the British term for rhinestone – typically cut glass or crystal with a foil backing to simulate diamond sparkle. The barrette itself is a spring-loaded metal clip, usually silver- or gold-toned, with a flat face onto which the diamantes are glued or set in bezel mounts.

What sets the P157 apart is the arrangement of stones into a rudimentary face: two round eyes and a curved smile. This early “emoji” predates digital emoji by decades, tapping into a post-war appetite for cute, expressive accessories. The face is often surrounded by a halo of smaller stones or a border of single-cut diamantes. The reverse side bears the stamped marks “p157” and “HTML” – the latter likely an inspector’s or tooling code, not a computer language.

Dating the P157: When Did This Barrette Appear?

Based on construction techniques and the use of epoxy resin to hold the stones, the P157 diamante barrette was most likely produced between the late 1960s and early 1970s. The smiling face motif aligns with the “flower power” and pop-art movements that embraced bold, graphic icons. Similar designs appear on brooches and earrings from the same period. The metal spring mechanism is a classic “French barrette” style, with a hinge at one end and a clasp at the other. This style was widely used for formal or semi-formal hair accessories, making the P157 versatile enough for both day and evening wear.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The base metal is likely brass or a nickel alloy, plated with silver or gold. The diamantes are cut glass – not Swarovski crystal, but a good-quality domestic equivalent. Each stone is fixed with a two-part epoxy that has yellowed slightly on some surviving examples, giving the barrette a warm vintage patina. The setting is a shallow bezel stamped from a single sheet of metal, with prongs that press over the stones. This technique was cost-effective yet durable, allowing the barrette to survive decades with only occasional stone loss.

Collectors should examine the back for the “HTML” stamp. On genuine P157 clips, the letters are crisp and evenly spaced, often accompanied by a small anchor or star mark indicating the plating quality. Beware of later reproductions that use plastic stones or a simple adhesive without a bezel – these lack the weight and precision of the original.

Styling the P157 Today

Despite its vintage origin, the diamante barrette pairs effortlessly with a contemporary wardrobe. The small size (about 4–5 cm across) makes it ideal for securing a side-swept section of hair or pinning back a curtain fringe. The smiling face adds a dash of whimsy without being childish – think of it as a secret wink visible only from certain angles. For a British autumn look, wear it with a cashmere roll-neck and tailored trousers; for summer, let it catch the sun against a loose chignon.

If you own a similar vintage clip from the same era, such as The Black Snake Hair Barrette: A Vintage Symbol Reimagined, the P157 makes a delightful counterpart – one serpentine, one cheerful. Mixing motifs from the same period creates a cohesive but eclectic vintage aesthetic.

Care and Preservation

Because the diamantes are glued, avoid submerging the barrette in water or exposing it to hairspray and perfume. Clean with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. If a stone becomes loose, a tiny dab of jeweller’s epoxy can reattach it – apply with a toothpick and press gently. Store the barrette in a fabric-lined box or a padded compartment to prevent scratching. The spring mechanism can stiffen over time; a drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge (applied with a needle) restores smooth action.

Why the HTML Stamp Matters

The “HTML” code on the P157 has sparked much speculation among collectors. Some believe it stands for “Hair Trim Manufacturing Ltd.” – a now-defunct company based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Others suggest it is a tooling mark from a press machine model “HTML-1”. Without surviving factory records, the exact meaning remains elusive, but the stamp is a reliable authenticity marker. Any barrette claiming to be a P157 without the “HTML” imprint should be treated with caution.

Where to Find Your Own

These barrettes surface at British vintage fairs, charity shops, and online auctions. Search terms like “vintage diamante smile barrette”, “1960s rhinestone hair clip”, or “store p157” can yield results. Expect to pay between £15 and £40 depending on condition and stone completeness. A barrette with all stones intact and minimal plating wear is a good investment – it will only increase in value as interest in 1960s hair accessories grows.

Before you buy, check the spring: a barrette that snaps shut firmly will hold hair securely. Look for the “HTML” stamp on the back, and hold the piece up to the light – genuine diamantes will show a slight rainbow refraction. Once you have your P157, try it with a simple side part and a dark blazer for a subtle nod to the 1960s. That little smile peeking from your hair is a conversation starter – and a piece of British fashion history that doesn't take itself too seriously.