The Boone Cocktail Ring Clip: A Vintage British Hair Accessory Worth Collecting

In the world of vintage British hair accessories, few names are as charmingly enigmatic as the “Boone Cocktail Ring” clip. The name itself is a delightful paradox: a cocktail ring is traditionally a large, gemstone-studded finger ring worn for evening occasions, yet here it appears as a hair clip. The Boone cocktail ring clip is exactly that—a sculptural, often oversized hair accessory that mimics the look of a statement cocktail ring, complete with a faux gemstone centre and a metal setting, but fitted with a spring-loaded clip or a sturdy alligator clasp to hold a section of hair. The “store p159” marking, often found stamped on the back of the clip, points to a retail or manufacturer’s code used by British department stores or small jewellery-cum-accessory makers in the mid‑20th century. The “html” in the filename is a modern digital artefact—likely a product page extension—but it has become a collector’s shorthand for this particular model.

The Boone Brand: A Whisper of British Post‑War Glamour

Unlike the big names of British millinery such as Herbert Johnson or Simone Mirman, the Boone label belongs to a quieter, more elusive category of accessories that were produced in small batches for local boutiques and department stores. Boone pieces are typically unmarked aside from the name and a numeric code like “p159”. The “cocktail ring” clip appears to have been part of a line of novelty hair ornaments popular in the 1950s and early 1960s, a time when women embraced dramatic, sculptural shapes in response to the structured fashion of the New Look. The clip’s design—a faceted cabochon “stone” surrounded by a scalloped metal frame—echoes the costume jewellery of the era, particularly the work of makers like Coro or Trifari, but with a distinctly British modesty of scale. Boone likely sourced the faux stones from a local glass foundry, perhaps in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and assembled them in a small workshop in London or the Home Counties.

Materials and Construction

Authentic Boone cocktail ring clips are made from a combination of base metal (often brass or pot metal) with a gold‑tone or silver‑tone plating. The “stone” is a pressed glass cabochon, usually in deep ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, or clear crystal with a foil backing to enhance the sparkle. The clip mechanism is a spring‑loaded metal barrette or a narrow alligator clip, both of which were standard for lightweight hair accessories of the period. The metal frame is often set with tiny rhinestones around the stone, adding a touch of evening glamour. The back of the clip carries the incised stamp “BOONE” and, in smaller letters, “p159” — a style code that helps collectors date the piece to the late 1950s or early 1960s, when such alphanumeric codes were common in British retail. The clip is small enough to anchor a side sweep or a low ponytail, yet bold enough to serve as a standalone statement.

Dating Your Boone Cocktail Ring Clip

Collectors often rely on the “p159” code as a dating clue. Similar codes appear on other British hair accessories from the same period, such as the Green Snake Beret clip or the Spring Daisy Beret — both of which use comparable spring‑clip mechanisms and metal finishes. The Boone cocktail ring clip is consistent with the 1950s obsession with geometrically perfect shapes and the growing popularity of costume jewellery as everyday wear. The presence of a foil‑backed glass cabochon (rather than later plastic imitations) strongly suggests a pre‑1970 manufacture. If the clip has a tarnished gold plating with a slightly warm patina, it is likely authentic. Be wary of reproductions that use a bright, uniform gold colour or a lightweight aluminium clip—these are usually modern imports.

Collecting: What to Look For

• Stone condition: The foil backing of the cabochon can deteriorate over time, causing the stone to look dull or milky. A clip with a bright, reflective stone is more valuable.
• Metal finish: Gold‑tone plating should be intact, with only minor wear at the edges. Deep tarnish or brassing can be polished, but heavy pitting may indicate a piece that was stored in poor conditions.
• Clip tension: The spring should close firmly. A loose clip can be repaired by a jeweller, but it adds to the restoration cost.
• Stamp clarity: The “BOONE” and “p159” marks should be legible. Faded or missing stamps are common, but a clear mark increases collector interest.

Prices for a Boone cocktail ring clip in good condition typically range from £25 to £60, depending on the stone colour and rarity. The ruby red and emerald green versions are the most sought‑after.

Styling the Boone Cocktail Ring Clip Today

The Boone cocktail ring clip is a masterclass in versatility. Its compact size and bold colour make it ideal for adding a touch of vintage sparkle to a modern outfit. For a daytime look, wear it to secure a low side ponytail or a half‑up twist, letting the clip’s jewel tone contrast with a neutral sweater or a crisp white shirt. For evening, sweep your hair to one side and use the clip as a decorative anchor—it channels the glamour of a 1950s cocktail party without feeling costume‑like. The clip pairs beautifully with other vintage accessories; for instance, a faux pearl necklace or a pair of gold‑tone earrings from the same era. If you own a Vintage Strawberry Hair Claw from the same period, you can mix the two for a playful, colour‑themed ensemble—but let the Boone clip be the focal point because of its gem‑like presence.

Care and Preservation

Because the Boone cocktail ring clip combines metal and glass, gentle care is essential. Clean the metal parts with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and hairspray. Avoid submerging the clip in water or using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can loosen the foil backing or dull the plating. Store the clip in a fabric‑lined jewellery box or a small pouch, separate from other accessories, to prevent scratches on the glass stone. If the clip’s spring becomes stiff, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge (applied with a toothpick) can restore smooth movement. Do not attempt to pry open the clip mechanism—it is delicate and can snap.

One Final Note for the Hunt

If you are searching for a Boone cocktail ring clip at a car boot sale, vintage fair, or online marketplace, pay attention to the “p159” code and the metal quality. Many sellers mislabel these as “1960s cocktail ring hair clips” without knowing the Boone name. A genuine piece will have a satisfying weight and a slightly warm tone to the metal. Trust your fingers—if the clip feels flimsy, it is likely later reproduction. The Boone cocktail ring clip is a small treasure that captures the spirit of postwar British optimism, when a woman could transform her everyday look with a single, jewel‑like accessory. Happy hunting.