P563 Lapis Finola: A Collector’s Guide to a Mid-Century British Hair Clip

The P563 Lapis Finola is a notable variant in the Finola family of mid-century British hair clips. Its name comes from the rich, mottled blue that mimics natural lapis lazuli — a stone prized for centuries. The colour isn't a solid dye; it's a deep, cloudy ultramarine with lighter veins, achieved by marbling celluloid or early Lucite. For collectors who love the Finola silhouette — a gently curved clip with a scalloped edge and a subtle central ridge — the lapis version feels especially jewel-like.

Origins and the Finola Silhouette

The Finola design first appeared in British accessory catalogues in the late 1940s, produced by Maison Archives among others. Its name, likely from an Irish feminine given name, fits a post-war trend of romantic, pastoral model names. The clip measures about 6 cm long — enough to secure a side sweep or low twist, but compact enough to sit above the ear. The P563 code marks a specific colour-and-material batch: “lapis” for the blue marbled finish, “Finola” for the shape.

Unlike later moulded plastic clips, the Lapis Finola was often hand-polished after moulding to bring out the colour depth. The back clip mechanism is a simple spring-loaded metal prong, now often showing a light patina. That's normal and doesn't reduce the clip's value, as long as the spring still holds tension.

Material and Craftsmanship

The marbled effect on the P563 was made by layering differently coloured celluloid sheets before pressing. Celluloid was the dominant material for dress clips until the 1960s, when safer acrylics replaced it. Early 1950s Lapis Finola clips tend to be warmer and more translucent; later ones (circa 1958–62) look denser and more opaque. A genuine P563 has no seam lines on the top surface — the scalloped edge is smoothed by hand buffing.

A telling detail: the colour distribution. No two Lapis Finola clips are exactly alike. The veining is random, making each piece a miniature artwork. Collectors often seek specimens with dramatic white or golden speckles that mimic the pyrite inclusions in real lapis lazuli.

Recognising a P563 Lapis Finola

• Markings: Look for a small embossed “563” or “P563” on the inside of the clip arm, near the hinge. Some early runs lack the “P” — that's a variant, not a flaw.
• Colour test: Hold the clip up to a strong light. Genuine lapis celluloid shows a faint amber translucence at the thinnest edges. Modern reproductions tend to be uniformly opaque.
• Weight: A celluloid Finola feels lighter than a modern resin clip of the same size. If it feels surprisingly heavy, it may be a different material or a later copy.
• Patina: Slight darkening around the metal spring is common and confirms age. Avoid clips where the celluloid has started to crack or flake — that's irreversible decay.

Styling the Lapis Finola with a Contemporary Wardrobe

The deep blue tone works with navy, cream, charcoal, and muted greens — think a tailored wool blazer in forest green paired with a silk scarf that picks up the clip's lighter veins. For a bolder look, wear it with a crisp white blouse and a structured midi skirt in camel or taupe. The Finola's scalloped edge adds a soft, feminine touch that balances sharp modern cuts.

For hairstyles, the Lapis Finola works as a side accent on loose waves or to secure a French twist at the nape. If your hair is fine, use a bit of dry texture spray before inserting the clip — the metal prong needs grip to stay put. For thicker hair, the clip can be a decorative detail over a hidden elastic.

Care and Preservation

Celluloid is a semi-synthetic material that needs gentle handling. Keep your P563 Lapis Finola in top shape with these tips:

• Storage: Wrap the clip in acid-free tissue paper and store it in a cool, dark drawer — never in direct sunlight or near a radiator. Heat and UV accelerate celluloid breakdown, causing warping or brittleness.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust. If the clip feels sticky (a sign of early degradation), consult a professional conservator. Avoid water, alcohol, or acetone.
• Wearing frequency: Rotate your vintage clips to reduce wear on the spring. After each use, let the clip rest for at least 24 hours before wearing again.
• Avoid hair products: Hairspray, gel, and oils leave a residue that dulls the lapis finish. Put the clip in after styling.

One practical trick: if the metal prong goes loose, a jeweller can gently squeeze the hinge with pliers wrapped in felt. That restores tension without damaging the celluloid. Always request pliers only — no heat or glue.

When adding a P563 Lapis Finola to your collection, inspect the area around the hinge for tiny stress lines. These are common on clips left clasped tightly for decades. A clip with clear, unblemished celluloid and a strong spring is a fine investment — and a lovely piece of British mid-century design to wear and admire.