The Art of Utility – Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

Before charm bracelets defined its global image, Links of London was a house renowned for small, functional silver objects. Among these, the sterling silver money clip was a mark of refinement — a simple tool elevated through craftsmanship. This 1995 example from The Vault stands as one of the earliest hallmarked accessories from the brand’s formative years, combining utility, proportion and understated design in a single folded form.

Design and Early Production

Crafted from solid sterling silver, this compact clip measures 50mm long, 16mm wide, and 8mm thick, with a 1mm material gauge giving it both lightness and strength. It’s a classic single-piece folded tension design — the hallmark of traditional money clip engineering. The front bears the early Links of London hallmark LL 925 with the date letter for 1995, confirming its place among the brand’s earliest silverworks.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

In the 1990s, Links of London specialised in handcrafted men’s accessories — cufflinks, tie slides, keyrings and money clips — often made in small runs at British workshops. Each piece was designed to be both practical and beautifully made, using the same attention to finishing found in fine jewellery. The simplicity of this design is deceptive: the spring tension is achieved through precise metalwork and work-hardening, demanding both skill and care.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

Restoration and Renewal

When rediscovered, this clip showed the signs of everyday use — scuffed edges, softened spring tension and surface fatigue from decades of handling. It has since undergone a meticulous restoration. The silver was fully annealed to relieve stress, gently opened and cleaned, then reformed and work-hardened to restore proper tension. Finally, it was mirror polished to a bright vintage lustre, leaving subtle traces of its history intact. The result is a money clip that looks and functions as it did when new, yet carries the character of age and use.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

Form and Function

At just 13 grams, this money clip is compact yet substantial. Its folded tension mechanism grips securely without the need for screws or hinges, relying solely on the resilience of the silver. The surface is plain, free of engraving or ornamentation — a deliberate design choice that highlights proportion and finish over decoration. It’s both discreet and expressive, the kind of object that improves with touch and time.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

A Window into Early Links of London

Pieces from the early years of Links of London are increasingly scarce, particularly those made before the launch of the Sweetie Bracelet in 2000. This 1995 clip belongs to the brand’s first era — when silver accessories for men defined its identity. During this time, Links produced many of the items that would later become cult collectables: weighty silver cufflinks, hallmarked keyrings, and practical designs like this one. Each piece embodied the brand’s London heritage and quiet confidence.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

Collector’s Perspective

While later Links of London designs embraced whimsy and personal symbolism, early accessories like this money clip appeal for their purity of form. They bridge the worlds of silversmithing and modern design — functional, tactile, and enduring. Restored and fully usable once again, this clip now joins The Vault as a working relic of British craftsmanship, representing the foundation of what would become one of London’s most recognisable jewellery brands.

Vintage Links of London Sterling Silver Money Clip 1995

Specifications

• Material: Sterling silver (S925)
• Dimensions: 50mm long, 16mm wide, 8mm thick
• Weight: 13 grams
• Hallmarks: LL 925 with date letter for 1995
• Finish: Mirror polished with light vintage marks
• Condition: Professionally restored, fully functional
• Packaging: Supplied with original oval Links of London box (blue interior) and period black fabric Links pouch

Why It Endures

In a world of disposable accessories, a well-made money clip still represents permanence and purpose. This early Links of London example demonstrates how good design endures through restoration, craftsmanship and care. Nearly three decades later, it remains a quiet statement piece — as usable as the day it was made, and a tangible link to the origins of the brand itself.

Discover More

• Explore The Vault for restored vintage Links of London pieces