Design Story

While Links of London produced many charms celebrating love, luck, and London life, the Lipstick Charm added a touch of vintage vanity-case allure. Its finely detailed form — from the square barrel to the rounded tip — was instantly recognisable. Early examples featured a red enamel lip tip, while later or restored versions reveal the craftsmanship of the casting in pure polished silver.

This charm’s design reflects a time when charm collecting became both personal and expressive. As wearable keepsakes evolved from simple tokens to storytelling jewels, the Lipstick Charm represented confidence, femininity, and timeless beauty — a miniature celebration of self-expression.

Construction & Craftsmanship

• Material: Sterling silver (S925)
• Finish: Originally produced with red enamel tip; restored examples feature high-polish sterling silver throughout
• Dimensions: Approx. 16mm long (20mm including bail), 4.5mm wide
• Bail: Standard 9×7mm oval Links of London bail with three-ring logo, suitable for bracelets or necklaces up to 5mm wide
• Hallmark: LL, 925, with date letter for 2009 (specific to the individual piece, not necessarily the release year)

The Restored Silver Variant

As with many enamelled charms from the era, time and wear often affected the delicate surface. In this restored version, the original enamel was beyond preservation and was therefore removed during professional restoration. What remains is a beautifully sculpted piece in solid silver — a minimalist interpretation that reveals the underlying artistry of the design.

Each restored example is professionally cleaned and polished, bringing new life to a retired charm while maintaining its authenticity. Rather than replicate its original finish, the restoration highlights form over colour, allowing the silver itself to tell the story.

Collectability

The Lipstick Charm is now a sought-after addition to The Vault, representing a period when Links of London designs captured the imagination of charm collectors around the world. Its appeal lies not just in nostalgia but in the balance of whimsy and refinement — a design equally at home on a Sweetie bracelet or suspended from a delicate chain.

Collectors often seek both versions: the red-enamel original, showing Links’ light-hearted creativity, and the restored silver edition, which serves as a modern reinterpretation of the classic piece. Together, they illustrate how heritage, wear, and restoration can become part of a charm’s evolving story.

Hallmarks & Provenance

Each charm is hallmarked LL 925 and bears the distinctive Links of London three-ring logo. The date letter indicates the year of assay, confirming authenticity without tying the design to a specific release year. As with all pieces in Restoration Stories, this hallmark ensures traceable provenance and enduring collectability.

Links of London Design Legacy

The Lipstick Charm sits comfortably within Links of London’s design legacy — a blend of British wit, craftsmanship, and personal storytelling. It is part of the broader narrative preserved in the Timeless Charms archive, where jewellery design is celebrated not just for perfection, but for its journey through time, wear, and renewal.