5 Key Highlights of the Mari Pin: A Stunning Example of Hard Enamel Craftsmanship

At HIPINS, we specialize in transforming imaginative concepts into tangible, premium-quality pins. One standout example is the Mari Pin, a 50mm tall hard enamel pin that embodies both technical precision and creative depth. This design showcases an intricate dinosaur skull merged with fluid organic shapes, vibrant color palettes, and a perfect balance between realism and stylization.

In this case study, we’ll explore the detailed process behind the Mari Pin, from material selection to final polish, and highlight what makes this pin a showcase piece for any collection.

Concept &

The Mari Pin features the stylized head of a dinosaur—open-jawed, aggressive yet artistic. But this is far from a literal representation. The design cleverly merges natu with abstra such as Color

• Gold-plate elevate the
• Black create
• Pea in green
• The use of 5415 stained glass glitter fill gives a unique translucent glow in key sections—an experimental choice that adds both depth and luxury.

This is not a flat pin—it’s a layered story told in metal and enamel.

Process Complexity: Hard Enamel with Decorative Effects

The client selected hard enamel for its durability and polished finish. However, incorporating pearl powder and glitter stained glass into a hard enamel process introduced multiple challenges:

1. Flat-polish vs. glitter depth: Hard enamel is polished flush, which can diminish the dimensional sparkle of glitter. Our team adjusted the mold and controlled enamel height precisely to preserve glitter visibility.
2. Color bleed control: In sections where fine color boundaries intersect (such as the dinosaur teeth and layered muscles), we used additional internal metal walls to ensure absolute separation during enamel filling.
3. Transparency balance: The pearl colors used are partially translucent (181, 546), requiring strict control over background metal prep. Improper base finish would cause unwanted shadowing or discoloration. We applied a reflective underlayer beneath those areas to enhance brightness.

Mold Engineering & Structural Details

At 50mm and 1.8mm thickness, the pin required a custom die-cast mold with tight tolerances for:

• Sharp internal cuts to define teeth, claws, and flowing ribbons.
• Engraved backside pattern (with client’s custom backstamp).
• Raised metal on the back for added strength and aesthetic continuity.

One key technical highlight: precision sandblasting inside small cavity zones, which allowed for both texture and enamel bonding in non-flat areas. This level of micro-detailing is uncommon at this scale and showcases HIPINS’s die-cutting expertise.

Collaboration & Communication

From first sketch to final mold approval, our team worked closely with the client to align technical constraints with visual goals. Here are a few insights from the collaboration:

• The client emphasized retaining light effects through pearl and glitter—this influenced our metal wall design and color fill strategy.
• The backside wasn’t an afterthought. A custom symmetrical pattern was embedded for branding, enhancing perceived value when the pin is flipped.
• The initial request had soft enamel in mind, but we proposed switching to hard enamel to better support large flush areas and preserve line sharpness over time.

Why This Pin Stands Out

The Mari Pin isn’t just beautiful—it’s a benchmark in what’s possible with custom enamel production:

• Combines three complex surface treatments (hard enamel + glitter + pearl powder)
• Fully customized mold with undercut detailing
• 50mm size maximized for visual impact while maintaining wearable functionality
• Polished execution across front and back surfaces

For collectors, this pin feels like a luxury item. For us, it’s proof that bold design and technical know-how can meet without compromise.

FAQ

Q1: Why combine so many special effects in one pin?
This was a creative decision by the client to push boundaries. By coordinating glitter, pearl, and hard enamel, we achieved a dynamic, light-reactive surface rarely seen in single pins.

Q2: Does this pin require more mold maintenance?
Yes. The intricate metal separations and detailed cavities required tighter mold QC. However, the results justify the extra care.

Q3: Could this be done with soft enamel?
Technically yes, but visual quality would suffer. Soft enamel can’t achieve the same flush polish or structural firmness, especially at this size.

Q4: What’s the best size for pins with multiple effects?
We recommend 45mm and up. This gives enough visual space for techniques like stained glass, pearl, or screen printing to be noticed and appreciated.

Conclusion

The Mari Pin is more than a pin—it’s a successful integration of creativity, color theory, material science, and advanced mold engineering. It represents the kind of challenge we welcome at HIPINS: complex ideas, beautifully executed.

Whether you’re designing art pieces, collectibles, or branded merchandise, we’re here to turn ambitious visions into physical products that speak for themselves.