Overview
The mari pin is a masterpiece of intricate design and fine craftsmanship, combining fantasy and gothic elements into a wearable work of art. This mari pin, featuring a skeletal horse head intertwined with organic and decorative patterns, showcases the high level of artistry and technical precision required in enamel pin production.
In this case study, we will walk through the entire process—from the initial concept to the final product—highlighting the design choices, material selection, and specialized techniques used to bring this pin to life.
Mari Pin Details
These specifications indicated that this project would require advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve the desired complexity and elegance.
Crafting Process
1. Artwork and Design Finalization
The initial artwork provided by the client was carefully reviewed and adjusted to ensure manufacturability. Since enamel pins require metal borders to separate different enamel colors, some fine lines and details were refined to maintain clarity without compromising the original artistic vision.
The skeletal horse design was particularly challenging, as it required precise detailing of the skull structure, including sharp teeth, hollow eye sockets, and realistic bone contours. The surrounding elements, such as flowing autumn leaves and decorative swirls, were optimized to ensure a balanced and harmonious composition.
2. Color Selection and Enamel Type Optimization
One of the standout features of this mari pin was its rich and multi-layered color scheme. The following enamel techniques were chosen to enhance the visual impact:
- Regular enamel colors (black, orange, beige) for strong contrast and definition.
- Translucent enamels (red and blue) to add depth and dimension.
- Stained glass effect with glitter for the background, creating a mystical and ethereal feel.
- Gold metal plating to give the pin a luxurious and high-end appearance.
3. Mold
A 1.8mm thick zinc alloy mold was created to capture the intricate details of the artwork.
4. Enamel Filling and Curing Process
Each enamel color was meticulously hand-filled into the designated sections of the metal base. Since this design included a combination of regular, translucent, and stained glass enamels, the filling process had to be done in multiple stages to avoid contamination between colors.
After filling, these mari pins were placed in a high-temperature oven to cure the enamel, ensuring it hardened into a smooth, glass-like surface. The translucent and stained glass enamels required special treatment to maintain their clarity and vibrancy.
5. Wet Grinding, Polishing, Plating, and Finishing Touches
Wet grinding could effectively make the metal lines on the pin appear. Polishing could help mari pins to create a smooth surface. After polishing, the gold plating was applied, enhancing the luxurious appeal of the mari pin.
Finally, the back of each pin was engraved with a custom backstamp, and two rubber clutches were attached for secure fastening.
6. Quality Control and Packaging
Before shipment, each pin underwent a rigorous quality inspection, checking for:
- Accurate enamel filling with no color bleeding.
- Smooth, polished surfaces without scratches or defects.
- Well-defined metal details.
- Secure attachment of the rubber clutches.
Once approved, the pins were individually packed in PVC bubble bags to prevent scratches during shipping.
Final Outcome and Client Feedback
The final product perfectly captured the essence of the original design, with exceptional craftsmanship and high-end finishes. The client was particularly thrilled with the stained glass effect, which added an extra layer of depth and uniqueness to the pin.
“The final pin exceeded all expectations! The stained glass effect is stunning, and the level of detail is incredible. The quality is fantastic, and it feels premium in every way. Truly a work of art!”
This enthusiastic feedback highlighted the success of the project and reinforced the importance of precision, attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship in enamel pin manufacturing.
Conclusion
The mari pin is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when artistic vision meets expert craftsmanship. By using a combination of advanced enamel techniques, precise metalwork, and high-quality materials, this pin stands out as a premium collectible item.
For brands and artists looking to create custom enamel pins with intricate details and unique finishes, this case serves as a perfect example of how to bring a complex design to life while maintaining the highest quality standards.