1. Introduction

This case study highlights the development and production planning process for the 240830G01 Summer Sweethearts hard enamel lapel pin set. The project includes detailed artwork presentation, plating instructions, production notes, and packaging requirements. By documenting each step, this case demonstrates the precision and communication needed when manufacturing high-quality collectible enamel pins.

2. Product Overview

The product is a hard enamel lapel pin featuring a fantasy mermaid character with detailed undersea elements and flowing hair. It is designed as a collectible item, intended to appeal to art pin collectors who value fine detailing, bright color contrast, and themed accessories.

The main visual version showcases a soft pastel palette with highlights in the mermaid’s hair and tail, while an alternate version demonstrates pearl effects and special tones.

Target order quantity begins at 55–100 pcs, which is common for small-batch designer pins.

3. Artwork Development and Color Planning

Three primary artwork views are included:

1. Full-color front preview
2. Line art for mold engraving
3. Color code mapping

Pantone-style color codes are listed for each section: hair, skin, fins, background stars, and decorative accents.
Special tones include:

• Pearl powder mixing for some areas (noted with 250 Pearl)
• Gradient transitions within hair and background
• Soft pastel contrasted with deeper jewel tones

Careful separation of metal outline and filled enamel is visible in the line art, which is crucial for a clean mold.

4. Material Selection and Production Considerations

The piece uses 3.0 mm thickness zinc alloy metal, which helps:

• Maintain shape on large surface areas
• Improve durability for long hair and tail shapes
• Create strong raised borders required for hard enamel

Hard enamel ensures a smooth surface once polished flat, ideal for collectible display quality.

5. Plating Notes and Risk Warnings

Plating is specified as rose gold, which gives a luxurious warmth to the design.
However, the artwork includes a clear caution:

Notice: Rose gold plating is oxidized easily.

This guidance is important for both buyer and manufacturer. Risk mitigation includes:

• Anti-oxidation coating
• Proper long-term storage instructions
• Less exposure to humidity, sweat, and friction

Collectors should be informed that rose gold finishes may darken slightly over time.

6. Backside and Packaging Specifications

Backside design includes:

• A themed logo engraving
• Four pin posts for enhanced stability due to the large pin size (3.5 inches tall)
• Rubber clutch attachments specified for comfort and safety

Packaging is clearly defined:

• Individually packed in PVC bags
• Protected with bubble bags to prevent scratches during transport

7. Size, Thickness, and Mold Details

The final pin height is 3.5 inches, which is considerably larger than standard enamel pins. This provides:

• More room for hair details
• Better legibility of character expression and background elements
• Higher perceived value for collectors

Metal mold tooling follows the exact drawn shape with fine raised lines defining each enamel well.

The mold release plan emphasizes fine sandblasting on specific recessed areas for texture contrast.

8. Quality Control Points

QC notes for production:

• Ensure accurate enamel fill without over-polishing
• Metallic lines must remain uniform and not too sharp
• Pearl-mixed enamel must be consistent batch-to-batch
• Backside stamp must be deeply engraved and centered
• Check rose gold plating quality and surface clarity before individual packing

9. Table: Technical Specifications Summary

10. FAQ

Q1: Why was hard enamel chosen instead of soft enamel?
A: The size and detailed artwork require a smooth polished finish. Hard enamel gives the premium appearance needed for a large illustrated pin.

Q2: Can the plating be changed to avoid oxidation?
A: Yes. Options include gold, silver, black nickel, or dyed black plating which have lower oxidation concerns.

Q3: Does the pearl enamel require additional cost?
A: Yes. Pearl pigments are considered a special effect enamel and involve an additional fee per color.

Q4: Why are multiple pin posts needed?
A: This prevents rotation when worn and supports the structural stability of the pin due to its size.

Q5: Can the design include glitter or other visual effects?
A: Yes, but mold adjustments or thicker metal lines may be required to contain glitter enamel areas.

11. Conclusion

The 240830G01 Summer Sweethearts hard enamel lapel pin project demonstrates a well-planned production approach for a large, detailed collector pin. Every step—from plating selection to packaging—shows professional attention to manufacturing requirements and collector expectations.

While the rose gold finish increases visual premium, the oxidation caution reflects transparency and responsible craftsmanship. The artwork’s color layout and molded details further emphasize the importance of accurate communication between designer and factory.

This project serves as a strong example of how to translate vibrant illustrated concepts into a tangible, collectible product combining craftsmanship, thoughtful material selection, and clear production documentation.