Introduction

The Starcrossed enamel pin is a stunning representation of elegance and emotion. Designed with an expressive pose and clean color separation, this piece balances artistry with enamel craftsmanship. The project is a testament to how collaboration between designer and manufacturer can achieve a detailed, high-end pin while maintaining production clarity and efficiency.

The client came to HIPINS with a finalized design and a few carefully considered requests. Through detailed feedback and mutual trust, the final result became a standout piece in the client’s growing collection.

Design and Production Specifications

• Name: Starcrossed
• Size: 2.5 inches – large enough for visual impact, yet wearable
• Plating: Gold metal, adding a luxurious and timeless finish
• Base Material: Zinc alloy for durability and sharp molding
• Enamel Type: Hard enamel with precise color fills and screen printing
• Color Details:
  • Primarily black, white, and red tones
  • Custom gradient section in Pantone 432 (changed from 433 at the client’s request)
  • Bright red accents to enhance emotional tone
• Special Effects:
  • No-swirl gradient effect for smoother transitions
  • Enamel cutout for added silhouette complexity
• Backstamp: Custom LE40 edition engraving
• Attachment: Two rubber clutches for secure wear
• Packaging: PVC + bubble bags for protection during shipping

The pin’s layered hair, entwined ribbon, and dramatic pose were achieved through detailed line breaks, sharp mold cuts, and enamel fill precision.

Communication Process

Communication for this project was smooth, structured, and collaborative. The client offered focused feedback at each step:

1. Gradient Customization
   The client initially requested the gradient area to use a no-swirl effect, aiming for a more natural fade. We confirmed feasibility with our production team and ensured the gradient remained soft without visible swirl texture.
2. Pantone Color Adjustment
   The client originally reviewed a gradient using Pantone 433, but later preferred Pantone 432, which appeared slightly softer and matched the character tone better: “Actually I like the head gradient. We can do that but in color 432 instead of 433.”
3. Pre-Production Inspection Note
   During final review, the client approved the design but kindly flagged a minor missing enamel area circled in the artwork: “This one’s approved. I did circle a spot missing enamel and just wanted to make sure I pointed it out for mass production.” This attention to detail allowed us to fix the mold cavity and guarantee consistent enamel fill during production.
4. Approval and Production
   Once adjustments were confirmed, we entered production. Because the design had already undergone digital corrections and precise mold setup, the production process was efficient and accurate.

Post-Production and Client Feedback

After completion, the client was pleased with the final result, noting that the gradient was smooth, the linework clean, and the highlighted correction fully addressed. The enamel fill was even, with vibrant contrast between black and red, and the print overlay retained high clarity.

✅ Gradient in Pantone 432 appeared softer and truer to concept
✅ Gold plating framed the design without overwhelming the details
✅ LE40 backstamp added a premium collectible quality
✅ Print and enamel were applied with precision

The pin was not only visually impactful but also professionally executed — a result of clear communication, expert manufacturing, and shared artistic intent.

FAQ

1. Can gradients be done without swirl texture in enamel pins?
Yes, we can apply no-swirl gradients using screen printing or controlled enamel transitions. This creates a smooth fade effect that looks clean and polished, as seen in the Starcrossed pin.

2. Can I request Pantone-specific changes after the first draft?
Absolutely. We welcome updates like switching from Pantone 433 to 432 — as long as production hasn’t begun, we can easily adjust the colors based on your preferences.

3. What happens if I notice a flaw or concern before production?
If you spot an issue (like missing enamel in a draft), simply highlight it before approval. We’ll ensure the problem is fixed before mass production, giving you peace of mind that the final product will be flawless.