Hi All: Has anyone tried using tie tack findings instead of
conventional pin stem backs on Sterling Silver Jewelry? I use a
single tack on Tie Pins and Lapel pins, and recently tried using two
on a larger silver brooch. I placed them approximately at the points
at which a standard pin stem would enter and leave the fabric. I
found them easier to solder onto the piece, easy to use (no fussing
with the little tab that closes around the pin stem) and very secure
when on clothing.
I wonder whether clients would have a problem with them? Should
there be “full disclosure” when describing the jewelry? Would that
be meaningful for someone who hasn’t seen or tried them?? Any other
downsides I haven’t thought of?
I would appreciate any thoughts, advice, ideas about using these.
Thanks,
Sandra
Elegant Insects Jewelry
Hi Sandra,
I use them on occasion especially on a heavy brooch that wants to be
free to orient in any direction. Customers are not too crazy about
them because the "post"is larger than your average conventional
pinstem. It can leave a large more or less permanant hole in a fine
shirt and best suited for a loosely woven, thick fabric… perfect
for a jacket or lapel…I’ve never had one fail.
Best of luck,
Susan Chin
Has anyone tried using tie tack findings instead of conventional
pin stem backs on Sterling Silver Jewelry?
I do, occasionally. My problem with them is that the nice tie-tack
clutches are too deep, making the piece not lie right on a blouse.
The thinner “scatter pin” backs work fine, but I’ve never found a
classy version-- they are, and look like, cheap crap. I have not
ventured into making my own because I’m not crazy about working with
things that require spring-- those are best in steel or white gold,
neither of which I use thus far.
Noel
Hi Sandra, I have used nickle silver tack pins (the ones with a nice
flat disc at the point of solder) on sterling tie, lapel or hat pins
and several at once on brooches for the past 30 years. I soft solder
them onto the finshed piece, then give a final polish. I’ve never
had one returned for breakage or anything. They are easier for some
people to manipulate. Try it. They stay in place easily also. I
wouldn’t reccommend them for a silk blouse though. And I always give
an extra tack back in case one gets lost.
Good luck!
Sandra:
Single tie tacks have a tendency to allow the piece to spin, so you
should solder them above the halfway mark if your piece isn’t round
to keep the bottom oriented properly. Or, of course, use two. Be
careful that the clutch you use doesn’t protrude too much or allow
the tack to poke the wearer. The tacks can easily be shortened,
re-sharpened and re-grooved if necessary.
John Walbaum