The Vintage Flower Pins Identification System



The Vintage Costume Flower Pins Identification System is composed of five components:
A. pin(s) to be identified
B. official identification chart (or table),
C. flower pin glossaries (one for Division One and another for Division Two pins)
D. blank pin identification tags
E. boxes or containers for sales and personal inventory tags

THIS ORIGINAL SYSTEM
This original system was designed by me to identify and categorize vintage 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins'. It is intended for use by anyone to identify and categorize these types of pins, specifically. Actually as vintage jewelry, they were all manufactured in approximately the second half of the 20th century.

chart 12:29:24
The Vintage Costume Flower Pin Chart ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs

B. The pin identification system chart sets up the structure for the system providing a visual description. This blog post also includes definitions, descriptions, explanations, and photos (when available).

C1. GLOSSARY OF FLOWER POWER PINS ©2024
1. ORIGINAL/CLASSIC
2. DERIVATIVE
3. EMBELLISHED
4. POP ART
5. 3D/GLOBAL
6. MULTI-FLOWER

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM: DIVISION ONE

1L classic-colors
Early #1 original one daisy petal layer flower pins

Two examples of #2 Derivative pins
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHART AND GLOSSARY
This chart and glossary clearly provide a universal language for anyone interested in identifying and categorizing 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins'.

This includes pins designed in roughly the second half of the 20th century. One simply needs to look at the above chart and glossary to identify a flower power pin. This is indeed extraordinary and long over due.

4L-6-display
A collection of six #3 embellished flower power pins
NO PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION
Previously there was no existing, consistent written documentation until now for the entire genre of these wonderful collectibles (flower power pins).

As a result for the first time in history, this system can at long last provide a universal language for just about every (vintage costume jewelry) 'flower pin' ever made. I hope that this is a great relief and huge help to those who love these pins as much as I do.

CONSISTENT FORM OF IDENTIFICATION
In providing this system for admirers, collectors, and sellers alike, a consistent form of identifying flower pins for the entire genre of vintage costume flower pins is now available.

In other words, the results of my extensive research has resulted in a system to identify and classify (just about any) vintage costume flower pin made around the second half of the 20th century. This is how my system works.

 

#5-3D daisies
A #5 3D pin from Southwest Picks from ebay

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
First of all, the structure of this system consists of two divisions. Then there are Subdivisions A through Z under the DIVISION TWO pins. Then there are also six categories in DIVISION TWO.

To summarize in verbal terms, there are two divisions of vintage costume flower pins created primarily around the second half of the 20th century, i.e. DIVISION ONE (anonymous) and DIVISION TWO (identified). Within the Division One subdivision, there are six categories. Refer to the chart at the top of this post for clarification.

#6 multi-flower
A #6 lavender multi flower pin available on etsy

MOVING ON
The two divisions provide a contextual umbrella for the entire genre of 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins' that were manufactured during approximately the second half of the 20th century. Although no one has yet been able to identify where Division One pins came from or who made the, there is much more information about the Division Two Pins.
So after a brief introduction, we will now delve into Division Two Pins.

 

DIVISION TWO FLOWER PINS
Within the Division Two categories, there are so many possibilities. In fact, they actually fit into a total of 26 subdivisions of A through Z, each one for the possible name of a designer and/or company).

C2.GLOSSARY OF FLOWER PINS ©2024
1. OTHER MATERIAL
2. DERIVATIVE
3. EMBELLISHED
4. POP ART
5. 3D/GLOBAL
6. MULTI-FLOWER

CATEGORIES
After alphabetizing, similar categories to DIVISION ONE can then be applied that further identify the DIVISION TWO pins as well. The only exception is Category #1. That is because it differs in each division.

Specifically, in DIVISION ONE, #1 represents the original basic single layer daisy petal pin. In DIVISION TWO, #1 represents other material besides metal as the flower base like the Hattie Carnegie Dynel pins.

Dynel is a synthetic material that had a brief life used for a number of items some wearable and some not. But for some reason, Hattie decided to use this material in her pin designs. They must have been very popular because the ones that survive today command a fortune for costume jewelry.

 

Liz Palacios-best
Magnificent identified Lis Palacios embellished flower pin.

DIVISION TWO EXAMPLE
Keep in mind that any pin that can be identified by a brand, symbol, initials, or other means of signature belongs in DIVISION TWO. Here is an example of such a pin and the coding that identifies it. D2/Palacios/#1, #3-Gold/brown

In other words, it is a D2 or Division Two, the designer is Liz Palacios, the categories from the Division Two glossary are #1 other material(s), and #3 embellished. Lastly the pin is gold and brown.

JEWELRY IDENTIFICATION MARKS
Finally here are some marks that actually identify the pins right on the back of them. Therefore they are all Division Two.

Liz Palacios Mark
A Liz Palacios of San Francisco mark that might appear on a brooch like the one above.

Hattie Carnegie Marks
A variety of Hattie Carnegie marks which identify her as the manufacturer and may also date the jewelry

 

 

 

 

 

tag
The pin identification tag for all your pin information ©2024
D. THE PIN IDENTIFICATION TAG Here is something special to help keep track of all your pin inventory.

It is a pin identification tag that I am including as part of this system to add extra help in the organizational process.

In fact, the pin identification tag provides a handy way to keep track of all the necessary information either for sale purposes or your own collection inventory. You can 'screen grab' it, download, and print it out.

 

 

recipe box
a suggested pin tag box available on Amazon
E. A PIN IDENTIFICATION BOX For keeping track of sales and inventory, I would organize pin identification tags like cards in a recipe box. This idea comes from my days as a cook.

Actually, it was a great way to organize and keep track of recipes. In this case, I would use separate boxes for each purpose.

Specifically for you own inventory, I would have UP TO 26 dividers (one for each letter of the alphabet). For keeping track of sales, I hope you can be more creative than I can think of to organize the tags how they work best for you.

Either way, this is an integral part of the system. Wishing you the best with this novel system. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Happy collecting!

CREDIT FOR MATERIALSMaterials that I have created are available for use by everyone. Please include the copyright information when printing, i.e. ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs

SOURCES & RESOURCES
Liz Palacios Vintage Costume Jewelry
Vintage Costume Jewelry Designer Marks Examples
Collecting Hattie Carnegie and examples of signature
A box to store and organize pin identification tags
The Use of Dynel
Dynel flower pins


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Hattie Carnegie Dynel Flower Pins



1960s HATTIE CARNEGIE Dynel Blue Green Enamel Flower Brooch &
Clip On Earrings
1960s HATTIE CARNEGIE Dynel Blue Green Enamel Flower Brooch, Courtesy of "Caressa's Vintage Treasures", eBay ID "vintagetreasures"
Hattie Carnegie Dynel flower pins and earring sets rank amongst the most unique and expensive 'flower pin' costume jewelry in existence.

Although the vast majority of her jewelry is made from metal and even semi-precious stones, the limited Dynel pieces are particularly fascinating and desirable to me.

Therefore this blog post focuses on the Dynel pieces exclusively. Blog posts featuring her metal and stone jewelry are separate and written at another time.

Why Hattie Used Dynel So far, I have not found any documentation explaining why her company introduced this particular material. No other jewelry company did to my knowledge. In addition, there is no other accessories company that used Dynel in their jewelry designs. But it was used for other purposes explained below.

WHAT IS DYNEL?
"Dynel is a trademarked synthetic fiber made from vinyl chloride and acrylonitrile.

Properties: "Dynel is known for being resistant to burning, abrasion, and chemicals. It's also strong, dries quickly, and is easily dyed.
Uses: "Dynel was used in many applications, which are listed below.
Textiles: "Dynel was used to make knitted and woven fabrics for clothing and home furnishings.
Wigs and fake fur: "Dynel was used to make wigs, doll hair, and fake fur.
Marine applications: "Dynel was used in fiber reinforced plastic composite materials, especially for marine applications.

HISTORY OF DYNEL
"Dynel was first introduced in 1951 by the Union Carbide corporation. Its production has since been discontinued." Google

Hattie Carnegie's history is fascinating. First of all, she was born Henrietta Kanengeiser in Austria. After she arrived in the United States, she went into business in her 20s. She consequently adopted the name Carnegie as a homage to the wealthiest man in the US. The name 'Hattie' stuck as her nickname when she worked in the hat department at Macy's. Eventually the young Henrietta Kanengeiser who emigrated to the United States around 1900 became the very successful business woman, Hattie Carnegie some decades later.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
This link, Hattie Carnegie History, connects to Exquisite Vintage Jewels. Her biography can be found there. The foundation of this post can be found on this Google link. More about Dynel can be found on this Wikipedia link.

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Miriam Haskell Jewellery


Miriam Haskell photo from Morning Glory
Miriam Haskell photo from Morning Glory

"Miriam Haskell jewellery is some of the most prized and beautiful costume jewellery from the 20th century.

"The intricate designs coupled with their novel colours and materials have made Haskell jewellery hugely coveted by collectors, with the most elaborate pieces fetching many hundreds of pounds".

This would be dollars on the US market where her jewelry did and does sell today.

 

Geometry This very unique multi color glass geometric shaped brooch below is one of my favorites. So much of Miriam Hess jewelry was floral in nature.

It is refreshing to see a geometric shaped piece for a change. This multi color glass brooch is very hard to find.

Multi color glass flowers/leaves brooch
Multi color glass flowers/leaves brooch

HISTORY
"Miriam began her fashion career in New York city working as a milliner but pivoted to jewellery in 1926 when she opened her first shop, named Le Bijou de l'Heure.

"Haskell was a very private lady and not a lot of information is known about her personal life, however she was recognized as an elegantly dressed lady with style and a keen business sense.

"Her eponymous jewellery line swiftly gained recognition for its handmade, top-quality pieces. The scrupulous attention to detail and beauty of the jewellery quickly won fans among Hollywood stars and the most stylish ladies of the era."

MIRIAM HASKELL'S ROLE IN THE COMPANY
"It isn’t known if Miriam herself ever designed any of the pieces sold by the Haskell company. Although she was very involved in the day to day operations of her business, one of her most crucial decisions was to have hired a jewellery designer, former Macy’s window dresser, Frank Hess. Frank was with the company for decades and helped to develop the Haskell signature style.

Miriam Haskell glass flower beads and leaves brooch
Miriam Haskell glass flower beads/leaves brooch
"Over the 1930s the Haskell business was expanded until it occupied multiple shops and had headquarters on the famed Fifth Avenue. Haskell jewellery was also sold in the most exclusive department stores in America with pieces available in Europe at top end shops like Harvey Nichols in London, UK.

"Sadly, Miriam became ill in the 1940s and eventually sold her company to her brother in 1951, although Frank Hess stayed on and held a central role for many years. Miriam eventually passed away in 1981."[1]

 

Longevity Miriam Haskell Jewellery preceded, coexisted with, and continued after flower power brooches were all the rage. Although in a higher price range, they are equal to the glamorous flower power pins and flower pins.

MH-wooden acorn pin
MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural & dyed wooden acorn beads pin
MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural and dyed wooden beads and florets pin in red, green and blue, 3".

It has wood grained acorns topped by woven multi-colored bead caps and stars on the pin top, wonderful workmanship and a great combination for this brooch.

A Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell piece of jewelry, it is unsigned as was typical for this era, circa 1940, and in excellent condition.

Miriam Haskell Designers[2]
Frank Hess (1926 - 1960):
When collectors think of Miriam Haskell they immediately think of Frank Hess. He was with Haskell virtually from the beginning and stayed until 1960. He was responsible for the Signature Look which involved heavily beaded, intricate designs. He loved to layer pieces and didn’t leave any visible metal structure. His pieces were often asymmetric.

Robert Clark (1958-1968):
Robert was an artist prior to being employed by Frank Hess and worked as his assistant until becoming head designer when Frank left the company. Robert favoured three-dimension structured pieces which tended toward symmetry. He liked using large bold beads and would bend wires and filigrees to add height. He often employed solder rather than the sole use of wires as had been done previously. Robert left Miriam Haskell in the late 1960s to form the de Lillo company with William de Lillo.

Peter Raines (1968 - 1970):
Peter Raines was head designer between Robert Clark and Lawrence Vrba. He preferred a simpler, less intricate style.

Larry Vrba (1970 – 1978):
Larry Vrba became head designer in 1970 and stayed until 1978. Vrba greatly admired the Haskell pieces of the past and used them for inspiration in his new designs, but he also had to keep up with changing times. He is therefore responsible for the introduction of designs which wouldn’t readily be identified as Haskell, such as all metal pieces. His most famous line and some of Haskell’s most collectible pieces, come from his Egyptian line which is packed with highly stylized jewellery in blues, reds and golds.

Camille Petronzio (1980 -):
Petronzio was head designer for about twenty years. She kept an eye on the past and liked to remake archival Haskell pieces with a modern twist.

Necklace & Earrings Set
Vintage Miriam Haskell Necklace & Earrings Set~ Wood/Glass Beads/Gold Tone

This necklace and earring set made of Wood/Glass Beads/Gold Tone is available for sale today on the ebay store Timeless Treasures Vintage Jewelry for $3,500.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Miriam Haskell Book
Miriam Haskell book

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
[1][2]Miriam Haskell, the jewelry company and the woman
Morning Glory article about Miriam Haskell 1930s-40s
Miriam Haskell Vintage Jewelry
Miriam Haskell Jewelry by Cathy Gordon, etc. on Amazon
Miriam Haskell Jewelry by Cathy Gordon, Sheila Pamfiloff on Google Books
Miriam Haskell Jewelry on Pinterest
Miriam Haskell on commonsearches

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VINTAGE COSTUME FLOWER PINS


My purpose in writing this flower pins blog post is to introduce my system of documentation and identification to everyone interested in flower pins. In table format below, this charting is called VINTAGE COSTUME FLOWER PINS.

chart 12:29:24
The Vintage Costume Flower Pin Chart ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs

NO PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION
Previously there was no existing, consistent written documentation until now for the entire genre of these wonderful collectibles (flower power pins). As a result for the first time in history, this system can at long last provide a universal language for just about every (vintage costume jewelry) 'flower pin' ever made.

CONSISTENT FORM OF IDENTIFICATION
In providing this system for admirers, collectors, and sellers alike, a consistent form of identifying flower pins for the entire genre of vintage costume flower pins is now available.

In other words, the results of my extensive research has resulted in a system to identify and classify (just about every) vintage costume flower pin ever made. This following explains how my system works.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
The structure of this system consists of two divisions, as well as 6 + 4 (and more) categories. In addition this post includes definitions, descriptions, and photos where available. The table above charts the structure of this system to provide a visual description.

BRIEF SYSTEM SUMMARY
To summarize in verbal terms, there are two divisions of vintage costume flower pins created primarily around the second half of the 20th century, i.e. DIVISION ONE (anonymous) and DIVISION TWO (identified). Within the Division One categories, there are six categories and many more possibilities within the Division Two categories.

DIVISIONS
Two divisions provide a contextual umbrella for the entire topic of 'flower pins'. But only DIVISION ONE pins make up the SIX CATEGORIES of anonymous 'flower power pins'. They are:

#5-3D daisies
from Southwest Picks on ebay
A. FLOWER POWER PINS-The six categories of 'flower power pins' defined and categorized below.

FLOWER POWER PINS Anonymous flower pins made of molded metal decorated in bright enamel colors made primarily in the 1960s and 1970s.
1. Original/classic
2. Derivative/
3. Embellished
4. POP Art
5. 3D/global
6. Multi-flower

DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTOS OF EACH CATEGORY

1. Original/classic-one and two layer daisy flower petals pins with same material center with or without stem
flower pin varieties

2. Derivatives-amorphous metal petal/layers pins

derivative pins
Single layer derivative flower pins

polka dot pins
A collection of six polka dot derivative pins

3. Embellished-several metal daisy layer pins with another shape layer and a center of another material or color

4L-6-display
A collection of 6 embellished flower pins

4. POP Art-amorphous shape pins
No samples available at this time.

5. 3D Three Dimensional/Global

#5 orange
This is a 3 dimensional Orange Flower Brooch pin

6. Multi-flower Flower pin

multi-flower
A multi flower power pin available on etsy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. FLOWER PINS OR BROOCHES-Identified/signed flower pins made primarily of metal, enamel paint, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals, and synthetic fiber.

1. Samples from the Collections of Lenora Dame.

Lenora Dame pins
A collection of early Lenora Dame flower pins.

Flower Pins or Brooches-Identified/designer flower pins made of metal, enamel paint, and rhinestone or Swarofski crystals stones.

2. Samples from the Collections of Liz Palacios

Liz-Palacios-pins
A group of three magnificent Liz Palacios brooches.

More Flower Pins or Brooches-Identified/designer flower pins made of metal, wood, or Dynel (a synthetic material), enamel paint or dye, and even rhinestone.

3. Miriam Haskell

MH-wooden acorn pin
MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural & dyed wooden bead acorns pin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Hattie Carnegie (Examples are not available at this time).

5. Many Other Jewelers

TO SUM THINGS UP
There are two major divisions of flower pins. Division One include six flower power pin categories listed immediately below.

A. Anonymous-flower power pins
1. Original/classic
2. Derivative
3. Embellished
4. POP Art
5. 3D
6. Multi-flower

There is an limitless number of flower pins/jewelers who are listed below that.

B. Identified/signed-flower pins or brooches
1. Lenora Dame
2. Liz Palacios
3. Miriam Haskell
4. Many Other Jewelers

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
Not A Flower Power Pin
Swarovski Crystals
Flower Pin Creation
Hattie Carnegie Pins


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Beyond Flower Power Pins

Lenora Dame brooch
This Lenora Dame brooch and the Liz Palacios brooch look a lot like each other. Owned by author.

At this point, we can only go forward beyond flower power pins. If a pin design is marked and identifiable, it qualifies as beyond a flower power pin. Past blog posts have identified them. For example the Lenora Dame Studio, early brooch qualifies as such.

And now I have discovered Liz Palacios of San Francisco and pins that also qualify. They are below.

Liz Palacios Pin
This is a sample of a Liz Palacios pin. It looks very similar to both a Flower Power Pin and the Lenora Dame pin below. Owned by author.

This is the first pin by Liz Palacios I found that is similar to a flower power pin. In fact, it does look very much like an early Lenora Dame brooch.

Similarities and Differences These two magnificent brooches have both strong similarities and some differences. Both are similar to flower power pins with their daisy pattern. They are decorated in lustrous bright colors with a jewel center.

The former has three layers of petals. The latter has two. There are no holes in the Palacios petals. But there are in the Lenora Dame first layer of petals. In fact these two magnificent brooches are similar enough to be mistaken as designed by the same artist. But they are not!

More Identified Flower Pins Here are some additional flower pins by each designer. Actually they are not as similar as the two above. But they are still noteworthy. First is a group of early Lenora Dame pins when they were available on etsy.com are below.

Lenora Dame pins

Another rare example of Liz Palacios pins that I found on Jewellery Kaleidoscsope is below. It is probably the most outstanding of all the post flower power pins. It is absolutely magnificent.

Liz Palacios brooch -JK

Liz Palacios brooch
A Liz Palacios floral brooch found on Poshmark

A Reminder to Collectors These flower pins are some of the most magnificent I've ever seen. But remember, they are not flower power pins. By definition these brooches have much more latitude in design and construction. This does not mean that there are not flower power pins that are also quite attractive. But they are by definition limited in what they can include.

Sources and Resources
Flower Power Descendants
Lenora Dame Studio
Lenora Dame Studio Website
Lenora Dame Designer Spotlight
Liz Palacios on Hispanic Executive
Liz Palacios on Regencies
Liz Palacios Turquoise Brooch
Liz Palacios Brown and Gold Brooch

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Exploring POP Art Flower Power Pins: A Unique Trend



There is a unique trend in decorative pins known as POP Art Flower Power Pins. Not only are these rarities far from the original petal layer flower power pin in design and structure. But they are also for the most part priced way beyond any of the Division One flower power pins for casual collectors. I have encountered this type of pin only online and at ten to twenty times the price of most affordable collector flower power pins.

Since these unique pins have only a vague resemblance to their predecessors, they are clearly not close relatives to the original flower power pins. But as a fascinated collector such as myself, I can not exclude them from the mysterious history of flower power pins. In fact they have what seems to be their own name as well as description, POP Art Flower Power Pins.

To me these pins are impressions or expressions of actual flower power pins. In other words, they suggest their predecessors. There are others that do this as well. Here are another two below.

It appears that a second mystery is created here. The fist mystery is the history of the original flower power pins. And now, these avante garde expressions of the original pins are as much of a mystery as their ancestors. Specifically, they are without designer identification, country of origin, or place of manufacture. Actually this does not come as a great surprise since their manufacture date is the 1960s as well.

But I love them and wish their was a way that I could come to possess one of these unique POP art flower pins

Although not the most expensive of these rare treasures, the tuxedo pin is stunning. It is appropriately called 'tuxedo' because it has the glamour and sophistication of a tuxedo outfit. I would gladly accept this pin for this category of POP Art flower power pin.

The only thing is that one can only wonder what merits the extraordinary price of most POP Art Flower Power pins. This brings to mind the following questions.

Are they in any museums? Not to my knowledge. Are they made of precious metal or semi-precious stones. Again, not to me knowledge.

Since they are not made of any precious metals or stones, what makes these so costly? I believe that it is their uniqueness and the outright outrageousness of their designs. In other words, it is their POP Art interpretation of a flower power pin that does it.

SOURCES & RESOURCES
Division One Flower Power Pins

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My Next Flower Pin Purchase

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next-flower-pin-purchase
An original one layer petal flower power pin

My next flower pin purchase requires that I have a plan to help me decide what I choose before I take any further action related to flower power pins or other similar jewelry. In fact, the best way for me to do this is to take an inventory of my current collection including others pins that I would like in my collection.

In order to do this I am using a system like the Dewey Decimal System. It will allow me to organize both sets of pins. Since there are so many of them in existence, there is no way I could accomplish this task without it. Therefore it can include pins I have and pins I would like to have.

1A. Original one layer flower power earrings without stems and three pins with stems

next-flower-pin-purchase Earrings without stems and three one layer original pins with stems

1B. Diversified one layer flower power pins with stems

next-flower-pin-purchaseThe above FPP styles all found on ebay are what I consider diversified not classic FPP.

Actually some of these unusual styles are my favorites. In order to learn more about them, go to this link, Flower Power Jewelry Rocks

2A. Original colorful giant two layer pins with and without stem

2L giant daisies A collection of two layer giant daisy pins with and without stem from ebay

2B. Diversified two layer pins

2L-diversified-pin
Two layer diversified pin with and without stem

3A. Embellished three and four layer flower pins

next-flower-pin-purchase Three and four layer embellished flower power pins

4A. Signed pieces as a transition from three and four layer embellished flower power pins

Signed-pins
These three sets of pins transcend flower power pins primarily because they are signed and not anonymous.

5A. More About my possible next flower pin purchase

next-flower-pin-purchase

It takes no more than a quick glance at all the pins above to know which ones I would like to get. Because they have become rather expensive compared to their original prices, I do not know how long it will take to get my next flower pin purchase. None the less these are the ones I would choose:
1B. middle pin
2B. left pin
3A. all three
4A. right pin or another early Lenora Dame Studio pin
5A. two right pins

What will it be? A One-of-a-Kind Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet
Lenore-Dame-Brooch

I made my decision and I am counting the days until my pin arrives. It is an early Lenora Dame Studio brooch. In fact, the colors are magnificent. Because of this I wanted it from the very first time I saw a picture of it. At first I thought I had found a very special flower power pin. But I realized it was not because I recognized certain details that are different from the flower power pin. To learn more, go to flower power pins.

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‘Flower Power and Pins’ Defined

flower power border


flower-power-and-pins

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION OF FLOWER POWER AND PINS

Description: ‘An affordable token, a flower shaped symbol of flower power constructed of molded steel and enamel paint that represents the socio-political mood of the mid 1960s to 1970s.’

In fact, there is such an abundance of mass produced pins that their identity remains a mystery even to this day. Specifically, there are no identifying marks, no designer names, no known countries of origin, or anything to distinguish or identify them.

Actually, the definition of flower power itself is almost as undocumented as the origin of the flower power pins themselves. In fact this post can do little more than gather up descriptions and anecdotes of flower power and pins.
Quote2
Flower Power image above and quote to the right and below from the article in 1-800flowers.com ‘petal talk®’ written by Michelle Yastremsky
The Background “Coined in 1965 by acclaimed poet and voice of his generation Allen Ginsberg, ‘flower power’ was used to inspire a movement in which anti-war demonstrators focused on positive values such as peace and love to instead of brute force and rebellion in order to ‘fight’ for freedom.”
The Concept ‘The concept first comes into being while Ginsberg helps organize a protest against the Vietnam War in Berkeley, California.’

Ginsberg Essay ‘In his essay “Demonstration or Spectacle as Example, As Communication,” Ginsberg describes a tactic using peace as a “weapon.” He suggests “masses of flowers – a visual spectacle – especially concentrated on the front lines.”

He continues, “…marchers should bring harmonicas, flutes, recorders, guitars, banjos, and violins.” The Beatnik poet goes on to invite all previously persecuted groups to join the revolution, turning the phrase into a movement of peace, hope, unity, and above all – imagination.’

Allen-Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg Beatnik Poet and coiner of the term “flower power” from bluerailroad.wordpress

The History of Flower Power

history of flower power
The History of Flower Power by Michelle Yastremsky

“The ‘Flower’ in flower power

Quoting from Michelle Yastremsky “The hippies of the 1960s and 1970s take Ginsberg’s message of peaceful protesting and incorporate it into their fashions and culture. Both men and women wear flowers from on their clothing to in their hair.

“Flowers in their hair range from floral head wreaths to slipping a single a dandelion into their groovy headbands (a trend that has resurfaced in fashion today). Bright, floral prints become extremely popular as do floral inspired patches.

“Some hippies even paint the flower symbol on their faces to show their support and dedication to the cause. With its natural and simplistic beauty, it’s not surprising that the flower becomes the ultimate symbol of peace and love for this counterculture and era!”

AMERICAN LITERARY REFERENCES

The Art of Flower Power

The-Art-of-Flower-Power
The Art of Flower Power by Zak Nguyen

Paterfamilias—I Allen Ginsberg’s work to preserve the universe.
By Jane Kramer
August 9, 1968

How Flower Power Worked PREV NEXT By: Cristen Conger
“Although Ginsberg’s essay doesn’t use the exact phrase “flower power,” he was the first to expound on the potency of flowers as “a visual spectacle” to simultaneously disarm opponents and influence thought.”

Flower Power from Wikipedia

PERSPECTIVE FROM ACROSS THE POND

Vintage Jewelry Design ‘Classics to Collect and Wear by Caroline Cox

Vintage Jewel Design
Vintage Jewel Design, Classics to collect and wear

Vintage jewelry design classics to collect and wear by Caroline Cox published by Lark Jewelry & Beading, pg.139[/caption]

LarkCrafts.com
An Imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
387 Park Avenue South, NYC, NY 10016


flower power border

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Early Lenora Dame Brooches May Be Flower Power Pin Direct Descendants

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flower pin direct descendant
A Lenora Dame Studio Brooch beside an original one layer flower power pin

Some early Lenora Dame Brooches may be flower power pin direct descendants. Both have a shared design element like a child who resembles a parent.

 

 

FLOWER POWER PIN DESIGN EMBELLISHMENT

flower pin evolution
Flower pin embellishment involves the ecolution from a single layer pattern through multi-layer pins.
First come the simple, one layer flower power pins. Then over a period of time they likely evolve into the multi-tiered, embellished flower power pins as we call them. A picture of this is at the left.

 

 

EARLY LENORA DAME STUDIO BROOCHES

After embellished flower pins are the rage come the magnificent, early Lenora Dame Brooches. But the brooches themselves are not flower power pins. In fact, they cannot be. The explanation for this is available in the article Not A Flower Power Pin.

None the less, they appear to have a relationship to flower power pins. In fact early Lenora Dame brooches could be the very next generation of pins in the continuation of a logical design ancestry from anonymous simple then embellished flower power pins to identifiable, early Lenora Dame Studio jewelry.

flower power pin
Another resemblance between Lenora Dame Studio and an embellished flower power pin.
Example As another example of their offspring to strengthen this conclusion that some early Lenora Dame brooches are the flower pin direct descendants is the following pair. See the pictures at left to observe them.

flower-pin-direct-descendants
Enlargement Enlarged Lenora Dame brooch on the left and embellished flower pin on the right.

 

Close Up Here is an enlargement of these two brooches to reveal a leaf appearing directly before the center of the pin that is unusual but in both these pins. The leaf is light blue on the Lenora Dame brooch on the left and white on the embellished flower pin to the right.

 

IINTERGENERATIONAL EVOLUTION

evolution4
From left to right, the evolution from the original, basic flower power pin to the Lenora Dame Studio brooch

CONCLUSION

Although there is no other written correlation that the early Lenora Dame Studio brooches are flower power pin direct descendants, the evidence that I detail above offers a logical explanation in its favor. Hopefully this information will shed some light on the pin evolution since no other documentation exists from extensive research.


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The Flower Pin Evolution

Lenora Dame Brooches


Lenora Dame Brooch
A Lenora Dame Studio Brooch with a classic flower power pin at its center

THE FLOWER PIN EVOLUTION
It is first the original flower power pin, a token in the shape and spirit of a flower that is a symbol of a socio-political statement.

Then over time it transforms into a magnificent piece of jewelry with more monetary than political value. In other words, it starts out as a simple, very affordable pin with one or two layers of petals.

With time The evolution continues into jewelry with three or four layers of petals even with added costume jewelry in its center. But keep in mind, these are not classic flower power pins.
Flower-Pin-Evolution
Flower Pin Evolution from classic, basic one layer petals to Lenora Dame magnificent jewelry.
flower-pin-evolution
Flower Brooches from Lenora Dame Studio all with strong resemblance to flower power pins

FURTHER FLOWER PINS EVOLUTIONS

With time, tastes, and politics, comes the distant relatives to flower pins jewelry evolution. One stops seeing everyday flower tokens replaces with more expensive and extravagant signed pieces.
beyond-flower-power
Flower Brooches Evolved beyond flower power pins

MORE FLOWER JEWELRY

One can look in hindsight for inspiration from flower pins to growing numbers of signed, costume and costly jewelry. Before, during, and after the flower power movement, flowers have always brought joy to the heart. Here are some precious examples.
jewelry
More jewelry with a flower theme

Lenora Dame Brooches

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