The Difference Between 3D Lapel Pins And Die Struck Lapel Pins

We are often asked to explain the difference between a 3d design lapel pin and a die struck lapel pin.

The difference is huge, however certain designs do not require a 3d lapel pin design.  The answer is, it really depends on the design.

I will show some examples of the differences.  They always say that a picture is worth a thousand words and I believe that it hold true when trying to demonstrate the difference between the 3d design and die struck lapel pin designs also known as soft enamel lapel pins.

Understanding a Die Struck Lapel Pin Design

Let’s start with a normal die struck or soft enamel pin.   A die struck or soft enamel pin has raised and lowered metal.  This example shows an antique gold lapel pin.  The reason that the antique process is awesome is that the fact that the recessed or lowered metal areas are usually darker, and then create a beautiful contrast with the raised metal portions of the lapel pin, so it really makes the design pop!  On a normal die struck or soft enamel lapel pin, you will notice that you have two options, raised or recessed metal.  This design is perfect for this type of lapel pin process.

The arrows demonstrate where the raised and the lowered portions are on the lapel pin.

Understanding 3d Lapel Pin Designs

The pin on the right is a great example of a 3d lapel pin design.  You will notice that the lion really looks great in the 3d design.  The base lapel pin color is antique gold, which gives lighter and darker shadows as the metal is raised and lowered.  You will notice that in the lowered metal areas, the pin darkens up quite a bit.

What you should notice is that the body of the lion is not just simply raised and lowered metal.  The raised portion of metal on the lion curves and in certain areas, gradually raises up and then gradually lowered again.  It is really the curvatures that separate the two styles.

If you now compare the two styles, you will the gradual and rounded raised metal portions on the 3d lapel pin design vs the die struck pin, where the raised metal is all the same height.  Also the raised metal elements of the die struck lapel pin design are almost like little walls that just go straight up, where the 3d design really curves up.

Side Profile of 3d Lapel Pins and Die Struck Lapel Pins

So let’s look at an examples of what you would see (magnified) on a side profile of a 3d lapel pin vs a die struck lapel pin.