5️⃣ Clam Jam 2017 Pin - Whimsical - Hard Enamel

Ok, first things first; if you google "Clam Jam" the first results will be mildly NSFW. It's a clam, in jam. Or jam made of clams. Either way it's pretty and sparkly. I think this pin is cute and whimsical enough on its own but I feel I need to share its origins. It is from an event called Clam Jam, a free street festival that takes place in Easton, PA. This is a second hand pin and as such is not in pristine condition but is perfectly wearable. All bundles of 4 or more items are now 30% off. Need a quick add on to get the discount? I'm listing a bunch of $5 add-on items to get you to the 4 item minimum for the deal. Look for listings beginning in 5️⃣ $5 - 30% = $3.50 What makes this different from regular enamel pins? Glad you asked! Regular ("soft") enamel pins have a distinctive raised outline. They are electroplated first and then the colour is added, under-filling the cavities. They are then fired once to harden the enamel. Hard enamel pins have the cavities overfilled and are fired after each colour is added. They are then polished to the level of the metal and electroplated. This gives a smooth surface with only bit of texture. Because of the firing process, hard enamel pins generally have fewer colours and because they are electroplated after the colour is added the outlines are always metallic. Hard enamel pins are generally more durable. because of the complex processing the are more expensive to make.