ABOUT STICK PINS
Stick pins were originally worn by wealthly English gentlemen to secure the folds of a cravat in place and became very popular at the beginning of the 19th century. Stickpins are often embellished with pearls, diamonds and other precious stones and set in gold or silver. Stick pins became worn widely by women as well as men during the 19th century and worn whilst riding a horse, boating, playing tennis and golf. Stick pins were worn to secure ties, a scarf or on the lapel of a jacket. Stick pins remain very widely used on ties, stocks and jacket lapel of horse riders, especially when competing.
Stick pins are often mistaken for Hat Pins. Whilst the design of the two are very similar, a long single pin with an ornamental top, the length of the pin is the difference. Hat pins have much longer pins and often have glass beads at the top. Stick pins have a shorter pin with a more decorative top which may include precious stones or a figures such as a horses, horse shoes and flowers.
The stick pins is still regarded as an investment for morning dress as it will be a prominently placed accessory that will ensure the tie knot on a cravat remains in place. Stick pins are widely used at weddings and for horseracing where morning dress is required.
Stick pins are very popular with horse riders and competitors. Stick pins can often be seen on a tie or lapel in the show ring when showing horses and ponies. The colours chosen in a stick pin often co-ordinate with show colours of the horse or pony being shown. A well chosen stick pin can add a perfect finishing touch to a showman or lady.
Vintage Equestrian stock a wide collection of fine equestrian jewellery for ladies and gentlemen. Included in the collection is a selection of diamond and pearl stick pins. Many of the stick pins are embellished with precious and colourful stones including diamonds, sapphires, amethyst and pearls. As each and every stick pin is vintage, each stick pin is unique.
Fastening a Stick Pin on a Tie
When using a stick pin on a tie, the pin should be positioned just under the tie knot. The pin should pass through the blade and tail of a tie (both layers)and through the top layer of a shirt button tab and back through. The pin should then be passed through the tail (back narrower part of the tie) and a clutch placed over the end of the pin to prevent it from damaging fabrics.
Fastening a Stick Pin on a Cravat
When using a stick pin on a cravat, the pin should be positioned just under the tie knot. The pin should pass through both layers of the cravat and through the top layer of a shirt button tab and back through. When used on a cravat, the stick pins should not be passed through the cravat again, but the clutch be fitted after passing through the shirt.