AdaptiClasp | Novelty Hardware

AdaptiClasp | Novelty Hardware Re-design

About the Project

In one of the initial semesters of my undergraduate program, specifically within the 'Design Detailing' course, I conducted extensive research on innovative hardware applications in the field of jewellery. Within the framework of this course, a task was assigned to re-envision and enhance any novelty hardware. This challenge emphasized the significance of product design not just in terms of external appearance but also in improving its functionality through attention to minor details.

The brooch has not really changed much over the centuries. Basically, it is an ornamental piece with a pin of some sort. Its purpose has changed, however, as originally brooches were used to hold a tunic together at the neck or to keep a veil around the throat. It slowly moved from having a practical use to a predominantly ornamental use over time.

The clasps, hinges and other findings used for brooches can assist in dating them. The first type of brooch was the fibula which had a straight pin which was threaded through the garment and then caught up behind a part of the brooch. Then the pin was bent and coiled into a circle, becoming the forerunner of a safety pin.

The next main developments in brooches were the Celtic penannular brooch, a crescent-shaped brooch, basically, a round brooch which originated from simple discs of coiled wire, and the ring brooch, which was popular in the 13th century. None of these had a clasp.

It was not until the 14th century that clasps began to be used on brooches. They took the form of a C and C-clasps would continue to be used up until the early Edwardian period. Some of the Georgian and early Victorian brooches had clasps that extended beyond the edge of the brooch. The pins were attached to the brooches using tube hinges.

Research on Brooch Clasps

The Problem

The design of the brooch's bar pin clasp has seen little change over the centuries. When a manufacturer embarks on creating a brooch, it's essential to have pin clasps available in a range of sizes to complement the diverse designs.

Typically, these pin clasps are manufactured in dimensions such as 3.8 cm, 3.6 cm, 3.2 cm, 2.5 cm, 2.2 cm, 2 cm, and 1.9 cm. While various other sizes are available, the key takeaway is that pins are often purchased in bulk, offering an assortment of sizes. When adjustable pins are incorporated into the design, it ensures that even pins with sizes that might not find immediate use in the market won't go to waste.

Usual Bar Pin Clasps

Re-design Concept

The length of the Brooch Pin can be split into 3 sections, each connected with a tube hinge.

The centre section folds under the first section, making each section layered on top of the other, reducing the size of the brooch pin by half. Similarly, by increasing the number of sections, we can get various variations of sizes.

To adjust the length of the pin, the cylindrical length of the pin is also divided in half. The innermost section is a hollow cylinder, allowing the outer cylinder to slide inside. Notches allow the cylinders to stay in position securely.