Rhinestone Butterfly And Bee Lapel Pins

Why we shortlisted it. 50,000-plus orders at a 4.90 marketplace rating. Lapel pins are almost entirely a gift and self-expression purchase, and butterfly and bee motifs are perennial sellers in the category.

What it is

Decorative brooch pins set with rhinestones – glass or acrylic stones in a plated metal setting – in butterfly and bee shapes. They fasten to a lapel, bag, hat or scarf. Rhinestone here means a faceted imitation stone, not crystal in any technical sense.

What to check before you buy

• Back type. This is what decides whether you keep the pin. A simple butterfly clutch works loose and pins get lost; a locking or rubber back holds. Some listings include both.
• Stone setting. Glued stones fall out, prong-set ones stay. At this price glued is the norm, so expect gaps eventually and buy accordingly.
• Plating. Thin gold or rhodium plating over base metal will wear at the contact points within a season of regular use.
• Nickel content. If a pin sits against skin – on a scarf or a hat band – the same nickel sensitivity issues apply as with earrings.

Where to buy one in Brandon today

Claire’s, Bentley and Ardene in Shoppers Mall all carry pins and costume accessories, and Miniso in the same centre is the closest match for this style and price. For something with more character, downtown is the better hunt: I Want That Stuff, Ten Thousand Villages, the AGSM Gift Shop and Prairie Showcase & Bookmart all carry pins, and the AGSM shop leans toward artist-made pieces. Michaels at Corral Centre sells blanks and findings if you want to make your own.

A note on damage to fabric

Pin backs make a hole. On a knit, a standard pin can pull a thread and leave a permanent ladder; on a fine wool coat lapel the hole closes but the plating can mark the fabric over time. Magnetic pin backs exist and are worth seeking out for anything delicate. For bags, hats and denim – which is where most of these end up – none of that matters and a locking back is all you need.