Gathering favor, but still sufficiently unfamiliar to be as distinctive as it is attractive, is the skinpin. This ornament is a jewel that, by a secret method of my own devising, may be safely and securely worn on the bare skin. A piquant jewel, it belongs most harmoniously with the low-cut evening gown. Then, on the bare skin above the dress, the colored gems or the diamonds are a truly striking display, their brilliance heightened by the background of the fine texture of the flesh. For more challenging effects, a butterfly or other appropriate motif on the back or the shoulderblades will enhance and accentuate the beauty of the lines. Those who know and enjoy the values of fine jewelry tastefully disposed will do well to investigate the range of uses of the skinpin.
The Scatterpin
For the lapel, or in general for casual wear, many pins have been especially designed. These are frequently shaped in the form of birds, ladybugs, or other insects, as butterflies or as leaves. They may be made of enamel, or coral, or semiprecious stones. Their main purpose is to add a touch of color and for traveling or for informal occasions they may indeed enliven a costume.
The Jewelled Hairpin
A most charming effect can be produced by attaching to the clip a simple device that enables it to be worn in the hair. This use is gaining in popularity, and deserves even greater spread, for it is hard to imagine a more beautiful background for a jewel than the well groomed coiffure which is the pride and the prime natural adornment of the American woman. Several single flowers, daisies, forget-me-nots and the like, may in the hair create a youthful and feminine decoration. The jewels should of course be concordant with the hair. Diamonds are most becoming in dark hair. Red hair will be even more striking with sapphires; dark blondes will gleam with emeralds; light blondes will shimmer in fine contrast with rubies.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria knew the attractiveness gained by the adorning of beautiful hair. Her favorite design was the star, and in her hair she set many brilliant stars, each with a quivering center that constantly shot forth intriguing, mysterious light.
The Mobile Clip
The technical creation of the mobile center was long a well-guarded secret. It has now been variously recaptured, and clips may have their beauty enhanced, when it is appropriate, with a vibratory motion. The natural movements of the body, even the soft rise and fall of the bosom as one takes breath, suffice to make the tiny stems quiver and the gems at their tips give ever fresh play of light.
Thus a delicate wire may lift a deep red ruby as the stamen of a flower, alive in its motion and varying gleam. Or a diamond on a quivering stem may seem to dance with airiness and light. A spread of platinum angel-fern may move its delicate fronds; a sprig of heather in fine metal and stone vibrate with the lilt of the Highlands. The many ways in which the mobile clip can add life to one’s wardrobe are beyond enumeration; all are at once eye-catching and continuously alluring.