I have always thought that the back of any jewelry piece is as important as the front. I always try to have something on the back of my pieces as a surprise for the wearer and also because I think it says a lot about the maker.

Most of the work I do has a detail on the back, I enjoy very much doing it.


CRUZ PASION (front and back view)

©2011 Lorena Angulo

Pure silver (PMC3), sterling and LOS patina

Soulful Heart (front and back view)

©2011 Lorena Angulo

Bronzclay, brass and coral

MILAGRO HEART pendant (front and back view)

©2010 Lorena Angulo

Pure Silver (PMC3) and LOS patina

CORAZON (front and back view)

©2009 Lorena Angulo

Brass and copper


Lately I started making brooches but I was very curious to see how other artists where making their pin backs and the back of their designs. I looked for inspiration everywhere but it was very hard to find images of the back side of the brooches.

Because I had a difficult time finding images of the back view of brooches I started thinking it will be great if I can create a collection of images from other artists as an inspirational tool.


I finally did it in my Pinterest page, I created a board about the back view of brooches called "Behind the brooch."

Come and take a look at the wonderful work by these artists. I am sure you will find it very interesting and helpful.


I took a class with the talented Gary Schott at Southwest School of Art and I learned how to make my first pin back with him. It was fun and I know I have to practice much more to feel more comfortable making my own pin backs and also start thinking of different ways I can design my own.

Back view of my first time making a pin back.

©2011 Lorena Angulo

Copper and steel wire


I also work a lot with metal clay and took the challenge to make my own pin back and pendant finding for my piece.

Back view of my first brooch/pendant combo

in pure silver (PMC3)

©2011 Lorena Angulo


How do you approach the design of your work ? Do you do something special for the back side? I will love to find out what your ideas about this topic are and if you want me to share an image of your back view of a brooch, let me know and I will add it to my board.


Love,

Lorena Angulo

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Comment by Sophia Georgiopoulou on January 12, 2012 at 5:19pm

The back of a brooch should be as important or, perhaps, even more important than the front. It might function as a continuation of the theme in front, as an antithesis, as an inquiry or as a conclusion. On a narrative brooch, it is interesting to have the themes wrap around the sides of the brooch, unraveling the story.

The relationship between the front and the back of a brooch should make the brooch an autonomous entity that speaks for itself.

Comment by Lorena Angulo on January 11, 2012 at 1:05pm

Agree, it is very important to take as much time to create a beautiful back detail as the time spent in the front. 
I get sad when I see Gorgeous work but as soon as I turn them around it is such a disappointment, not only because the back is not appealing but some times I also see very bad craftsmanship. The back is as important as the front.    

Comment by Kimberly Nogueira on January 11, 2012 at 12:49pm

i'm always happily surprised when i see post earrings (non-dangly) made with attention to detail on the backs, like fretwork scrolls, and equally delighted when the ear nut has this detail!

Comment by Brigitte Martin on January 11, 2012 at 10:41am
Comment by Brigitte Martin on January 11, 2012 at 10:34am

This is a fascinating topic, Lorena. And thanks for the comment Inbar. I feel the same way.

I do show the backs of brooches here on crafthaus if it is warranted. I am happy to say that there are a great number of artists who aim to make the backs of their work compelling. It is almost like a little insider-secret, only apparent to those who actually bother to give the work more than just a cursory glance.

Here is a small selection.  Enjoy!

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