Vaccine Victory Pin
Symbols of hope— the WWII V for Victory, or the Vietnam era’s dove of peace—can be powerful talismans against dark times. Jeweler Karen Christians and graphic designer Liz LaManche have teamed up to create a new symbol for the Covid era: the Vaccine Victory Pin. Wear it with pride to express your faith in science, your support for the vaccine, and your appreciation for the frontline workers doing battle with the coronavirus every day.
Iconic Design
The Vaccine Victory Pin, the size of a quarter, is made of cloisonne enamel and 14K plated gold.
- The Light Blue of the V is the color of the paper masks and rubber gloves worn by frontline responders, and sky blue signifies hope.
- The Cobalt Blue background stands for ingenuity, enlightenment, stability and calmness.
- Red is for danger, passion, blood, action and physicality. The red and black of the coronavirus symbol signify a threat, but the dark centre also signifies the creative center of the universe that brings forth life.
- Gold signifies success, achievement and triumph. In jewelry, gold is the metal of choice for its purity and noble qualities.
The “V” is placed over the Covid symbol showing our goal of victory over this virus, using vaccines, science, and unified effort.
Our Charities
A percentage of our proceeds (30% for the Legacy Edition, 20% for the Front Line Edition and regular pin) is being donated to a selection of public health and pendemic relief charities. When you order, please select a favorite charity from this list.
The Red Cross: Leaders in international disaster relief, Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.
Doctors Without Borders: A global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most- independent, neutral, & impartial, with medical projects in over 70 countries around the world.
Artists Safety Net (cerfplus.org): CERF+ is the leading nonprofit organization that uniquely focuses on safeguarding artists’ livelihoods nationwide. CERF+ serves artists who work in craft disciplines by providing a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers.
Burners Without Borders: a grassroots, volunteer-driven, community leadership organization. Supporting volunteers from around the world in innovative disaster relief solutions & community resiliency projects, BWB is known for the unbridled creativity they bring to every civic project they do.
Direct Relief: This humanitarian relief organization is providing emergency deliveries of protective gear and critical care medications to medical facilities across the U.S. and the world. Emergency funding is bolstering health facilities in hard-hit areas.
Pin Up and be counted!
Legacy Edition
The first 100 pins are a special numbered and signed edition.
30% of the proceeds go to your choice of several public health charities. Gift box, personalized note, two large stickers, 3 mask stickers, and an embroidered patch, and free shipping.
$100
Front Line Edition
50 pins in a special numbered and signed edition.
20% of the proceeds go to your choice of several public health charities. Gift box, thank you card, two large stickers, 3 mask stickers, and an embroidered patch.
$65
Vaccine Victory Pin
20% of the proceeds will go to your choice of several public health charities. With two large stickers, 3 mask stickers, and an embroidered patch.
$35
Vaccine Victory: our inspiration
"This past year our country and the world has been going through unprecedented times. Daily Covid numbers are still high. The pandemic has eaten its way through families, cities and countries. Every day this past year the news was heartbreaking and as an artist, my soul took a huge hit. Remembering how we used symbols of hope and victory during the Second World War, small wearable items can be powerful talismans against darker times.
As a jeweler, I'm aware of the power of small meaningful talismans, so I was inspired to create these pins. We hope to use them to support the lifesaving vaccine, healthcare, and science-based response around the globe. Part of the proceeds will be donated to a handpicked selection of public health and pandemic relief charities including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
Our hope is for people to wear this symbol to show their support for the hard work of combatting the virus and those on the front line who risk their lives every day."
--Karen Christians
"I've spent my life studying symbolic systems and graphic design. For this project, I was so excited to work with Karen to create a powerful iconic statement, choosing the form and color combination with thought and purpose. The meaning, Victory over Covid, is something we can all share. As a designer I was also inspired by WWII graphics that helped a generation to unify in a common great effort to save the world."
--Liz LaManche
What people are saying:
"This pin is a brilliantly designed statement advocating recognition of those who have worked tirelessly to contain the threat to humanity of the Covid virus. I wear it proudly to honor those people and to show my support for the worldwide cooperation towards the inevitable demise of this horrible virus. For me, it also represents the possibility that such cooperation might accomplish other great things in the future. Throughout history, human beings have adopted symbols to represent concepts, ideas, and victorious achievements. The collaboration of Karen Christians and Liz LaManche's design could easily become the symbol for our present victory."
--Ralph Luikart
About the artists:
Karen Christians is a goldsmith, maker and writer. She founded the non-profit jewelry school Metalwerx in Waltham, MA, the Jewelry Shop teaching area at Artisan’s Asylum and authored the book “Jewelry of Burning Man”. In 1997 she earned her BFA with Honors at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Karen’s love of mobilizing public awareness through jewelry and symbolism is never deterred by the scope and size of projects.
Liz LaManche is a digital designer and public artist. With a background in architecture and years of study in cross-cultural iconography, their practice has spanned disciplines from software UI design and brand design, to large installed building and ground art making use of color, kinetic light, and symbolism. LaManche is best known for community-based and socially conscious public art that uses vivid color and symbolism, with messages of positivity and harmony.
For Organizations
Your company or organization can offer this unique pin as a benefit, sign of vaccination or sign of support. We provide special editions featuring your name or custom motto. This is the same high quality enamel pin, in a slightly larger 1.25" size to accommodate an additional writing layer.
Contact us to find out more- Custom runs available now.