Carol writes:

This issue we take a look at stickpin pairs, those made up of two stickpins that have been joined together with fine chain. In the more complex types of stickpins the field narrows and we only see women wearing them in the old cabinet card photos. In photos of single stickpins, no safety clutches are visible and they were probably more easily lost. The double stickpins work as a safely against being lost and they are far more decorative. Form and function create a very pleasing visual. These pins cross each other to create an X shape, making it hard to pull free of the dress fabric. Whereas the single versions are placed on a horizontal angle, the pairs are on a forty-five degree angle so gravity also holds them better. If one were unlikely to work free from the fabric, the chain from the other pin would also keep it from dropping to the ground. Stick pin pairs can be made from one, two, or three coins.

For more information about the Love Token Society, see:
http://lovetokensociety.com/