Dana Schneider is a Canton, Ohio-based jewelry designer who made the trademarked “Mockingjay Pin” for “The Hunger Games” film. With more than 50 television and movie credits to date, Schneider has produced dozens of jewelry pieces seen by millions of moviegoers across the globe. Her designs have been prominently featured in films such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Tron,” “The X-Men” series and “The Maxtrix” trilogy.
“The Hunger Games” film shattered global box office records for an opening weekend, thus making the “Mokingjay Pin” Schneider’s most prominent piece to date. The pin is worn by the film’s heroine Katniss Everdeen, portrayed onscreen by actress Jennifer Lawrence, and it is a symbol of rebellion. The pin plays a prominent role in the novels and is prominently featured on the books’ covers. Schneider was adamant to stay true to the original pin design since the series’ devoted fan base would voice their displeasure if the jewelry was altered in any way.
Schneider created the film version of the “Mockingjay Pin” by molding it out of sterling silver and 22-carat plated gold. She polished the pin with an antique finish to give it a classic look. The pin brought the book design to life and is now being appreciated by film goers across the world.
Dana Schneider’s meteoric rise as a top jewelry maker for Hollywood productions was preceded by a stint in the repair department at Tiffany & Co. in New York and being represented by a small gallery in New York’s famed SoHo district. The designer moved to Hollywood in the late 1990s to pursue her dream of bringing her gothic-style, sculptural rings, bracelets and chains to the big screen. After breaking through in “The Matrix” films, she became the jewelry designer of choice for big-budget Hollywood productions.