There's no need to throw out snipped ends of headpins or any other scrap sterling silver or gold metals you collect.  Keep them all in a scrap jar (keep the sterling separate from the gold) and then sell them.  If you live in a major city, there are probably precious metal buyers available locally.  A quick search on google turns up several precious metal buyers who will pay cash for your stash.  If you'd prefer to have more jewelry supplies instead of money, both Monsterslayer.com and riogrande.com will give you credit towards future purchases.