A Look at Cloisonne Lapel Pins
Most true cloisonné lapel pins today are made on a copper base, with enamel colors individually mixed. Each pin is then fired one at a time in an enamel oven at temperatures over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the colors are “baked on” and will not run. After the lapel pins cool, they are polished to remove any unwanted color bleeding and to make the pin shine. Cloisonné lapel pins are very durable and their colors remain vibrant for the life of the pin.
While the cloisonné process is very detailed, the cost of a high quality cloisonné lapel pin should not cost much more then a similar die-cast or photo etched lapel pin. Depending on the company, design, size and quantity purchased, a custom cloisonné lapel pin should cost around $2.00 per pin to manufacture. A cloisonné pin has a more “retro” look, and therefore may be more appealing to collectors than other types of lapel pins. Plus, with a cloisonné lapel pin you are carrying on an ancient artistic tradition. Due to their more detailed manufacturing process, cloisonné also lends itself to a more dressy or jeweled style of lapel pin. Consider a cloisonné lapel pin if your design includes a stone setting, for example.
No matter what your use, cloisonné is an elegant, durable and affordable option for a custom lapel pin.