Cloisonne Lapel Pins
A Brief History of Cloisonne
Lapel Pins
Cloisonne or "Hard Enamel" as it is formerly known, was first
given to the Chinese by Central Asian missionaries in the 14th
century. The Chinese practiced the art of making cloisonne lapel
pins and developed it to a high standard. And it has became the
benchmark by which all other lapel pins are measured.
How had the Chinese managed to fine-tune this remarkable lapel
pin art form so quickly? Their understanding of casting coppers
and bronze metals had a lot to do with it. But their ability to
control the firing temperatures of the lapel pins is what made
the difference and gave them the advantage. The success they had
developing and refining the manufacture of cloisonne lapel pins
was just a natural progression of the skills they already had.
How Cloisonne Lapel Pins Are Manufactured
Today
Centuries later, Pin Promotions is still practicing the fine art
and applying it to our own cloisonne lapel pins. As with many
great art forms, few of the fundamental processes have changed.
Today our cloisonne lapel pins are die struck from a copper bronze
surface, then hand-filled with a glass-like mixture. The lapel
pins are then fired in a kiln. Once done, more color is added,
and then the pins are fired again. This two-step process ensures
bleeding of colors does not occur. Next, the cloisonne lapel pins
are individually hand polished and plated with either silver or
gold.
Cloisonne lapel pins are popular because of the kiln firing. The
kiln firing of the glass mixture ensures a hard and durable finish
that can last for many years. Separated, bold designs are the
best choice for cloisonne lapel pins, as the stamping and hand
polishing processes can sometimes obscure the fine detail.
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