Cloisonne pins have a royal history and a legacy of beauty. Dating back to the 13th century, the cloisonne process was first used in ancient China to create vases and other art for the Emperor. During the famous Ming Dynasty, bronze casting was taken to a new level and the cloisonne process, which is still used to create cloisonne lapel pins today, was perfected.

Cloisonne pins start with the same basic steps as die struck lapel pins or soft enamel lapel pins. A metal sheet (in a color of your choice) is stamped in order to create a raised outline of the design. The recessed areas are then filled with powdery glass-like color resins. Each color is filled separately and fired in an oven at 1700 degrees. The process and the use of glass resins give each cloisonne pin a hard, glossy finish that simulates jewel tones.