Cloisonné Pins: What They Are, Why They’re Special, and How to Order Custom Designs
When you hear the word cloisonné, it sounds like something out of a museum or jewelry case — and in a way, it is. Cloisonné pins are one of the most timeless and elegant enamel pin styles available, often treasured for their glossy finish, durability, and high-end appeal. Whether you’re looking to celebrate an achievement, create a collector’s piece, or design custom merchandise, cloisonné pins might be the perfect choice.
In this guide, we’ll break down what cloisonné pins are, how they’re made, how they differ from other enamel pin types, and why they remain a popular choice for businesses, organizations, and collectors.
What Are Cloisonné Pins?
Cloisonné pins are a type of hard enamel pin known for their polished, durable, and high-shine surface. Instead of leaving recessed texture like soft enamel, cloisonné pins are filled with enamel to the top of the metal lines and then polished flat for a smooth finish.
Quick takeaway: If you’re ordering “hard enamel,” you’re getting cloisonné-quality pins. Many manufacturers use the terms interchangeably.
How Cloisonné Pins Are Made
- Stamping the base: Your design is stamped or die-struck into a metal base (usually brass, zinc alloy, or iron).
- Adding enamel: Colored enamel is placed carefully into the recessed areas, color by color.
- Firing: Pins are baked at high heat to cure and harden the enamel.
- Polishing: The surface is polished smooth so enamel and metal borders are flush.
- Plating: The pin receives its final metal finish (gold, silver, black nickel, etc.).
This process creates vivid color, crisp metal lines, and a long-lasting, scratch-resistant finish.
Cloisonné vs. Other Pin Types
| Feature | Cloisonné (Hard Enamel) | Soft Enamel |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth, polished, jewelry-like | Textured; metal lines sit higher than enamel |
| Look & Feel | Glossy, premium, crisp detail | Bold texture, slightly more “illustrated” look |
| Durability | Highly durable, scratch-resistant | Durable, but enamel valleys can wear first |
| Best For | Awards, corporate, luxury gifts, uniforms | Artist merch, fandoms, collections, budget-friendly runs |
When to Choose Cloisonné Pins
- Corporate recognition & awards: Service years, employee milestones, ceremonies.
- High-end branding: Retail labels, hospitality, luxury packaging accessories.
- Collectors: When you want a polished, heirloom feel.
- Uniforms & formal wear: Dress codes that call for a refined look.
Design Tips for a Cloisonné-Quality Finish
- Use clear metal lines: Thin, closed shapes hold enamel cleanly and polish beautifully.
- Limit tiny color islands: Very small isolated areas can be hard to fill consistently.
- Consider plating early: Gold, silver, black nickel, or dye-black plating changes the overall vibe.
- Keep text legible: 6–8 pt equivalent is usually the practical minimum for most sizes.
How Much Do Cloisonné Pins Cost?
Pricing varies by size, plating, and quantity. In general, cloisonné (hard enamel) costs a bit more than soft enamel because of the polishing step, but the difference often shrinks at higher quantities.
- Size: Larger pins use more material and time.
- Quantity: Bulk orders bring the per-unit cost down.
- Options: Specialty platings, cutouts, screen printing, or extras can impact price.
Tip: If you’re on the fence, request quotes for both soft enamel and hard enamel at the same size/quantity to compare value.
Custom Cloisonné Pins with Dream Maker Pins
We help you go from idea to finished pins without the guesswork. Whether you need a single elegant award design or a full corporate program, we’ll guide you on sizing, plating, enamel colors, and timelines.
- Design file help & art feedback
- Plating and color recommendations
- Bulk pricing for teams, events, and organizations
Start your custom cloisonné (hard enamel) order
FAQ: Cloisonné (Hard Enamel) Pins
Are cloisonné pins and hard enamel pins the same?
Yes. In modern manufacturing, “cloisonné” is often used as another name for hard enamel pins. If you order hard enamel, you’re getting a cloisonné-quality finish.
How durable are cloisonné pins?
Very durable. Because the enamel is polished flush with the metal, the smooth surface resists scratches and everyday wear.
When should I choose cloisonné instead of soft enamel?
Choose cloisonné for awards, uniforms, or anytime you want a polished, jewelry-like look. Choose soft enamel when you want bold texture, a slightly lower price, or an artist-merch vibe.
Can I order cloisonné pins in bulk?
Absolutely. Bulk orders are common for schools, teams, and companies — and larger quantities reduce the price per pin.
What pin backs work best?
For daily wear, rubber backs are comfortable and secure. For hats, bags, or heavy use, consider locking pin backs for extra hold.
Ready to create a premium cloisonné pin? We’ll help you dial in size, plating, and colors so your design looks flawless.