Custom Cloisonné Pins

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Yes — cloisonné and hard enamel are two names for the same type of pin. “Cloisonné” refers to the centuries-old enameling technique where colored enamel is fired and then ground flush with the metal dividers, creating a perfectly smooth surface. In the promotional products industry, the same process is commonly called “hard enamel” to distinguish it from soft enamel pins, where the enamel sits recessed below the metal lines.

Whether you see them labeled as cloisonné pins or hard enamel pins, the manufacturing process, materials, and finished product are identical.

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Hard enamel (cloisonné) pins are more durable because of how they’re made. After the enamel is applied, the pin is fired at high temperatures to harden the enamel, then the entire surface is ground and polished until the enamel is perfectly flush with the metal lines. This creates a smooth, glass-like surface with no exposed edges where enamel could chip or catch on fabric.

Soft enamel pins have recessed enamel that sits below the raised metal lines, leaving the color more exposed to wear. For pins that will be worn daily — like employee badges or corporate lapel pins — hard enamel’s scratch-resistant surface holds up significantly better over time.

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Our minimum order for custom cloisonné (hard enamel) pins is 100 units. Larger orders lower your per-unit price — check our pricing page for volume discounts. Production typically takes 7-10 business days, and we include free shipping to the US.

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Hard enamel (cloisonné) pins are the premium choice when appearance and longevity matter. Common uses include:

• Corporate branding: Executive lapel pins, client gifts, and brand ambassador pins that look polished in professional settings
• Awards and recognition: Years of service pins, achievement awards, and honor society pins that recipients keep for decades
• Military and government: Rank insignia, unit pins, and commemorative pins where durability is essential
• Events and commemorative: Anniversary pins, gala keepsakes, and limited-edition collector pins with a jewelry-quality finish

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Brass is the preferred base metal for cloisonné (hard enamel) pins because it withstands the high-temperature firing process better than iron. During manufacturing, the enamel must be heated to harden it before the surface is ground and polished flat. Brass handles this heat without warping and produces a smoother, more refined finish after polishing.

Brass also takes plating exceptionally well, giving cloisonné pins their characteristic jewelry-like shine in gold, silver, and other finishes. Soft enamel and die struck pins can use iron or brass, but cloisonné pins are almost always brass for the best result.

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You can fill out a quote form on any of our product pages or while looking at photos in the gallery! This allows you to choose your favorite design features, leave notes for our designers, and upload any reference images you may have. Alternatively, our team would be happy to help by phone or email using the contact methods below.

We can also assist you via phone, text, or email.

Email: info@lapelpinsplus.com
Phone: +1-800-252-0904
Text: +1-800-252-0904

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Minimums vary by product:

• Lapel pins, keychains, medals, lanyards, and patches: 100 units
• Trading pins (standard and USA Rush): 200 units
• Challenge coins: 50 units
• Belt buckles: 25 units

Larger orders lower your per-unit price. Check out our pricing page to learn more.

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Production times will vary depending on the type of custom product you order, and the complexity of your design. For the most accurate information, ask your sales representative for an estimated turnaround time. The details listed below should be used as a general rule of thumb for production times and do not include shipping time:

• Lapel Pins: 7-10 business days
• Lanyards: 7-10 business days
• Patches: 14 business days
• Keychains: 12-14 business days
• Belt Buckles: 14-18 business days
• Challenge Coins: 14-18 business days
• Domestic Rush Pins: 3-5 business days
• Domestic Rush Challenge Coins: 3-5 business days

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You can place your order over the phone or online through our secure payment portal. Have your Quote Number ready and double-check that the proof assigned to that Quote Number matches the proof you would like to purchase.

Click here to find your quote and pay online, or follow the “Order This Quote” link sent to your email with your proof.

To pay by phone, call +1-800-252-0904.

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We offer discounted pricing based on the number of custom products in your order. The more you order, the less you will pay per unit. Check out our pricing page for more detailed information on pricing for all of our custom products!