Huang's Mandarin House of Asian Antiques

Cloisonne Enamel

Choosing the Best Lapel Pins for you

by Caryn Smith

When ordering lapel pins, most people mistakenly believe they are all the same. You might be surprised to know that you have several options with regard to quality, materials, colors, styles and workmanship. Before purchasing your next order of lapel pins, review the information below. This way you can ensure you're getting the best lapel pins for your particular needs.

Cloisonné - The best of the best! Offering the most definition, sharply separated colors and intricate details, cloisonné lapel pins give clearly visible text and design elements. Starting with a bronze surface, a custom die is created to stamp your design into the base metal. Colors are hand-filled with a powdered glass-like resin mixture into the appropriate areas of the pin and then fired one at a time at a temperature of 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. This two-step process ensures that bleeding of colors does not occur. Each pin is then hand polished (to create a smooth surface) and gold or silver plated.

Cloisonné lapel pins can be made into custom shapes and sizes. Because they are of the highest quality, they can retain their beauty for years to come. The brilliant colors in combination with polished gold or silver give them a high perceived value, much like fine jewelry.

Photo Etched - Similar to cloisonné, the creation of photo etched lapel pins begins with your photo negative. An acid process is used to etch the image and text on to the metal base. Enamel colors are then inserted into the appropriate spaces one at a time. The entire sheet of metal is then fired at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Visible metal areas are polished and plated. Photo etched lapel pins can benefit from the addition of a protective dome that can prevent the fading and cracking of colors over time.

Excellent for complex designs, photo etched lapel pins offer an easy-to-read logo and text on a highly attractive pin.

Offset Printed - Just as with offset printing of brochures or other materials, an image of your custom design is transferred from a photographic negative and then layered over the surface of the metal. Each pin is cut from the sheet of metal following the outline of your design. Non-colored (raised) edges of the pin are then plated in your choice of metal. Because the colors are printed and are not fired, an epoxy protective dome is applied to protect the pins from scratches or other damage.

A medium perceived value and a sharply defined design make offset printed pins a bargain.

Die Struck - Regal, stunning, legendary, handsome… these are all words that accurately describe die struck lapel pins. Stamped from a custom-created die on to a sheet of iron or copper, die struck pins are plated and polished, giving them a truly unique and elegant appearance.

Often used for years of service or employee awards, die struck lapel pins have a medium to high perceived value.

Soft Enamel - Using the iron or copper sheeting like die struck pins and the durable enamel colors of photo etched pins, soft enamel lapel pins give excellent value. Custom designed dies are stamped on to the metal. Enamel colors are then filled one at a time, and the pins are fired at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. An optional epoxy dome can then be applied for added protection if you desire.

With a high perceived value and very similar appearance to cloisonné pins, soft enamel lapel pins are a tremendous value for designs where text and graphics need to be emphasized.

Now that you better understand the particulars of each type of lapel pin, you can confidently make a decision on the best types for you.

About the Author

Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. When you need promotional advertising products including custom-designed lapel pins, contact Lapel Pins R Us for creative ideas. Visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today for custom lapel pins in just 10 days, guaranteed! © 2007, All Rights Reserved

RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL TEA SET MARIA SEMENOVA $101,728.78

18 CENTURY RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL HAND MIRROR $60,321.59

UNIQUE RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL 2 BIRDS BRATINA $46,007.99

OVCHINNIKOV RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL DUCK KOVSH $26,582.39

RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL BOWL OVCHINNIKOV 5.1/8" $10,172.88

RUSSIAN CLOISONNE SILVER ENAMEL SPOON BY FABERGE 6 INCH $9,712.80

Pair Chinese 24K Gilt Copper Cloisonne Enamel Foo Dogs $9,712.80

RUSSIAN SILVER GILT AND CLOISONNE ENAMEL CIGARETTE BOX $9,712.80

Old Chinese 24K gilt Bronze Cloisonne Enamel Royal Vase $9,406.07

China royal Copper Cloisonne Enamel ikebana Vase pair $9,200.58

41" Huge Chinese handwork Copper cloisonne enamel Vases $9,095.27

RUSSIAN SILVER ENAMEL CLOISONNE SILVER CHRIST ICON 12" $8,946.00

LARGE RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL HEXAGON BOX BY 6A $8,690.40

RUSSIAN SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL KOVSH BY MARIA SEMENOVA $7,872.48

36"HUGE CHINA Cloisonne Enamel bat Table/Chairs Set $7,734.45

China Cloisonne Enamel Bat Flower Table four Stools Set $7,655.73

Chinese 24K Gold Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Phoenix Vase $7,156.79

36"HUGE CHINA Cloisonne Enamel dragons Table/Chairs Set $7,144.53

36"HUGE CHINA Cloisonne Enamel dragons Table/Chairs Set $7,144.53

36"HUGE CHINA Cloisonne Enamel dragons Table/Chairs Set $7,054.56

China Cloisonne Enamel dragons Crane Table 4 Stools Set $7,053.54

36"HUGE Cloisonne Enamel dragon phenix Table/Chairs Set $6,798.96

Cloisonne Enamel Dragons Table/ 4 Dragons Chairs Set $6,027.05

Old Chinese Qing Dy 24K Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Vase $5,111.99

RARE RUSSIAN ESTATE 14KT GOLD&CLOISONNE ENAMEL NECKLACE $4,395.30

Chinese 24K Gold Gilt Elephant Enamel Cloisonne Vase $4,089.59

OMEGA 18K AUTOMATIC CLOISONNE ENAMEL DIAL USA FLAG NICE $3,652.01

Cloisonne Enamel Silver Cigarette Case KI Moscow 1910 $3,578.40

100% Pure bronze cloisonne enamel 24K gild Luckly horse $3,373.92

China Copper Cloisonne Enamel Flowers Stool Stand pair $3,338.14

Russian silver gilt and shaded cloisonne enamel egg $3,067.20

14" Old Chinese Qing Dy 24K Gilt Enamel Cloisonne Vase $3,067.19

Huge Russian Silver-Gilt Cloisonne Enamel egg"Swan"84нз $3,067.19

HUGE RARE PAIR OF ROOSTER & HEN CLOISONNE ENAMEL BOXES $3,062.09

★ Japanese Cloisonne ENAMEL Letter BOX Kobayashi Shou ★ $2,913.84

China Copper Cloisonne Enamel Flowers Stool Stand pair $2,862.72

VALUED 17CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING VASE $2,862.72

VALUED 44CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING VASE $2,862.72

VALUED 44CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING VASE $2,862.72

VALUED 40CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING VASE $2,811.60

VALUED 40CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING VASE $2,811.60

46CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) CRANE/DEER ROSE WOOD SCREEN $2,658.24

China Copper Cloisonne Enamel Flowers Stool Stand pair $2,556.00

Russian silver gilt and shaded cloisonne enamel kovsh $2,556.00

RARE VERMEIL SILVER &CLOISONNE ENAMEL RUSSIAN PAIR CUPS $2,556.00

Large Russian Silver-Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Egg 84 $2,555.99

23" Bronze 24K GOLD Cloisonne Enamel Green tara Buddha $2,554.98

Old Chinese 24K Gold Gilt Cloisonne Enamel kettle Pot $2,043.78

25"China Royal Copper cloisonne enamel Gourd Vase Pair $2,039.69

Chinese classic Bronze Cloisonne enamel Ding Zun Censer $2,024.35

35" Palace Cloisonne Enamel Flower Stand Stool Pair $1,940.51

37CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER ELEPHANT STATUE $1,922.11

37CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER ELEPHANT STATUE $1,922.11

Chinese Huge royal Copper cloisonne enamel stool Pair $1,901.66

Silver Cloisonné Enamel Cigarette Case Russia Ca 1900 $1,840.32

Handmade Cloisonne Enamel A Pair Pheonix Bird Statues $1,717.63

14k Cloisonne Brooch Pendant Enamel Faure Limoges $1,630.73

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER DRAGON HOT POT $1,533.60

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER HOT POT $1,533.60

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER DRAGON HOT POT $1,533.60

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER HOT POT $1,533.60

31"China Copper Cloisonne Enamel dragon vase pair $1,482.48

RARE 19TH CENTURY Chinese Cloisonne ENAMEL BOWL JAR BOX $1,324.01

25"Chinese Copper Cloisonne Enamel barracuda vase pair $1,226.88

25"China Copper Cloisonne Enamel nine dragon vase pair $1,226.88

RARE 23CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER BOX $1,226.88

VALUED 22CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING POT $1,226.88

VALUED 22CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER GOLD-PLATING POT $1,226.88

RARE 23CM CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER BOX $1,226.88

RARE BRONZE INSECT MANTIS CLOISONNE ENAMEL PLATE TRAY $1,226.88

Qing Dy Handmade Cloisonne Enamel Palace Lamp Decorate $1,206.43

19"Chinese Copper cloisonne enamel Two Dragon Vase Piar $1,195.19

OLD GORGEOUS CHINESE CLOISONNE ENAMEL PAIR of HORSES $1,022.39

RARE 15" CLOISONNE ENAMEL DRAGON TRAY,PLATTER, PLATE $1,022.39

STERLING SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL RUSSIAN STYLE JAR BOX $1,022.39

RARE OLD GREEN LEAF CLOISONNE ENAMEL JAR BOX PLATE TRAY $1,022.39

OLD CHINESE CLOISONNE ENAMEL PAIR of SITTING HORSES $1,022.39

Old Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Bronze Dragon Brush Pot $1,022.39

Chinese royal Copper Cloisonne Enamel ikebana Vase pair $1,021.38

17"Chinese classic Copper cloisonne enamel Lucky Horse $1,020.35

30"Royal Copper cloisonne enamel beast Zun censer pot $1,017.29

4 RUSSIAN ANTIQUE SILVER CLOISONNE ENAMEL SPOONS $1,017.29

24"China royal cloisonne enamel 24K gold dragon vase $1,017.29

Antique Enamel Cloisonne Brass Turkey Jewish Sephardic $996.84

RUSSIAN SILVER ENAMEL CLOISONNE BELT BUCKLE & DAGGER $976.39

35 inch Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Flower Stand Stool $971.28

35CM GREAT CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER OX STATUE $920.16

35CM GREAT CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER OX STATUE $920.16

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER MONKEY STATUE $899.71

40CM NICE CLOISONNE(ENAMEL) COPPER MONKEY STATUE $899.71

ANTIQUE RUSSIAN SILVER 84 CLOISONNE ENAMEL OVAL BOX $817.92

CHINESE JADE DRAGON TOP CLOISONNE ENAMEL FLORAL JAR BOX $817.91

Chinese handmade cloisonne enamel Two Dragon Vase $805.65

24"China royal Copper cloisonne enamel Two dragon vase $802.58

PAIR of OLD CHINESE CLOISONNE ENAMEL ELEPHANTS $796.45

16"Collection Gilt Copper Cloisonne Enamel Horse Statue $785.20

24China superb Cloisonne Enamel general warrior statue $782.14

OLD MEIJI SILVER METAL CLOISONNE ENAMEL BIRD FLORAL BOX $766.80

Pr Antique Bronze Cloisonne Enamel CHERUB Candlesticks $757.66

BRONZE Japanese Enamel Cloisonne Flower Ikebana Vase $715.68

---