Genuine Cloisonné uses ground glass mixed with metals for the colour fills e.g. iron used within the mix creates a red colour. Cloisonné colours are unable to match PMS colours exactly due to the nature of the product. The cloisonné material goes in as a powder, then the piece is fired until the material melts. The cavities are purposefully over-filled so that the colour goes over the metal lines. Once cool the piece is then polished on a wet stone wheel – which grinds down the colour fill until the surface is flat and the metal lines exposed. Finally the piece is plated traditionally in gold or silver.

Imitation cloisonné – the metal pin is formed in the same way until the point where the colours are added then things get a little different. The material used to colour fill is a two-part polymer that hardens chemically (much like epoxy) instead of the ground glass used in genuine cloisonné. Imitation cloisonné then shows its benefits as the polymers may be coloured to match any Pantone PMS colour. The colours are over filled as in genuine cloisonné but then ground down in the same way. 

Die Struck Soft enamel pins are used when cost is a factor or very fine detail is not needed. Normally, an epoxy dome is added to the pin to prevent any scratching. These lapel pins are similar to hard-enamel but the edges between the colours are not quite as smooth. It begins by die striking your design into iron or copper. Then it is plated to your specified colour. Soft enamel pins are frequently used for sport pins, corporate pins and other types of lapel pins.

On paper, the big difference between the three is imitation cloisonné's ability to match PMS colours. In practice, genuine cloisonné colours add a subtle additional depth that is attributable to the glass. However to the untrained eye they may miss it completely. When all is said and done, it a bit like a fine wine. Most of the world will appreciate a good bottle of wine but a smaller group will crave a particular variety and vintage.

In today's market place, price is one of the most important factors in choosing the type of badge required. Die struck soft enamel is normally the most favoured option with initiation cloisonné chosen for more important rewards or gifts, with genuine cloisonné chosen for only the most prestigious of awards.

Any shape is possible, and our badges come with the usual clutch (butterfly) fitting, or with a safety brooch catch if requested.
In a choice of either gilt or silver finish. Quantities start from just 100 badges.