Cloisonne (hard enamel) lapel pins, also called hard enamel pins, are created using the finest materials and workmanship. Cloisonne lapel pins begin as a die struck pin, in which your design is stamped using tons of pressure from a die created from your original design. After your pins are all struck out from the raw base metal (typically brass or copper) they go for coloring. The painting process used in cloisonne pins starts with a powdered glass mixture which is then kiln-fired at over 1600 degrees, which melts the glass-like powder into hard solid color cells. Because the color is filled all the way to the surface of the depression made during die striking, your pins can then be buffed, each pin one at a time, giving a high luster glossy finish that states quality and class. This look is what gives Cloisonne lapel pins their ‘corporate’ look.