What Is Hard Enamel and Why Does It Last?

Hard enamel (also called cloisonné) is the highest quality method for producing metal lapel pins. The metal base is die-struck with raised walls (cloisons) that create individual color compartments. Each compartment is hand-filled with enamel paste, then fired at 800°C+ to fuse the enamel into glass. After firing, the entire surface is polished flat so the metal walls and enamel sit flush — creating a smooth, glass-like surface that is virtually indestructible under normal wear.

Physical Properties of a Hard Enamel Pin

Durability Highlights

Glass-hard enamel surface resists scratches from keys, coins, and daily carry

Gold plating is protected with anti-tarnish coating — maintains shine for years

Die-struck metal base is solid metal, not stamped thin metal — feels substantial in hand

Butterfly clutch is crimp-locked onto the pin post — will not loosen or fall off

Kiln-fired enamel will never peel, flake, or crack — it is fused glass, not paint

Polished finish is easy to clean — wipe with a soft cloth to restore shine

1. Shape & Design Customization

We can create any custom shape as a die-struck metal pin. The pretzel design is a pre-existing template — we can adapt it for doughnuts, bagels, bread rolls, or completely custom brand mascots and logos.

2. Enamel Color Customization

We offer the full Pantone color spectrum for hard enamel filling. Your design can have unlimited colors — each color zone is separated by raised metal walls.

Black enamel (as shown on the pretzel) — any Pantone black or dark shade

Gold metal body — polished gold, antique gold, rose gold, silver, copper, gunmetal

Text colors — the raised "Выбора" text is bare metal; can be plated in any finish

Multi-color designs — each knot of the pretzel can be a different enamel color

Glow-in-the-dark enamel — available for special event pins

3. Plating & Finish Options

4. Attachment & Backing Options

Butterfly clutch (standard) — Classic military-style clutch, gold or silver plated

Rubber clutch — Colorful rubber backing (match to brand colors)

Magnet — Strong neodymium magnet back (for delicate fabrics, no holes required)

Safety pin — Sew-on backing for heavy-duty uniform attachment

Ribbon / hanging bar — For medals, awards, or commemorative pins

Blister pack — Pre-packaged on a display card for retail sales

Packaging Options

Shipping Options & Delivery Estimates

Lead Time Summary

Sample order: 7 – 10 working days (die creation 5 – 7 days + sample production 2 – 3 days)

Bulk order (100 – 1,000 pcs): 12 – 15 working days after sample approval

Bulk order (1,000 – 5,000 pcs): 15 – 20 working days

Bulk order (5,000+ pcs): 20 – 25 working days

What is the minimum order quantity for a custom enamel pin like this?

For a custom die-struck enamel pin with a new shape, the MOQ is 100 pieces per design. For existing shape templates (like the pretzel), we accept as low as 50 pieces. For complex 3D raised relief or multi-plating designs, MOQ may be 200 – 300 pieces.

How long does a sample take to arrive?

Once the artwork is approved, we create the die in 5 – 7 working days, produce the sample in 2 – 3 days, and ship via DHL/FedEx. Total sample lead time: 7 – 10 working days. International shipping takes 3 – 5 working days after dispatch.

What is the difference between hard enamel and soft enamel?

Hard enamel (cloisonné) is kiln-fired at 800°C+ and polished flat so the metal and enamel are flush — it feels smooth like glass. Soft enamel is cured at lower temperature and the enamel sits below the metal walls — it has a textured, recessed feel. Hard enamel is more durable, scratch-resistant, and has a premium look. Soft enamel is more affordable and good for budget projects.

Can I change the text from Cyrillic to another language?

Yes. The text is raised die-struck metal, integrated into the pin. We can produce any text in any script: English, Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese characters, or custom fonts. Send us your artwork with the exact text and font style you want.

Is this pin safe for children to wear?

The pin has a sharp metal post and clutch backing, which poses a choking hazard for young children. We recommend these pins for ages 12+ or for adult uniform use. If you need child-safe pins, we offer safety pin backings and magnet backs that eliminate sharp components.

Will the gold plating wear off over time?

We apply a protective anti-tarnish lacquer over the gold plating. Under normal wear (worn on a lapel 1 – 2 times per week), the gold finish will remain bright for 2 – 3 years. With occasional wear and proper storage, it can last much longer. The underlying metal is zinc alloy which does not rust.

Can I get a custom shape that is not a food item?

Absolutely. We can produce any custom die-struck shape — company logos, mascots, flags, landmarks, letters/initials, geometric shapes, state outlines, and unlimited creative concepts. Send us your vector artwork (AI, EPS, CDR, PDF) and we will provide a die-strike mockup within 1 – 2 working days.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept T/T bank transfer (30% deposit + 70% balance before shipment), L/C at sight above $3,000, Western Union for samples, and PayPal for orders under $500.

Can I mix multiple pin designs in one order?

Yes. You can mix different shapes, colors, and plating options in the same production batch, as long as each unique design meets its MOQ. For example: 100 pretzel pins + 100 beer mug pins + 100 logo pins in one order.

Do you offer blind bag packaging for collectible pin series?

Yes. For collectible pin series, we offer opaque foil bags, sealed display cards, or small hinged boxes. Each bag/card can be labeled with series information. Minimum for blind bag packaging is 500 pcs per series.