There are many ways to produce an Olympic pin. We will
identify the different pins and what the distinct differences are.
Soft Enamel
Base metal: Die struck copper or brass
Colour composition: Enamel paint
Surface: Raised ridge that could have an epoxy coating, that
can appear as a clear dome covering the design
Manufacturing: Every colour is applied by hand all colours
are applied simultaneously and baked until it is dry.
An epoxy coating is occasionally applied to protect the
paint from chipping off
Less expensive to produce than cloisonné and more colors
available but has a lower perceived value
Photo-Etched
Base metal: Brass
Colour composition: Enamel paint
Surface: Raised ridges finer than those of the enamel style
pin
Manufacturing: Every colour is applied by hand all colors
are applied simultaneously and baked until it is dry.
An epoxy coating is occasionally applied to protect the
paint from chipping off
This style offers the most detail in pin design but is less
durable
SemiCloisonne
Base metal: Die struck copper or brass
Colour composition: Colored epoxy resin
Surface: Hardened epoxy, which is smooth
Manufacturing: Very similar to cloisonné but uses colored
epoxy resin instead of powdered glass.
Every colour is applied by hand and baked at 800 degrees
Fahrenheit until the glass pieces melt and harden.
Like cloisonné it is highly valued by collectors but can be
confused for cloisonné.
Cloisonne
Base metal: Die struck copper
Colour composition: Colored powdered glass
Surface: Smooth, flat and hard
Manufacturing: Every colour is applied by hand. Every colour
is applied by hand and baked at 800 degrees
Fahrenheit until the glass pieces melt and harden.
Highly valued by collectors and they cost more to produce
and to acquire.
Precious Metal
Base metal: Gold or sterling silver
Colour composition: In most cases has no other color than
the metal
Surface: Textured and multi-dimensional
Manufacturing: Melted and poured into molds
Most highly prized value amongst all styles of pins but cost
a lot to produce.
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