What Is a Cloisonne Pin?

Cloisonne is an ancient jewelry-making technique that was developed in Cyprus around the 13th century B.C. A pin, or brooch, is just one of the many types of jewelry that can be made using the cloisonne technique.

Technique

Cloisonne starts with a metal base. On top of the base are raised metal barriers that contain different colors of enamel. These barriers, often made from copper or bronze, and the enamel they contain form pictures and patterns. They can be anything from flowers to fish to abstract shapes.

Types

The cloisonne technique can be applied to beads, brooches, bracelets and even teacups and saucers or decorative figurines.

History

Cloisonne was first developed on the island of Cyprus around the 13th century B.C. According to an article in the magazine "Glass on Metal," gold and enamel rings dating to this time have been found during archaeological digs in the village of Kouklia on Cyprus.

Distribution

Cloisonne spread throughout the Byzantine Empire and was manufactured in France, Russia, China, Japan, Persia, England, Greece and Portugal

Chinese Cloisonne

Around the 14th and 15th centuries A.D., the Chinese began making cloisonne. The ornate pieces were highly prized at the Chinese court and continue to be prized by antique collectors.