Formal and Casual Identification: Cloisonne Pins, Embroidered Patches, and Military Patches

Status and Affiliation: We all want to show others that we have them. How do we show status and affiliation? By wearing cloisonne lapel pins and patches, such as military patches. Cloisonne pins are a dressed-up way to show our affiliation. With a pin in our lapel, we can brag about the company we work for, the club we belong to, or the status we have earned. Patches are a decorative but inexpensive way to show who we are and what we’ve done in a more casual manner. Important among the patches are military patches, which can express the pride and patriotism of the wearer.

Cloisonne is an ancient and artistic process that was developed in the East. Elaborate decorative pieces can be created using this process. The effect is similar to stained glass but is not transparent. This process is made up of many painstaking steps. Cloissone consists of various colors of enamel fired onto a metal base. The different colors or sections of the work are separated by a metal wire. First the artist creates the metal base in the form of the finished object, for example, a butterfly. Next a silver wire is soldered into place as the separator between the colors. Third, the enamel material is placed into the areas of color. Different types of chemicals create enamels of different colors. After the enamel powder is in place, the piece is fired. The intense heat creates the solid, glass-like enamel. After the firing, the piece is polished, and finally, the work is gilded or electroplated.

Although this is a labor-intensive process, small lapel pins can be made for a modest cost. However, although the pins are inexpensive, they can be strikingly beautiful, appearing more valuable than they actually are. This characteristic is a huge plus to an organization that wants to give a small gift with Wow power. For this reason, cloisonne lapel pins make excellent promotional giveaways or acknowledgments for contributions.

Another use that makes the cloisonne lapel pin valuable is trading at a large event. Swapping pins gives attendees an opening for meeting others and a talking point for conversation. Consider the Olympics. Olympics attendees arrive with a supply of identifying pins that have a great worth beyond the bits of metal and enamel. People who may not even speak the same language are able to get to know one another through the exchange of pins. And then in later years, reminiscing over the collection of pins can bring back precious faces and memories.

To acknowledge identity or achievement in a more playful way, you may prefer to use patches. Embroidered patches are larger than pins and can be ironed or sewn onto casual clothing such as jackets, hats, and vests. Patches let the wearer brag about places he has visited, events festooned vest or jacket can show the pride of an active and interesting person.

A special category of patch is the military patch. Again, the meaning and sentiment behind the patch has immeasurable value beyond the mere fabric and colored thread. A military patch is a visible symbol of patriotism and belonging to a highly valued cause.

Patches and pins are bits of cotton or metal, but the pride and achievement behind them make them a bargain at twice—no thrice—the price.