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Pin Grading Guide

Enamel pins are handmade and each one is unique. While I take pride in providing the highest quality pins possible, you can expect a certain level of minor imperfections. I divide my pins between A Grade (Standard) which I sell at normal price and B Grade, (also called Seconds) which is sold at a discount.

"A Grade" Pins

With my A grade Standard pins, you can expect to find minor imperfections. I determine a defect is “minor” if I can spot it while holding the pin up close or turning the pin in the light, but the flaw becomes un-noticable if the pin is held at arm’s length.

Minor imperfections that may be found in my A Grade Standard Pins include:

  • Light surface scratches/scuffs on enamel or metal
  • Tiny nicks, air bubbles, or specks in the enamel or metal (but not on a character’s face)
  • Very minor under-fill in the enamel or parts where the enamel comes out a little uneven/wavy
  • One or two small points of imperfections in the metal plating
  • Screen printed areas that are slightly off-center or have a speck missing
  • Slight overfilling where the enamel paint goes over the metal lines
  • Wobbly pin back that moves less than 1 mm when you press your finger on it and wiggle-test it

"B Grade" Pins

With my B grade Seconds pins, you can expect to find larger, more noticeable imperfections. I determine a defect is “major” if it is noticeable even when the pin is held at arm’s length. They are still beautiful to wear or display, but might not be suitable to give as a gift.

Major imperfections that may be found in my B Grade Seconds Pins include:

  • Larger and deeper surface scratches/scuffs on enamel or metal
  • Tiny nicks, air bubbles, or specks in the enamel or metal appearing in noticeable parts (such as on a character’s face) and noticeable from a distance
  • Moderate to major under-fill in the enamel or parts where the enamel comes out noticeably uneven/wavy
  • Multiple areas of imperfections or tarnishing in the metal plating
  • Significant overfilling where the enamel paint goes over the metal lines
  • Wobbly pin back that moves more than 1 mm when you press your finger on it and wiggle-test it.