Pin Grading
Since enamel pins are hand-made and minor variations are normal, the grading system is a common method for communicating a pin's quality. This is a quick rundown of the grading system as I apply it.
Unless otherwise specified, all pins are A grade by default. B grade pins will sometimes be sold at a discount. Please note that in all cases, pin colors may vary slightly from digital proofs or previous runs. Because the enamel colors are hand-mixed, this variation is expected and normal.
A Grade (Standard)
High quality pins with no more than one or two minor imperfections, generally only apparent when closely inspected, such as:
- very small scratches or scuffs
- very small bubbles, stray dust, or stray glitter in enamel
- minor discoloration or scuffs on metal
- low-fill enamel, not too shallow and not in large areas
- slightly uneven glitter placement (not significant/distracting)
- slight variations in metal/line thicknesses
- very small amounts of excess metal on edges
B Grade
These pins will have at least one more obvious imperfection. They will be easier to spot, but I'll never sell pins with defects that interfere with a design's overall readability. Examples include:
- low-fill enamel in larger areas, significantly shallow
- minor color spills
- significant defects/chipping in metal plating
- significant scratches, scuffs, or dents
- significant amounts of bubbles, stray dust, or stray glitter in enamel
- very uneven glitter placement
- significant amounts of excess metal on edges
- very obvious variations in metal/line thicknesses
- wobbly (but still functional) posts
C Grade
These pins will have significant defects, such as incorrect colors, inconsistent enamel fills or spills, etc. At this time, I do not sell C grade pins.