Pin Grading

Did you know?

Enamel pins are handmade! A worker uses a tiny syringe to fill up the enamel in the pin, every one by hand! This also includes casting the mold to polishing the metal and plating it. A lot of time and work goes into making enamel pins, and so even passing quality pins can never be 100% flawless.

I inspect all my pins myself, and grade according to a pass and fail method. Pins that fail to pass are labeled Seconds and offered at a discount. These are still lovely pins, they just have flaws that are more noticeable.

Passing Pins

Also known as A-Grade or Standard Grade

My passing pins are the best the shop has to offer. They are full-price and make great gifts or additions to any collection and look beautiful worn or displayed. However these pins may still include very minor imperfections such as

Slight discolorations or unevenness in the metal
Small specks of dirt in the enamel
Slightly uneven areas of under or overfill
Small scratches or scruffs on the metal or enamel
Small imperfections or nicks in the metal plating

Second Pins

Also known as B-Grade pins

Second pins have more noticeable imperfections than the passing grade, but still accurately display their intended design. They are sound for a few dollars less than the standard grade. While their flaws may be noticeable, they still make excellent gifts and are wearable or great for display. As for the flaws they may contain

Larger over or under fill of enamel
Noticeable scratches of scruffs on enamel or metal
Missing enamel
Noticeable black marks or dust
Air bubbles in enamel
Off-set screen printing
Area of platting missing
Backing post issues