Manufacturing enamel pins is a manual process. Therefore the products of the process are all unique and different (just like every one of you!). Imperfections are expected. Because of this, I want you, as a customer, to know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase an enamel pin. I have broken down the pins that are for sale into 3 categories: A grade – for standard pins with minimal imperfections that are hard to see at first glance, B grade – for pins with a few more imperfections, and C grade – pins with a lot of imperfections.
Pin Grades
A – Standard Grade
Pins that are graded “A” have the least amount of imperfections. Usually, the imperfections are not easily discernable at first glance. These are perfect for putting up on a corkboard or in displaying in a collection. Pins in this grade can include:
- Tiny air bubble in a non-central part of the pin
- A spec of dust in a non-central part of the pin
- Light scratches or imperfections that can only be seen when the pin is held up at an angle to a light source
- Minor dips in metal border
- A tiny notch in the border of the metal part of the pin
B – Bargain Bin Grade
Pins graded “B” will have more obvious imperfections. Pins in this grade are perfect for pinning to surfaces that you know will receive wear and tear like on backpacks, clothing, etc.
- Air bubbles in the coloured parts of the pin
- Dust specs in the coloured parts of the pin
- Some scratches or bubbles in the metal or coloured parts of the pin
- A small blemishes in the coloured parts of the pin
- A missing chip from the metal
C – Junk Grade
Pins graded “C” will have many imperfections. Pins in this grade are also recommended to be attached to things that will receive wear and tear. The difference is that the quality of these pins are even more subpar than grade B. Pins in this grade can include:
- Several air bubbles in the coloured parts of the pin
- Several dust specs in the coloured parts of the pin
- Several scratches or bubbles in the metal or coloured parts of the pin
- Several blemishes in the coloured parts of the pin
- Tarnished or heavily scratched metal
What are seconds pins?
Seconds pins are the overall term used to describe pins that aren’t “A” grade. They will have some sort of imperfections that some sellers don’t consider minor enough to be “A” grade.