PIN GRADING SYSTEM

DISCLAIMER: Every artist grades their pins differently. This is how we personally grade pins.
Please be sure to read throughout our grading system to better understand the products offered! :)

► Recently updated on 12/01/2022

 

✦ STANDARD PINS 

*Imperfections usually only visible upon close-up inspection or viewing the pin in a specific angle in specific lighting.

Near perfect pins that are free of major defects, but may be slightly flawed. Please note, extra care is taken when inspecting characters faces. These flaws may include but are not limited to:

  • Small scratches or scuffs on surface
  • Small pores/bubble or faint dust on enamel
  • Slight low fill/overfill
  • Slight discoloration
  • Tiny area with a miss-color, in an area that isn't the focal point.
  • Slight wiggle on post (stress tested to ensure the posts wont fall off).

*3 Inch Pins - The above points may be more visible on 3" pins, as they have a larger surface area. Since larger pins are more complicated for production, there leaves more room for human mistake/error. We do our best to follow our pin grading system with this in mind. 

 

✦ B+ GRADE (3.3 inch + ONLY)

*B+ Grade's are graded by batch, as no two pins have the exact same defects. Please understand, if you receive a B+ Grade pin in one instance, this doesn't mean it will carry over the same amount of defects to another B+ Grade.

This grade usually has a slightly more noticeable imperfection versus a Standard. This grade is considered "almost standard", as it contains less imperfections than B, but slightly more than Standard.
Imperfections may include, but are not limited to:

  • Slightly noticeable black/blue marks on enamel (usually an issue with polishing)
  • Slightly more noticeable scratch or scuffs
  • Slightly more noticeable area with underfill or bubble
  • Area with miss color that is more noticeable (example; shoe color is black, when it should be blue).
  • Slight wiggle on post (stress tested to ensure the posts wont fall off).

 

✦ B GRADE

*B Grade's are graded by batch, as no two pins have the exact same defects. Please understand, if you receive a B Grade pin in one instance, this doesn't mean it will carry over the same amount of defects to another B Grade.

This grade usually has more than 1 or more noticeable imperfection. Still a great quality pin, suited for the more casual collector who isn't too picky. Imperfections may include, but are not limited to:

  • Noticeable black/blue marks on enamel (usually an issue with polishing)
  • More noticeable scratch or scuffs
  • More noticeable area with underfill or bubble
  • Area with miss color that is more noticeable (example; shoe color is black, when it should be blue).
  • Slight wiggle on post (stress tested to ensure the posts wont fall off).

*3 Inch Pins - The above points may be more visible on 3" pins, as they have a larger surface area. Since larger pins are more complicated for production, there leaves more room for human mistake/error. We do our best to follow our pin grading system with this in mind. 

 

✦ C GRADE 

*C Grade's are graded by batch, as no two pins have the exact same defects. Please understand, if you receive a C Grade pin in one instance, this doesn't mean it will carry over the same amount of defects to another C Grade.
This grade will have more majorly noticeable imperfections or errors at any angle at first glance. They're great for the budget collector.
Every pin deserves a good home, despite their flaws♡
Multiple imperfections may include, but are not limited to:
  • Lower quality/leaking/overflow of enamel
  • Deep scratches, scuffs or dents in enamel
  • Larger area with low fills in more noticeable areas
  • Larger area missing/peeling/cracking/burnt enamel
  • Heavier tarnish or discoloration
  • 1 missing post
  • Unforeseen problems or imperfections. 

*3 Inch Pins - The above points may be more visible on 3" pins, as they have a larger surface area. Since larger pins are more complicated for production, there leaves more room for human mistake/error. We do our best to follow our pin grading system with this in mind. 

 

✦ OOPSIE'S 

Oopsie pins are an extra "grade" we sometimes have available. These pins will all have the same defect, or manufacture mistake throughout the entire batch. Example; Entire batch missing screen print, wrong color, or holes/tarnish in the same area. Please read through the Oopsie's listing for that pins specific defect/mistake. These will come with our lowest discount price, as we try to clear the inventory ASAP. Because of this, these pins won't be graded as Standard, B's or C's. You may receive a more defected pin than another.

 

All pins are graded per batch, meaning you may receive a pin with more or less flaws than a previous one.
Please remember enamel pins are filled and polished by hand. No pin will ever be 100% perfect.
Our pins are graded in natural lighting at arm's length. Backsides are not accounted for during grading, unless posts are broken off. All pins may tarnish over time due to the nature of how metals work. Moisture exposure are enamel pins worst enemy, so please keep this in mind to preserve the integrity of your pins!
Please note, there may be slight color differences in the enamel or metal in pins of the same design, due to changes in manufacturers and pantone updates.

All pins are Standard unless otherwise noted. 

B and C Grade pins are sold as a different style in the drop menu's of listings when available, and are discounted from the Standard Grades. Because of this, there are no refunds for misreading which grades are which, so please be certain when purchasing ♡

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!DISCLAIMER!
enamel pin colors may vary slightly due to differences in monitor resolutions and color adjustments.
​upon purchasing any enamel pins from me, it is assumed that you have read, understood, and agreed to this grading scale !

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
All fan-made and original products are designed by KirasElixir, and are only intended for personal use.