Grading

I hold the pin(s) up at a distance to see if I can spot any immediate or larger flaws. Then I look closer and usually with a flashlight to inspect for smaller flaws. If I cannot see any flaws holding the pin at arms length and there are less than 3 flaws upon closer inspection it is a standard grade. To be honest, most of the time they are near perfect/no easily spotted flaws. But I go by best of the batch, and only remake designs if there's a serious error or mistake on over 80% of the total ordered amount. B grades are considered to have multiple flaws on close inspection, but generally don't detract from the pin from arms length. C grades are considered to have flaws noticeable even at arms length. Please note that all items are handmade and therefore are not going to be completely perfect. 

 

SCALE-

Standard Grade: Best of the batch! May have 1-3 small  imperfections upon close inspection but does not take away from the pin overall and cannot be seen from arms length. I do not count different color specs of glitter or slightly underfilled enamel in one area as b grade worthy flaws. Also if theres a tiny smudge on a non skin area of a design. Dyed pins with epoxy are graded more leniently than regular hard enamel pins as they always have a higher flaw rate (dust trapping, air bubbles, general specs)

B grade: More than 2 flaws, but it doesn't affect how you see the pin from arms length or on a board. Defects include things like scratches, missing glitter or small sections of enamel, or small dents/pinpricks/chips in enamel. Also includes any noticeable markings to face, usually an automatic b-grade.

C grade: Flaws that obviously detract from the pin. Large or deep scratches, large areas of missing or chipped enamel, misaligned or missing print, damage to the face, deep noticeable under or overfilled enamel, etc.

Seconds: Rarely sold, occasionally will be sold at cost or given away with purchase. Generally a pin that had to have a remake but I was sent the flawed extras, or pins with defects that make the pins essentially un-sellable.