Grading

I inspect every pin by first holding it at arm's length to check for any obvious or larger flaws. I then examine it more closely, usually with a flashlight, to look for smaller imperfections.

If no flaws are visible at arm's length and there are fewer than 3 small flaws upon closer inspection, the pin is considered **Standard Grade**. Most pins are near perfect with no easily noticeable flaws. I only remake a design if there is a serious error affecting more than 80% of the total order.

Please note that all items are handmade and therefore will not be completely perfect.

**Standard (A) Grade**  
Best of the batch. May have 1–3 small imperfections visible only upon close inspection. These do not detract from the overall appearance of the pin and cannot be seen from arm's length.  

I do not consider the following as flaws worthy of a lower grade:
- Slight variations in glitter color or sparkle
- Minor underfilling of enamel in one small area
- Tiny smudges on non-skin areas of the design

Dyed pins with epoxy and chrome-plated pins are graded more leniently, as they naturally have a higher rate of minor imperfections (such as dust, air bubbles, or plating variations).

**B Grade**  
Pins with more than 2 flaws that are only noticeable upon close inspection. These do not affect the appearance of the pin from arm's length or when displayed on a board.  

Common B-grade flaws include:
- Scratches
- Missing glitter or small sections of enamel
- Small dents, pinpricks, or chips in the enamel
- Noticeable markings on the face of the pin (usually an automatic B grade)

**C Grade**  
Pins with flaws that are noticeable even at arm's length and clearly detract from the appearance.  

This includes:
- Large or deep scratches
- Large areas of missing or chipped enamel
- Misaligned or missing print
- Damage to the face
- Deep or noticeable under/overfilled enamel

**Seconds**  
Rarely sold. These are occasionally offered at cost or included as a free gift with a purchase. Seconds are typically pins with significant defects that make them unsellable as standard or graded items, or flawed extras from remakes.