Pin Grading System
Since pins are handmade, from creating the moulds to filling them in and polishing the final product, there will inevitably be pins which are imperfect. There are differing opinions on the quality and grading of pins all over the internet, but this is what I have decided as my own criteria. Every pin is checked and graded according to this list before being packaged. Please make sure you read this carefully before purchasing any pins. Note that this list is subject to change to accomodate for any potentially new criteria.
This grading system was updated 04 October 2019.
Standard Pins (A-Grade Pins)
These pins are the highest quality pins on hand. They have slight imperfections, which will only be noticeable upon close inspection and under specific lighting at a certain angle. Some minor faults include:
- very minor scratches or scuffs on the plating of the enamel / metal
- tiny air bubbles or minimal dust in the enamel
- plating imperfections which are only visible at a very close distance
These pins are sold at full price, and are perfect as a small gift. They are beautiful, and can be worn as an accessory, or displayed on a collection board. Most pins sold on this website are A-Grade.
Budget Pins (B-Grade Pins)
These pins have more detectable imperfections, and will include at least one of the following:
- slightly loose (but still functional) backing pins
- obvious scratches and indents on the plating of the enamel / metal
- minor missing metal lines
- small under-filled / over-filled areas of enamel
- multiple large air bubbles in the enamel
- small stained areas of enamel
While these pins are not absolutely perfect, they are still able to be worn or displayed when treated with adequate care. Not many pins are B-Grade, as we strive to produce only the best quality pins. These pins are usually sold at a slight discount. If you are on a budget, these are a good alternative to A-Grade pins.
Cut Pins (C-Grade Pins)
These pins have major imperfections, and will include at least one of the following:
- major missing metal lines
- large under-filled / over-filled areas of enamel
- discoloured enamel
- low-quality metalwork
- deep scratches and indents on the plating of the enamel / metal
Very rarely do these kinds of pins show up, but when they do, we still hope they find a loving home. These pins are sold at a large discount.
Collector’s Pins (S-Grade Pins)
These pins are of the absolute highest quality. They have no imperfections. From ideation to the final product, everything is in place and as imagined. These pins do not appear often, and are used as models for photography. These pins are not sold unless there are extremely special circumstances.
Upon purchasing any enamel pins from inkwjen, it is assumed that you have read, understood and agree to this grading scale. Please note that enamel pin colours may vary on-screen and in-real-life, depending on your screen resolution. We aim to stay as true to the colours as possible when displaying our pins on our website.