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Pin Grading System

Basic info:

Enamel pins are made into two different types: hard enamel and soft enamel. Pins with hard enamel are made so the enamel is flush with the metal in the design, making a smooth, hard surface. Soft enamel pins are made with low-filled enamel, creating a texture to them with the raised metal. While SpookyZap carries both hard and soft enamel pins, most of them are hard enamel. Details are noted in each individual listing.

Disclaimer:

Enamel pins are handmade items manufactured in China. Because of the nature of the production, there is no "perfect" pin--but they can come very close! All pins are graded by yours truly and categorized by "standard" and "B" grade. It's important to note that with SpookyZap, standard grade does not mean A- or collector's-grade. While some of my standard grade pins may be considered A-grade or collector's grade by another maker's standards, not all of them in the batch would be.

Grades are based upon my own judgement. My B-grade might not look the same as someone else's. Please be aware of this when purchasing pins from myself or any pin maker.

Additionally, each batch of pins is graded on their own curve. This means that a standard-grade pin from one design might not have the same, well, standards as a standard-grade pin from another design. Even batches within the same design may be diffferent.

(For example, Design A's first order of 50 pins may be virtually flawless with the standard grades having nearly no flaws. All pins are sold and a restock is ordered. The new stock may have more blemishes on them that bring down the overall quality, but they are still graded as standards since the flaws are still minimal.)

Grading:

What makes a standard and a B-grade pin? Pins are categorized into grades based on the amount and severity of defects. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • scratches in the enamel and/or metal
  • small pin-like holes (bubbles) in the enamel
  • wrong or low/uneven fill colors
  • spots or smudges in the enamel
  • dents or tarnishing in the metal
  • bent, wiggly, or broken posts
  • small notches on the edge (metal)

Standard grade pins have the least amount of these defects, ranging from little to none.

B-grade pins have a little more defects that normally are not visible unless holding up close.

*Tarnished metal on the back of the pin is not uncommon for standard grades, as this does not affect the design or presentation.

✦ Very rarely, pins may be listed as seconds or C-grades. These are pins that have more flaws than B-grade pins that are noticeable from an arm's length or more away.
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Please be aware of this grading system, as refunds are not accepted on B-grade and lower pins.
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Updated on 6/20/22.