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Pin Grading

Enamel pins are handmade and have a lot of natural variety within any given batch. Please keep in mind that it's rare (if even possible) to find one that would be considered absolutely perfect. Grading pins is also a highly subjective task that differs from one pin maker to the next, so that introduces some variation as well. I try my best to grade them as fairly as I can. It's my goal to send out the nicest pins possible, because I hope you will love them as much as I do! ♡

  

Standard Pins

These are the highest quality pins I have available. These pins have no major flaws, but may have one or more of the following minor imperfections:

  • Minor discoloration, pits, scratches, or bubbles in the metal or enamel
  • Small, barely noticeable specks in the enamel
  • Slight imperfections on the sides
  • Imperfections on the back
  • Bent pin posts (these are easy to straighten out with pliers)
  • Slightly low or unevenly filled enamel
  • Slightly rough edges on the metal
  • Slight misalignment of printed details
  • Any other barely noticeable imperfection that is only visible when looking very closely, from a particular angle, or in certain lighting

 

Seconds Pins

Seconds pins have more noticeable blemishes, but are still overall good quality. These are great for wearing on clothes or displaying on bags, as the flaws usually aren't noticeable unless you look closely. They may have one or more of the following:

  • More obvious, larger, or deeper scratches, pits, or bubbles in the metal or enamel
  • Obvious stains or discoloration, particularly in a large area of the metal or enamel
  • Large, noticeable imperfections on the sides
  • More noticeable specks in the enamel
  • Noticeably low filled enamel, particularly in larger areas

The truly flawed pins I don't sell at all, because I'm not comfortable sending them out.

 

If you somehow got a horrendous pin, I'm truly sorry! It was most certainly an accident, so please contact me at support@clairewasabear.com with pictures, your order number, and a description of the problem, and I'll do my best to help you! ♡