NOTE: Please read this guide before purchasing any enamel pin.
Due to the handmade nature of enamel pins, 99% of them would usually contain some form of imperfection.
Upon receiving the pins, I try my best to inspect every single one and subsequently separate them into two grades: Standard and Seconds. Please note that most of the time I only take the front side of pins as the benchmark.
Standard Grade
Standard grade imperfections include but are not limited to:
- Small air bubbles that may or may not be noticeable
- Light reflecting imperfections and discolouration in the metal plating
- Minor scuffing and/or scratches on enamel and/or metal
- Small specks of dust in enamel
- Slight underfilled or overfilled areas in enamel
- Slightly uneven enamel pouring effects (this can resemble “waves”), only noticeable if pin is scrutinised at a slanted angle
If you plan to display the pin in your collection or to simply admire it, this option is ideal compared to pins in the Seconds Grade.
Seconds Grade
Seconds grade imperfections include but are not limited to:
- Large and/or multiple noticeable air bubbles
- Noticeable stains in the enamel or on the back
- Large specks of dust in enamel
- Noticeable light reflecting imperfections and discolouration in the metal plating
- Large areas of underfilled or overfilled enamel
- Noticeable scuffing and scratches across a large area
- Significantly wobbly pin posts
- Obvious uneven enamel pouring effects (this can resemble waves), noticeable at all angles when scrutinising pin
Seconds Grade pins are priced lower than Standard Grade ones, but as the name implies, the imperfections are more noticeable. If you plan to use the pin daily (e.g. pinning it on a bag that you bring out often, on your pencil case, or any other location that would expose it to potential wear and tear), this option would be ideal.
By purchasing any enamel pin from The Artsy Whim, you acknowledge that you have read this guide and made an informed decision with your purchase. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].