Read Gay Do Crime - Enamel Pins

MADE FOR READERS, BY READERS.

THE LITPINS&CO GRADING SYSTEM

No enamel pin is completely perfect due to the nature of the manufacturing process. That’s why we hand-grade each pin to make sure it meets our high standards and your expectations.

While grading can be subjective and may vary by artist or creator, here’s what you can generally expect when purchasing an enamel pin from LitPins&Co

GRADE A

A grade" pins represent the highest quality from a batch and appear as intended. These pins may have minor imperfections that are only visible upon close inspection under bright light.

Common A grade blemishes include:

Slight enamel under-fill, not easily noticeable
Subtle imperfections in metal plating
Light scuffs or surface scratches on the enamel or metal
Small, single nicks on the enamel or metal
Minor dust particles mixed into the glitter or enamel
Slight offset in screen printing

Ideal for displaying on bookshelves, pin banners, or any indoor space. While A grade pins are in excellent condition and suitable for outdoor wear, we recommend using a protected space – like an ITA bag – when worn outside to minimise the risk of wear and damage.

GRADE B

"B grade" pins have visible flaws that can be noticed in normal lighting. The severity of these blemishes can vary, with some being more pronounced than others. Despite this, B grade pins remain great for display if a collector is okay with minor imperfections and are a more affordable option for wearing.

Common B grade flaws include:

Moderately scuffed enamel or metal
Multiple imperfections in the metal plating
Several air bubbles in the enamel
Small portions of missing enamel
Overfilled enamel that covers some metal lines
Excess glitter in unintended areas
Small gouges or marks in the enamel

While a B grade pin may not be as pristine as an A grade, it is still highly wearable and can be a great addition to any collection!

GRADE C

"C grade" pins have multiple obvious defects that are immediately noticeable from arm's length under normal lighting. These flaws may make them less ideal for display, but they remain wearable and are the most affordable option for this purpose.

Common C grade defects include:

Large, noticeable areas of scuffing
Deep gouges or scratches in the enamel
Large or multiple areas of under-filled enamel
Multiple imperfections in the metal plating
Numerous air bubbles in the enamel
Noticeable off-set or missing screen printing
Multiple missing metal lines
Areas of enamel staining or discolouration
Large or multiple areas where enamel is missing

While C grade pins are less common, they can still be a fun addition to a collection for those who are a little less precious about their pins!