Handmade Pins & Grading
All of our enamel pins are handmade, which means that no two pins are ever completely identical. Because of the handcrafted process, slight variations and tiny imperfections can sometimes occur. These are a natural part of enamel pin production and make each piece unique!
To help you understand what to expect, we use the following pin grading system:
S Grade (Collector’s Grade)
"Collector's"/"S" Grade pins are not offered as a separate option by Milestone Pins, as we strive to constantly produce pins and make them available for everyone at a fair price. Please do not consider purchasing enamel pins if you are not okay with minor imperfections! At the end of the day, especially because enamel pins are individually handmade, it is difficult to completely control 100% of the quality and guarantee that the pins come out 100% perfect.
We do not sell S Grade pins as a separate option but S Grades are mixed in with A Grades, so when you order an A Grade, you might receive a flawless S Grade as a lucky surprise!
A Grade (Standard)
Standard or "A" grade enamel pins contain minor imperfections that can barely seen at an arms length away and are barely, if not even noticeable, when worn and seen from a distance. These pins are great quality with up to one or two minor flaws
Possible flaws may include but are not limited to:
- A tiny speck of dust in the enamel
- Light scratches or scuffing on the front surface that are difficult to see looking upfront, but can be better seen from an angle.
- Small air bubbles
- Small or light smudges in the enamel
- Small indentations on the metal (on either the side or the front).
- Scuffs as a result of "over-polishing"
B Grade (Seconds - Not currently for Sale)
Seconds or "B" Grade enamel pins contain more noticeable (either in appearance or in quantity) imperfections that may be spotted or noticed upon closer inspection. These pins have noticeable flaws but still wearable and charming
Common flaws can include but are not limited to:
- Multiple obvious specks or small bubbles in the enamel
- Missing/overfilled enamel
- Improperly polished metal
- Heavier or darker smudges in the enamel
- Larger indentations on the metal (on either the side or the front)
- Missing metal lines
- Dust or hairs visible in the enamel
Other (Not for Sale)
Pins that are flawed beyond B Grade which significantly affect the appearance or quality of the pin. We do not sell pins in this condition.
Note: All pins for sale on the site are currently Grade A or S. Grade B pins will be available at a discounted rate in the future and clearly indetified.
How We Grade
Each pin is carefully inspected by hand. We hold every pin at approximately arm’s length under normal lighting.
- If no flaws are immediately visible, the pin is sold as A Grade.
- If any flaw is obvious at a glance, the pin is graded down accordingly.
- S Grade pins are flawless under close inspection and will simply be found among A Grades.
This process ensures that collectors know exactly what quality to expect and that every pin we sell meets our standards.
By completing a purchase with Milestone Pins, you acknowledge and accept that enamel pins are handmade and may include minor imperfections as described in our Pin Grading Guide above. All pins are carefully graded as A Grade or B Grade, with the understanding that no enamel pin is ever truly perfect. If you believe a pin has been misgraded, you may contact us to appeal for a review. We will assess the pin based on our grading standards, and while we strive to be fair, Milestone Pins reserves the right to make the final grading decision, which will be considered final.