FAQs: Grading and Shop Policies
What is your pin grading policy?
Variation in a pin is normal. Pins are all hand filled by real people, not machinery! Common flaws might be small bubbles, small scratches, pin pricks, under or over fill. All are due to the variation inherent in a manual process. Having said that:
- A- "Standard" pins are the pins with the least amount of flaws. They are the closest to perfect. No flaws are visible at arms length and without magnification.
- B- "Minor Flawed" pins may contain any of the above flaws, but do not take away from the beauty or enjoyment of the pin.
- C- "Flawed" pins have more noticeable flaws, bubbles, pinpricks or underfilled sections.
As a matter of quality control, we will not sell items that have major defects like:
- Missing enamel
- Miscolored sections
- Missing posts
- Large debris on enamel
The back of the pin and edges are not considered part of the artwork and flaws in those sections are simply due to working with a metal art piece. The process of stamping, machining and plating a pin might cause variations in the back of the pin.
What is your AI policy?
We collaborate with only real artists and if you check out our Instagram you can follow their other work! @FoundlingMercantile