ARC Index Rating Guide

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR

  • SCORE: ARC APEX

    Top-tier, story-forward, soul-aligned.These are the rare pieces where function, flair, and ARC 41 essence align perfectly. These items are often one-of-a-kind, core collection staples, or drop-defining statement pieces.

    + Flawless to near-perfect

    + Exceptionally made with minimal visual anomalies.

    + $$$$ (Premium)

    *Price ranges reflect complexity, material, labor, and rarity. See product listings for exact prices.

  • SCORE: ARC PRIME

    Well-crafted and on-point with brand identity.These are solid, beautiful pieces that capture ARC 41’s energy and intention. They may not anchor a collection, but they represent the brand with pride and purpose.

    + Above average quality

    + Slight inconsistencies, but well within standards.

    + $$$ (Standard+)

    *Price ranges reflect complexity, material, labor, and rarity. See product listings for exact prices.

  • SCORE: ON-BRAND

    Meets ARC 41’s standards for craft and concept. These are clean, finished, ready-to-love pieces that align with our look and feel. Often, these are limited run or classic basics—ideal for gifting or everyday use.

    + ARC Standard

    + Our baseline for beauty—may have noticeable quirks.

    + $$ (Core Offering)

    *Price ranges reflect complexity, material, labor, and rarity. See product listings for exact prices.

  • SCORE: OFF-BRAND

    Well-made, but outside the ARC 41 identity lane. These may use alternate materials, colors, or styles we tested or explored. They’re still functional and crafted with care—but may feel like a different vibe altogether.

    + Considered functional, experimental, or one-off designs

    + Has distinct imperfections

    + $ (Discounted)

    *Price ranges reflect complexity, material, labor, and rarity. See product listings for exact prices.

THE BREAKDOWN

What is the ARC Index™?

The ARC Index is our unique grading/scoring system used to evaluate the quality and uniqueness of each handmade original. The ARC Index helps customers get a clear impression of the quality of our domino sets, bookmarcs, and ARC boards before ordering. Every item listed is graded and scored—so you know exactly what you’re receiving.

Our system deducts points for each minor or major flaw we observe in a finished product. If an item rates APEX you can rest assured, while not perfect, it meets the highest standards for aesthetics, quality, functionality, and uniqueness. and

*ARC Decks are designed then sent to a trade printer to minimize quality issues. Our keyrings and tag notes are meant to be a bit coarse for a more sentimental feel.

  • The ARC Index: A Grading System Rooted in Style, Story, and Soul

    The ARC Index is our in-house grading system—a clear, creative way to help you understand how each ARC 41 product fits into our vision. It’s not about perfection or flaws. It’s about vibe, intent, and identity.

    Every product we make carries some mix of utility, beauty, and meaning. The ARC Index helps us name that mix. It tells you where a product stands in terms of its craft, concept, and connection to the ARC 41 Originals brand.

    We don’t mass-produce. We don’t batch-forget. So every item—whether it’s a domino set, candle, board, or bookmark—is reviewed and assigned one of the following grades:

  • Each original is carefully reviewed across dozens of handcrafted quality indicators. Some examples include:

    • Surface & Smoothness: Are there air bubbles, coarse edges, or sticky spots?

    • Color & Pigment: Is there discoloration, pooling, splotching, or pigment cracking?

    • Eyes/Pips: Are all dots present, centered, and embedded cleanly?

    • Structure: Do bones stack well? Are they warped or bent?

    • Design: Is the logo sharp? Are added vinyls or prints crisp and placed correctly?

    Sets graded a lower index rating may still be completely functional — just a little more “seasoned,” than we like.

  • Q: Why are some sets more expensive than others?
    A: Every set is handcrafted, but not every set is crafted equally. Higher-tiered sets (like Apex or Prime) require more time, material control, and finishing precision. Lower-tiered sets still offer beauty and function, just with more visual quirks or creative deviations.

    Q: Will I see pictures of the exact set I'm buying?
    A: Yes. Each ARC 41 set is named, photographed, and graded individually. What you see is what you get.

    Q: Can I request a specific grade?
    A: You sure can. If you're ordering a custom set, you can let us know your preferred ARC Index tier and budget — we'll do our best to match it.

    Q: What if I get a Trial Only set?
    A: We don’t typically sell Trial Only sets. However, these are sometimes offered at pop-ups, as giveaways, or in mystery bundles — always clearly marked.

    Q: Is there a Certificate of Authenticity?
    A: Yes. Every Apex and Prime set comes with a hand-signed Certificate of Grading. You can also add one to any order during checkout.

  • Our scoring index is for your peace of mind. If you’re unsure which set is right for you or curious about a particular collection, just ask. We’re happy to answer any questions about our originals so you can be confident in your purchase.