...maybe that's a diffent sub-category. I was referring to chips that may have glue on them from someone that had them in a display.

If a chip can be safely removed from a bolo tie, money clip, etc. without harm it would be the same as cleaning the chip.

On the other hand, if a chip has shaved edges, it wouldn't be the correct size and would be considered altered. I would think there are measuring devices that will show if a chip is a micrometer off from the conventional chip size.

But, I hardly qualify as an expert and these are only my opinions formed by my logic. That is why I wanted to hear other views.