8 Tips to Spot Fake Tiffany Jewelry and Protect Your Investment
Tiffany & Co. is a name that conjures images of timeless and elegant jewelry. With renowned designers like Jean Schlumberger and Elsa Peretti working their charm, today, it remains the go-to for celebrities gracing the red carpet. Thanks to its acquisition by LVMH and exciting collaborations with stars like Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Pharrell, Tiffany is the most sought-after jewelry house. However, this immense global demand has led to the market being flooded with fake Tiffany jewelry.
Counterfeiters, taking advantage of Tiffany’s name and reputation go to great lengths to craft convincing imitations. Some of these fakes even incorporate genuine gemstones and precious metals complete with authentic-looking packaging closely resembling the real thing. That prompts a serious question: How to spot fake Tiffany jewelry in this perplexing market?
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Truth is, it’s not a simple task, but we’ve uncovered the top 8 tips and tricks to help you successfully spot fake Tiffany jewelry and safeguard your investment. Read on to learn more.
1. What They Fake and Why
Counterfeiters are after quick profits and avoid intricate or lesser-known Tiffany designs. They prefer replicating popular, easily recognizable items. Silver jewelry such as the Heart Tag Key Ring and Heart Tag Charm Bracelet, a necklace dupe from the Return to Tiffany Collection, Elsa Paretti’s Open Heart Bangle, Pendants from the Tiffany Keys Collection, and nearly any silver piece in the Atlas Collection are their top choices.
The second most common targets for counterfeiting are gemstones set in classic Tiffany settings, like the famous six-prong diamond solitaires. Some counterfeiters even sell genuine Tiffany rings in authentic boxes but replace the high-quality diamonds with lower-grade stones, man-made diamonds, or cubic zirconia to make a quick profit.
2. Chain Links on Fake Tiffany Jewelry
Genuine Tiffany links are soldered continuous links without any visible breaks or separations. The soldering is done with such exceptional precision that it is nearly impossible to spot where the link started or ended.
Red flags in fake and cheap Tiffany and Co. jewelry, include links that are not soldered closed, or polished.
3. Finishing and Craftsmanship
Tiffany & Co. jewelry is made in various countries worldwide including Spain, Italy, France, Japan, and the U.S. Tiffany maintains the highest standards of craftsmanship ensuring every piece represents true artistry and precision.
Every gemstone and diamond in Tiffany’s creations has fine quality and flawless matching. For instance, In Tiffany and Co.’s Diamond Engagement collections, a strict adherence to diamond quality standards, aligned with the GIA’s grading system (from D to I color and IF to VS2 clarity), is non-negotiable. All diamonds featured in Tiffany pieces are evenly set and perfectly matched in color.
The hallmark of authenticity and excellence lies in the finishing quality. Every element is painstakingly polished to perfection. Stone settings are well-tooled, clean, and consistent. This level of finishing extends even to the back or underside of its pieces. In a genuine piece, you should anticipate expert polishing, smooth articulated links, and well-tooled stones set and matched evenly. Fake Tiffany jewelry may display copper coloring in the lettering because the stamping penetrates the silver plating.
4. Engravings & Hallmarks
To authenticate a Tiffany and Co. necklace, focus on the brand signature, which should read ‘Tiffany & Co.’ or ‘T & Co.’ The engraving on genuine Tiffany jewelry typically includes the brand name, designer signature (if applicable), purity marks, country of manufacture, and sometimes a serial number. The specific location of these signatures and hallmarks varies based on the collection and available surface area of the piece. Additionally, the font, style, and arrangement may differ depending on the collection and the piece’s manufacturing period.
In link-style bracelets and necklaces, the tag is near the clasp while bangle or cuff-style bracelets feature interior engravings. Tiffany’s ring signatures are found inside the shank. For earrings, check the earring posts or the interior surfaces for larger styles. Brooches bear signatures on the back. Regardless, in all pieces, authentic engravings are well-defined, legible, crisp, and centrally aligned.
Notably, Tiffany has authorized select jewelers like Jean Schlumberger, Paloma Picasso, Elsa Peretti, Frank Gehry, and Angela Cummings to sign their work, with each designer’s work prominently featured.
Genuine silver Tiffany jewelry pieces should also display the engraving “Sterling” or “925.” To spot fake Tiffany jewelry, see if there are sloppy markings or improper alignment.
5. Touch and Feel Test
To differentiate between real vs fake Tiffany jewelry, simply hold it and feel it. Genuine Tiffany pieces always feel expensive with a satisfying weight to them. The silver bracelets have a remarkably heavy feel. The stones are securely set. The enamel has a smooth, shiny finish. Fake Tiffany Jewelry shall be lightweight with subpar craftsmanship and finishing.
6.“Please Return To” Stamp
Another crucial detail to inspect in your Tiffany jewelry is the “PLEASE RETURN TO” stamp. Cheap Tiffany and Co. jewelry will often lack this stamp or display this engraving without any spacing between the words like – “PLEASE RETURN TO”.
7. Font & Alignment
Inspect engravings for alignment and font, like the “1837” stamp on genuine Tiffany jewelry. Legitimate pieces feature full, perfectly aligned numbers. In contrast, fake Tiffany jewelry may display thin, misaligned numbers. Always ensure that the text is centered and not pressed against the edge.
Furthermore, contemporary authentic items typically bear the full name “Tiffany & Co.” with a prominent T and C. Vintage genuine pieces may use “TIFFANY & CO.” or just “TIFFANY 18K.”.
8. Metal Composition
As the world’s most sought-after luxury jewelry brand, Tiffany and Co. does not compromise on the quality of the metals used to craft their jewelry. They always stamp their pieces to signify the metal purity, with ‘750’ for 18K gold, ‘925’ for sterling silver, and ‘950’ for platinum. For Tiffany & Co.’s Rubedo collection, which is made with a hybrid metal, pieces will simply be stamped with the word ‘metal.’
Similarly, the house applies equally strict high standards to the diamonds. The diamonds set into Tiffany & Co. engagement rings feature diamonds with certificates verifying origin and quality. These diamonds are processed in Tiffany’s very own laboratory and come with a Diamond Certificate bearing a unique report number, sometimes inscribed directly on the diamond for easy matching.
Wrapping Up
Tiffany jewelry, known for holding its value, is a coveted luxury investment for many. We hope this guide takes you to distinguishing between real vs fake Tiffany jewelry in a better way. Ask yourself if you’re buying a piece that is popular, as counterfeiters target well-loved designs. Always examine the weight and feel of a piece, the precise engravings, and the metal purity stamps. Check that the font is centered and aligned. Genuine Tiffany gemstones will be securely set and have a smooth, glossy enamel. We hope these tips help!
