FAQ
Authentication: your questions
Authentication is the first thing most clients ask about, and rightly so. Here is how we approach it, in brief. For the detail, read how we authenticate.
The short version
Every piece is handled and examined by our specialists before it reaches the shop. We look at the materials, construction, hardware, markings and any accompanying paperwork, and we check that everything agrees with everything else and with the era the piece comes from. A single convincing detail is never enough. Copies are often made to pass the best-known checks, so it is the consistency of the whole that matters.
What we check, broadly
- Materials: the leather, canvas, metal or stones, and how they behave.
- Construction: stitching, edges, quilting alignment, case finishing, settings.
- Hardware and markings: engravings, stamps, fonts, screws, clasps.
- Codes and serials: whether date codes, serials or chips are consistent with the piece.
- Paperwork and packaging: treated as supporting evidence only.
Our guides
We publish guides to what we look at on frequently copied pieces, including the Chanel Classic Flap, Hermès Birkin and Rolex. They are written to inform, not to replace a specialist.
Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with any house whose pieces we offer.
All guides in this section
- How we authenticate pre-loved Bottega Veneta
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Bottega Veneta bag: the intrecciato weave, leather, edges, stitching, hardware, interior stamps and labels. - How to authenticate a Cartier Juste un Clou
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet, ring or earrings: proportions, head and tip, hinge, engravings, metal and pavé. - How to authenticate a Cartier Love bracelet
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Cartier Love bracelet: screw motifs, fastening, hallmarks, serial, engravings, weight, metal and finish. - How we authenticate pre-loved Gucci
What our specialists check on pre-loved Gucci bags, belts and small leather goods: canvas, leather, stitching, hardware, heat stamps and serial tags. - Hermès blindstamps explained
How Hermès marks the year a bag was made, where to find the blindstamp, and why our specialists treat it as one clue among many when authenticating. - How to authenticate a Hermès Kelly
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Hermès Kelly: Sellier vs Retourne construction, saddle stitching, stamps, turn-lock, handle and leather. - Louis Vuitton date codes and microchips
How to read a Louis Vuitton date code, where to find it, what replaced it in 2021, and why our specialists treat codes as one clue among many. - How to authenticate a Louis Vuitton Speedy
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Louis Vuitton Speedy: canvas pattern, vachetta, stitching, heat stamp, hardware, zip and date code or chip. - How we authenticate a pre-owned Omega
What our watch specialists check on a pre-owned Omega: case and serial, dial, hands, bezel, bracelet, movement and calibre, and paperwork. - How we authenticate Tiffany & Co. jewellery
What our specialists check on pre-loved Tiffany & Co. jewellery: hallmarks and signatures, metal, stones, settings, clasps and engravings.
Questions we’re often asked
- Who authenticates pieces at Encore Luxe?
Our in-house specialists inspect every piece in our UK studio. Pieces that need it are reviewed by a second specialist before they are listed.
- What happens if you are unsure about a piece?
We do not list it. Our standard is certainty, not probability.
- Do you rely on authenticity cards and serial stickers?
No. Cards, stickers and boxes are widely copied. They are checked for consistency with the piece, but we authenticate the piece itself.
- Do watches come with papers?
Some do and some do not. Each listing states exactly what is included. Absence of papers does not mean a watch is not genuine, and papers alone do not prove that it is.
- What if I have a concern after delivery?
Please contact our client team straight away. We stand behind every piece we sell, and we will look into any concern carefully.