Is every piece at Encore Luxe authenticated?

Yes. Every piece is inspected by our specialists in our UK studio before it is offered. If we are not certain, we do not list it.

Can I authenticate a bag myself using these guides?

These guides explain what we look at, but they are not a substitute for professional authentication. Good copies can pass several checks, so a specialist should examine the piece in person.

Are boxes, cards and receipts proof of authenticity?

No. Packaging and paperwork are copied, and genuine pieces are often separated from them. We authenticate the piece itself and list exactly what is included.

Why don't you publish every detail you check?

We describe our approach openly but keep some specifics private, because detailed checklists can help counterfeiters refine their copies.

Guides

Authentication

Authentication is the foundation of everything we do. A piece only reaches the shop once our specialists are satisfied that every part of it is consistent: materials, construction, hardware, markings and paperwork, all agreeing with one another and with the era in which the piece was made. These guides explain how we approach that work, and what we look at on the pieces that are most often copied.

Our approach

Start with how we authenticate. It describes the process every piece goes through, from first handling to the final review.

Guides by house and model

A note on these guides

Our guides describe what our specialists check. They are written to help you understand the process and ask better questions, not to replace it. The best copies are made to pass one or two well-known checks, which is why no single detail is ever conclusive. We also keep some specifics private, as published checklists tend to be studied by the people making copies.

Each guide carries a review date. Houses change stamps, serial systems and hardware over time, and we revise the guides when they do.

These guides are for general information and are not a substitute for professional authentication. Encore Luxe is not affiliated with any house featured.

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 tell if a Moncler jacket is real
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Moncler jacket: the authenticity label and code, logo patch, stitching, down fill, zips, sizing labels and construction.
How to tell if Stone Island is real
How our specialists authenticate pre-loved Stone Island: the compass badge and buttons, the authenticity label and code, internal labels, fabric and construction.
How to tell if a Canada Goose jacket is real
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Canada Goose jacket: the disc patch, security label, down fill, zips, stitching and labels, and why fur ruffs matter.
How to tell if a Prada bag is real
How our specialists authenticate pre-loved Prada: the triangle logo plaque, lettering, nylon and Saffiano leather, hardware, zips, lining and interior labels.
How to tell if a Celine bag is real
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Celine bag: the logo and accent, heat stamps, the Triomphe emblem, leather, hardware, stitching and interior tags.
How to tell if a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra is real
What our specialists check on a pre-loved Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra: motif shape, beaded gold border, stone quality, signature, serial number, hallmarks and clasp.

Questions we’re often asked

Is every piece at Encore Luxe authenticated?: Yes. Every piece is inspected by our specialists in our UK studio before it is offered. If we are not certain, we do not list it.
Can I authenticate a bag myself using these guides?: These guides explain what we look at, but they are not a substitute for professional authentication. Good copies can pass several checks, so a specialist should examine the piece in person.
Are boxes, cards and receipts proof of authenticity?: No. Packaging and paperwork are copied, and genuine pieces are often separated from them. We authenticate the piece itself and list exactly what is included.
Why don't you publish every detail you check?: We describe our approach openly but keep some specifics private, because detailed checklists can help counterfeiters refine their copies.