How to Tell Authentic Tiffany Jewelry

When buying jewelry, Tiffany & Co. is often considered the epitome of class, style and taste. The prices of the pieces mean most any purchase can be considered an investment. Unfortunately, if you do not purchase Tiffany jewelry from a Tiffany & Co. store, it can be very difficult to spot a fake. Knockoff handbags, scarves, hats, wallets, shoes and more are the norm - production is quick, designs can be relatively easy to imitate and demand is high. Many are easy to spot, but others require a more highly trained eye. Fake Tiffany & Co. jewelry requires more inspection than most other fakes. Learn how to spot a fake Tiffany product with these easy tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Tiffany & Co. store and view the piece you are interested in purchasing elsewhere. Take note of the craftsmanship, any engraving or details, the weight of the piece and the overall appearance, including luster and shine.

2. 
   Tiffany Heart Tag key ring

   Visually inspect the piece you would like to purchase. Note any differences between the piece you are holding and the piece you viewed at the Tiffany & Co. store. Many times fake Tiffany jewelry will have a very high shine or luster, making it easier to spot a fake.

3. Check the piece for tarnish and sterling silver stamp (if sterling silver). A tag should be attached to the clasp stamped with "925" if your piece is authentic Tiffany & Co. sterling silver. The piece should not show any signs of tarnishing.

4. Compare the weight of the piece to the weight of the item in the Tiffany store. If the piece noticeably weighs less than the one in the store, it is likely a fake.

5. Review the details. Look at the engraving, polish and curves of the piece. Look at all the finishing touches ... are edges ragged or smooth? Does the piece look high-quality and made with good craftsmanship? Do you notice differences between the two pieces? If so, you are likely viewing a fake Tiffany & Co. item.

6. Is the price too good to be true? Is someone trying to sell you an "authentic" Tiffany necklace for $20 that is brand new and in perfect condition? This likely isn't a bargain, it is a knock off.

Tips & Warnings

• Items from popular collections like the Elsa Peretti Open Heart, heart tag, round tag, Elsa Peretti Bean, etc. are more likely to be copied and for sale as knock-offs. Tiffany Diamond knockoffs do exist, but aren't prevalent.
• Larger or chunkier Tiffany pieces (like the heart tag collection) weigh a good amount. A good sign of a fake is the much lighter feel.
• You should never pay Tiffany & Co. retail prices for a knock-off.
• Accessories do not prove an item isn't a knock off! It doesn't matter if the seller has the suede pouch, bag, care card, ribbon or anything else ... inspect the piece and decide based on the jewelry alone.
• Tiffany does not authenticate any piece of jewelry. This means you cannot buy a "Tiffany" necklace from another person and take it to a Tiffany & Co. store and ask them to verify that the piece is "real" and not a knockoff. Do your homework before you buy!

Resources

• Official Tiffany & Co. Website

[cherylphillips]

on 7/6/2009 I have several pieces of Tiffany jewelery and this is a great article. I am so against knock offs of any kind. 5*****

[betterbody]

on 2/26/2009 Good points, thanks for the tips.