Harry Winston is one the most acclaimed jewelers in the business and counterfeiters understand the demand! Many online retailers and dubious diamond dealers are willing to pass off replica goods as the real thing. Don’t get fooled during your next purchase — keep reading to learn how to spot a fake.
1. Examine the Quality
The first step to examining a questionable watch or piece of jewelry is to examine the quality of the piece. There are some things easy enough to see, even to the untrained eye. Since Harry Winston pieces are made by some of the best jewelers in the world, the quality metal, gems and quality of the craftsmanship will always be high quality.
Often, some of the most obvious indicators that a piece is fake are obvious spelling errors. Examine any writing on the watch carefully for a misspelled word, like “Hary Winston” or “Harry Winsten,” etc. Also look for sloppy fonts or misaligned writing.
Next, look at the edges of the metal, particularly where the metal comes in contact with the the skin. If the metal is discolored and exposes another color underneath then the piece is likely fake. Look out for a patina on the piece as well as Harry Winston does not typically use silver.
For watches, examined the edges where pieces connect. Harry Winston watches are not glued together, so if you spot any adhesive, then it is likely that the piece is inauthentic. Examine the genuine watch from the manufacturer online or in person. Thoroughly compare that everything looks the same as the original. If you can examine the real watch in person, then compare the weight. Many counterfeits will use cheaper, lighter materials.
2. Inspect Jewelry + Watch Markings
Next, look on the inner part of the piece to find the jewelry markings. There should be markings for the metal content, the maker’s mark and serial number. Check that the stamps are clear and clean. If they appear sloppy, then there’s a chance the piece if fake. Then, check that the metal content stamp is consistent with the piece. If you bought a platinum piece, but the metal content is marked 18K, then this is a red flag.
Finally, look for a serial number engraved on the piece. You can call the manufacturer to see if the piece you have matches the serial number. Keep in mind that even if the serial number matches, your piece could still be counterfeit. Many times counterfeiters will use a real serial number repeatedly.
3. Compare Prices
You should look online at trusted sites for competitive pricing. Also look at the original price directly from Harry Winston so you know you aren’t overpaying. Many times, a counterfeiter will price their items far below the market price to entice buyers. If a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
4. Examined the Seller
Next, thoroughly examined the person you are buying from. If the seller has a storefront, then research for reviews online. If you cannot find any reviews, then be wary of the seller. If you doubt the authenticity of the reviews, then it’s best to avoid the seller.
If you are buying online, then you will also want to find reviews of the site. Also examine the website. Check that you typed the URL correctly. Often, a counterfeiter will have a URL and site design similar to legitimate sites. Also check every page on the site. Sometimes, illegitimate sites will not have completed each page of the site like the “About Us” page. Look for the seller’s location. If the seller is from Asia, be careful. Most of the fakes imported to the US originate in China. Finally, make sure there is a clear return policy and warranty information. A legitimate site should offer these.
5. Ask a Trusted Jeweler
In end, these tips will only help you spot a fake, but not determine authenticity. As the counterfeiting industry grows, fake pieces become harder to catch. Someone untrained in jewelry and watch appraisal won’t be able to guarantee authenticity. To be sure your piece is the real deal, take your item to a trusted jeweler.
At TrueFacet, we guarantee the authenticity of every item sold. Our gemologists and watch experts examine each item that comes through the office with a multi-point appraisal process. Each piece comes with a TrueFacet appraisal report and certificate of authenticity. Each item also comes with a 7-day return policy. If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process, contact our concierge representative here.
Photo Credit: hautetime.com / langantiques.com