Shopping preloved for luxury goods comes with a host of benefits. Not only is it a more sustainable choice, but it also offers lower prices and the opportunity to own unique pieces that set you apart.
However, one big question often comes to mind when buying from second-hand consignments: How do I know this is authentic?
At Armcandy, we take authenticity seriously. We pride ourselves on selling purely authentic and genuine Armcandy. Our meticulous authentication process is at the heart of what we do. With a team of specialists with over 25 years of industry experience, dedicated to examining every detail—magnifying glass in hand—we ensure that each piece meets the specific authenticity checks for its brand.
The authentication process differs from brand to brand, however, there are some key components which remain the same amongst most.
Leathers and Fabrics
First, we examine the leathers or fabrics that form the structure of the bag. With years of experience, our team has developed an expert eye for the materials favoured by different luxury brands, from the variety of leather grains to the unique textures they use. The weight and feel of a bag play a crucial role in verifying its authenticity.
If a bag features monogramming, quilting, or a patterned design, we ensure that every detail aligns perfectly with the brand’s specific requirements. Precision in pattern matching is a key indicator of authenticity!
Stitching
Next up, we take a close look at the stitching. Luxury brands have incredibly high standards when it comes to craftsmanship, and their stitching is a main part of this. We check the stitch count, spacing, and even the thread itself.
Fonts
Now, let's talk fonts. Each luxury brand has a distinct typography, with specific fonts, spacing, and engraving techniques amongst all of their collections. We carefully examine logos, serial numbers, and heat stamps to ensure they are crisp, precise, and aligned with brand standards.
Hardware
Hardware, one of the most iconic pieces on many bags, and it also is one of the most key components to examine in the authentication process. Luxury brands use high-quality metals with a distinct weight, finish, and engraving style.
We carefully examine zips, closures, studs, and logo plaques to ensure they match the brand’s specifications. The feel of the hardware should be solid and well-crafted, never flimsy or lightweight. Even things you may think of as insignificant details such as screw types, engravings, and even the sound of a clasp closing are things that we check
Paperwork
One of the things that many people view as the holy grail of authenticity, is paperwork. And whilst it is great publicity for your preloved bag trying to find a new home (everyone loves a receipt!), it is actually something that is very easy to counterfeit, so these are also included in our authentication process.
Luxury brands are meticulous about their presentation, so we carefully inspect authenticity cards, receipts and care booklets to ensure they align with the brand’s standards. Fonts, layouts, and even the type of paper used must be consistent. Dustbags are also a key detail—each brand has its own signature fabric, logo placement and stitching quality, which is why we evaluate every aspect with precision.
Date Codes
Date codes and serial numbers are essential when it comes to confirming authenticity. These unique identifiers are often tucked away inside the bag, sometimes embossed so finely into some microfibres that we spend hours locating them (thanks, Louis Vuitton!). Each brand has a specific way of assigning and formatting them.
We take a close look at where the code is placed, how it’s written, and the font used to ensure it matches the brand’s standards. Authentic bags have clean, consistent codes that follow a particular pattern, and any inconsistencies are a red flag. We make sure these details are correct and reliable, and also make sure that the date assigned to the bag, matches any paper work that came with it.
Obviously, this is just a general overview of the subject. At Armcandy, we’re always here to help if you have any specific questions about a particular brand or need more details on the authentication process. Don’t hesitate to reach out—whether you’re looking for advice, clarification, or just a little extra reassurance, we’re happy to guide you every step of the way.
All of these elements are pieces of a puzzle, and we work hard to make sure that each piece slots together correctly. We understand how important it is for you to feel confident in your purchase, and our rigorous process is designed to give you just that. When you shop with us, you’re not only investing in a beautiful piece, but also in the peace of mind that it’s 100% authentic.
If you are interested in our other articles about authentication, check out our blog posts on:
How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Easy Pouch
How to Authenticate Hermès Evelyn TPM
Check out our Chanel collection here.