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Unfurling the satiny white ribbon cradling a robin's-egg-blue box is one of the biggest thrills a woman can get. Inside, she knows a glamorous treasure from Tiffany & Co. awaits. A bracelet from Tiffany is an instant status symbol, something that immediately conveys your elegant taste and classiness to the world. So imagine the horror in discovering the beautiful bracelet dangling from your wrist is a fake. Don't get duped by fake Tiffany bracelets; assess them before you buy to make sure you're getting the real deal.
1.
Tiffany & Co.'s silver jewelry is among the most replicated of all jewelry brands. And can you blame a woman for wanting a piece? All authentic Tiffany jewelry is stamped with the type of metal used in the design. Tiffany's silver pieces are designed with 0.925 sterling silver, so look for a "925" stamp on the jewelry. This grade of silver will feel substantial in the palm of your hand; if the piece feels light as air, it's fake. Most counterfeit Tiffany pieces are plated in rhodium, a lighter, less expensive metal.
2.
If the bracelet features engraving, make sure it's spelled correctly. Tiffany's tag bracelets are incredibly popular -- and widely counterfeited -- and many designs are stamped with phrases such as "Return to Tiffany." Check the words on the bracelet before you buy to make sure there are no spelling errors. Believe it or not, some fakes manufactured in other countries actually spell things wrong on bracelets.
3.
Check the links of your bracelet carefully. Tiffany & Co. solders the links on their jewelry, meaning that it's nearly impossible to detect where the link begins and ends. It should look like a smooth, solid circle with no defined end points. If the ends of the links are pinched together or you can see even the slightest gap between ends, step away from the big, fat fake. You want your piece to look classy and beautiful, and any obvious flaws are indicative of a counterfeit piece.
4.
If you spy discolorations or a green cast in your bracelet, ditch it -- fast. Tiffany's silver will tarnish over time, just as any silver does, but when new, it should be gleaming and smooth. Discolorations or greenish spots are telltale signs of inexpensive metals -- something Tiffany & Co. never uses.
5.
Inspect the pouch that holds the jewelry. The suede pouch should be robin's-egg blue and feel buttery-soft and smooth. The Tiffany & Co. logo should be clearly printed in black on the front of the pouch. Beware of rough edges and smeared text; fake Tiffany bracelets often will come packaged in pouches with these flaws.
