I bought a preloved Cartier ring from Fashionphile, so I know it’s authentic. However, it doesn’t come with a certificate of authenticity. Are there significant downsides to buying it without a certificate? I managed to save $800.
Any Downsides to Buying Preloved Without Certificate?
- Thread starter Emily1830
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I suppose you run the risk of it not being authentic. I purchased a second love bracelet from Fashionphile, with the box, and it was not the same as the love I purchased in store and am wearing. The indentations weren't smooth where they were depressed. I returned it. It just didn't feel like the same craftsmanship.
Risks would only be not authentic and if you know FOR SURE it is then the only risk is resale. I don’t buy to resell so it wouldn’t impact me.
Thank you! I don’t plan on reselling either. Have you ever heard of anyone receiving a fake from Fashionphile?
The biggest issue with a fake handbag or clothing is that at a certain point which isn't long maybe 1 or 2 years, the thing simply starts to come apart.
For instance the leather is usually composite leather which is made up of mashed tiny bits of leather. It looks good but it has no strength. So those reseller websites from japan and elsewhere have bags that are first turnover, and they've started to disintegrate. This is false economy, because a fake bag it will not last the distance. That's when seams start coming apart, and with the leather the composite starts splitting and you get 'fluffing'. This should not happen at all.
IDK with jewellery but the risk is that it's only got a thin layer of the relevant precious metal.
When that wears off you have the same issue as the bags.
However, if you saved $800 that sounds about right for an authentic just from no longer being shop new. But I'm no expert. Sometimes a relationship doesn't work out and people don't want the reminder emotionally and want to offload the ring, and that's how you get a bargain. This seems likely. Hope this helps.
Bags are having a colossal surge right now so some prices are inflated. Sorting out the real from the unreal is driving me a bit crazy...but it's also kind of fun.
I second this. There a few things that have prevented me from pulling the trigger in the past even with a few particularly good finds. I’m all for buying secondhand but there is a risk especially with no certificate and receipt/proof of purchase. When you’re paying a premium for a luxury good because of the brand name…the authenticity is the whole point. That’s why you’re paying an upcharge, because you can buy 18k pieces that are unbranded for a fraction of the price at a local jeweler. You also never really know what kind of issues or wear and tear the piece has had.
I’ve also seen on Reddit there are a bunch of replicas from Chinese sellers that use real 18k and the design/craftsmanship side by side next to an authentic piece is, in some cases, almost identical. There are some good fakes out there, even those made with precious metals. But even those customers buy the piece for 1/3 of the price because it’s not actually authentic even though it’s a beautiful piece made of solid gold and/or diamonds. Just food for thought. There are some great deals out there in the preloved market and there are honest people just trying to downsize their collection or wishing to part with pieces that don’t suit their lifestyle anymore.
You can try to call Cartier and have the serial number confirmed for piece of mind. You can also bring it to the store to be serviced but that may be an awkward conversation if it is indeed a counterfeit.
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My Cartier SA told me that there have been so many instances that they've seen fakes in the store (worn by people browsing in their store pre-COVID). She said that perhaps the owner was hoping that we (staff) would say something if it was fake and they would find out that way (that is her opinion of course). But unless they have it cleaned or repaired, she said that they really don't say anything. Bring it to Cartier and see what they say.
I guess if you paid thousands for it, you would really like to know if it's real---and the sooner you find out, the better. Because three years down the line, if you found out it was fake, did you really save $800 and would you really be happy about the "deal" that you got?
I completely agree with this and quite honestly, this is why I would rather buy it firsthand and bite the bullet before a price increase. It would suck to find out down the road that you felt good about saving some money only to learn that it wasn’t authentic years down the road when you can’t return it or resell it and the person who made the sale is long gone with your money. Yes there are good deals out there and yes preloved goods are usually 10-40% discounted which makes them more affordable and accessible. I’m all for a good deal but my anxiety can’t handle it. The truth is there are a lot of scammers on the internet. I’d rather just buy less, but be very intentional about my purchases.
I 100% agree with this. I would never consider buying second hand because of the risk that comes with it. I have heard stories of people receiving fakes from Fashionphile. Saving $800 on a Cartier bracelet by buying preloved isn't worth it to me. Considering people tend to wear their love bracelets for many years, what's $800 in the long run? Fake Cartier is so much more than the cheap, gold plated, obvious fakes that most people think of. They now make them in solid 18k gold with real diamonds. The details are spot-on, and it really isn't hard to source if you browse through Reddit. Every time I see preloved Cartier for a "good price" on preloved sites, I'm always skeptical when I think back to how deceptive these fakes can be!
There's always a team of non supporters on going preloved route (just like bags).
Just have it authenticated and you'll have a peace of mind and you'll enjoy it even better, papers or not.
Just have it authenticated and you'll have a peace of mind and you'll enjoy it even better, papers or not.
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Who do you recommend to authenticate Cartier? I’ve never bought Cartier preloved. Also, can I still service the item at Cartier without an authenticity paper?
My jewelry appraiser has been in the business for over 30 years. I had a conversation with him about 3 years ago about current production Cartier pieces in the pre-loved market. He said he had stopped authenticating Cartier pieces several years ago because there were so many super fakes out there. His advice to all his clients was if they wanted to be 100% sure that they were buying authentic Cartier jewelry then they should only buy directly from Cartier.