Any Downsides to Buying Preloved Without Certificate?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#16
nycmamaofone said:
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?
Click to expand...
I'm pretty new to Cartier (jewellery wise - just bought my first 2 weeks ago). My watch was also from store too but that was years ago.

I think there are a few threads on Cartier authentication- seriously I'm still lost after reading those threads as no definitive answers (or I missed them).

I did toy the idea initially on going preloved (I've never bought such expensive fine jewellery. Bags yes, but just not gold). But since I've decided to pass down my jewellery to my daughter, I would choose to be the first (and only) owner before her.
 
#17
I just think it's odd that on these resale sites that there are so many 'authentic' pieces that have the boxes but not the certificates. If you saved the box, wouldn't you save the one thing that shows the value of the item?? I asked my husband where my certificate was for the first piece he gifted me and he said it's in the fire safe. Even he knows it's value! LOL
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shando333, aBeautyFairy, prettyyybizarrre and 4 others
#19
True. I know what you mean. Especially if you know that you will probably sell it in the future..makes sense that you'd like to keep all important and related stuff to it to ensure that you get the best price for it when you put it out in the market.
I was duped before. Good thing, I found out right away and was able to get my money back. Based from my experience, if something is "missing" and it usually is part of the item being sold, be very skeptical about it. Usually, imitators are able to copy almost everything, except that thing that is "missing"..such that if they included it..it would have been a dead giveaway that the item is not authentic..so usually they just exclude it to make it seem that they simply
"misplaced" it. Not saying that everything that has a missing part is not authentic..only that..to make sure you scrutinize well and be extra-cautious about it. Bring it to the actual boutique or store so they can scrutinize it well..before your return window closes and before you are out of your hard-earned money should you find out it isn't real.
emo4488 said:
I just think it's odd that on these resale sites that there are so many 'authentic' pieces that have the boxes but not the certificates. If you saved the box, wouldn't you save the one thing that shows the value of the item?? I asked my husband where my certificate was for the first piece he gifted me and he said it's in the fire safe. Even he knows it's value! LOL
Click to expand...
 
#20
showgratitude said:
True. I know what you mean. Especially if you know that you will probably sell it in the future..makes sense that you'd like to keep all important and related stuff to it to ensure that you get the best price for it when you put it out in the market.
I was duped before. Good thing, I found out right away and was able to get my money back. Based from my experience, if something is "missing" and it usually is part of the item being sold, be very skeptical about it. Usually, imitators are able to copy almost everything, except that thing that is "missing"..such that if they included it..it would have been a dead giveaway that the item is not authentic..so usually they just exclude it to make it seem that they simply
"misplaced" it. Not saying that everything that has a missing part is not authentic..only that..to make sure you scrutinize well and be extra-cautious about it. Bring it to the actual boutique or store so they can scrutinize it well..before your return window closes and before you are out of your hard-earned money should you find out it isn't real.
Click to expand...
Normally I would be hesitant but this is from Fashionphile. I’ve never heard of an issue with FP. If you have, please let me know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Emelita
#21
Purrsey said:
I'm pretty new to Cartier (jewellery wise - just bought my first 2 weeks ago). My watch was also from store too but that was years ago.

I think there are a few threads on Cartier authentication- seriously I'm still lost after reading those threads as no definitive answers (or I missed them).

I did toy the idea initially on going preloved (I've never bought such expensive fine jewellery. Bags yes, but just not gold). But since I've decided to pass down my jewellery to my daughter, I would choose to be the first (and only) owner before her.
Click to expand...
AntiqueShopper said:
Sadly, certificates can be faked. A certificate does not mean it is real. I know where all mine are but some people don’t see enough value in it to keep track of it. A box is used to store a piece but a certificate sits there.
Click to expand...

This is true. I’ve seen people ordering brand name bags and jewelry from China and they sometimes even include a certificate and fake receipt. Not to mention some replicas are spot on. I’m not sure how common this is, but for the sake of discussion I thought I would mention it. It’s not unheard of.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AntiqueShopper
#22
nycmamaofone said:
Normally I would be hesitant but this is from Fashionphile. I’ve never heard of an issue with FP. If you have, please let me know.
Click to expand...
Honestly I think your fine. Fashionphile is reputable company and often people resale items and can’t find all the items that go with it. I would just pop into Cartier and have it cleaned. Then your mind is at ease. $800 is a significant savings that you can use to find another item on your wishlist
 
  • Like
Reactions: ccbaggirl89, Emily1830 and thundercloud
#25
There are also a lot of threads that say they sell authentic merchandise.

If you feel uncomfortable with the purchase I say return and save up for the new in store. The only way you can 100% know if something is real is buying directly.
 
#26
AntiqueShopper said:
There are also a lot of threads that say they sell authentic merchandise.

If you feel uncomfortable with the purchase I say return and save up for the new in store. The only way you can 100% know if something is real is buying directly.
Click to expand...
Yes - of course! I didn't mean that they don't sell authentic goods. I just think sometimes (probably very rarely) something can slip through the cracks. I have a purse for sale on their site now and it's certainly authentic :smile:
 
  • Like
Reactions: AntiqueShopper
#27
missie1 said:
Honestly I think your fine. Fashionphile is reputable company and often people resale items and can’t find all the items that go with it. I would just pop into Cartier and have it cleaned. Then your mind is at ease. $800 is a significant savings that you can use to find another item on your wishlist
Click to expand...
Is there a fee to have it cleaned? Do they do it on the spot or do I have to wait for it?
 
#29
Here is my humble opinion- definitely take it as my opinion.

Would I buy Love products off of Fashionphile- yes if I can’t buy in store. I would trust them more than most ( if not all) sites because they give a lifetime guarantee. If I ever get a second Love Bracelet it probably will be through Fashionphile as I only like the Love Bracelets where the screws are completely removable from the piece and Cartier stopped selling those years ago.
 
  • Like
Reactions: thundercloud, ccbaggirl89 and Emily1830
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top