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#9,046
I have always looked at the purse forum as a public forum where anyone can offer their opinion. (on either bags or jewelry). They are only individuals opinions and not to be taken as "written in stone" to me. The more opinions the merrier, l think and they should not be taken too seriously. I've seen authenticating errors in high end bags subforums and people getting all bent out of shape over someone's personal opinion. I don't get that. I agree that it's a good starting point, but if I were to want to be sure then I would seek a professional opinion. I think this forum should be for fun.
 
#9,047
Molly0 said:
The more opinions the merrier, l think and they should not be taken too seriously. I've seen authenticating errors in high end bags subforums and people getting all bent out of shape over someone's personal opinion. I don't get that. I agree that it's a good starting point, but if I were to want to be sure then I would seek a professional opinion. I think this forum should be for fun.
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Fun is for some threads and most definitely not for authentication threads. There's no fun in losing money to a scammer, for example (a bag posted for authentication is fake but is judged authentic) or fun for the long-term business of a trusted seller whose good are judged fake by an incompetent authenticator.

I don't think a single authenticator on TPF or anywhere would share the view of hey, the more the merrier if the risk is incompetency.
 
#9,048
jellyv said:
Fun is for some threads and most definitely not for authentication threads. There's no fun in losing money to a scammer (bag is fake but a poor authentication calls it authentic) or fun for the long-term business of a trusted seller whose good are judged fake by an incompetent authenticator.

I don't think a single authenticator on TPF or anywhere would share the view of hey, the more the merrier if the risk is incompetency.
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However this IS a public forum not a business for authentication.
 
#9,050
jellyv said:
This seems a peculiar notion to me. What does "starting point" mean when you assert--ironically--that hands on and in person are the only way to authenticate jewelry? (Ironic since you yourself have authenticated here.)

When anyone including a brand new forum member can jump in with authentication opinions, there's a problem. I hope we'll see the mods weigh in.
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Some people may have a more knowledge than me on a particular brand's markings. This is what I refer to as a starting point.
 
#9,052
AntiqueShopper said:
Some people may have a more knowledge than me on a particular brand's markings. This is what I refer to as a starting point.
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I agree. And I've had no issues prior to this where I had concerns. I do in this one instance though as authentications are being made in this instance without necessary pictures and several of the posts were untrue. I realize anyone can give their opinions.

This is the first time in all my years on the forum that I have ever voiced any concerns and the ability to voice those concerns is valid.

It's my opinion that in this one particular instance there is reason for real concern and jewelry authentications should not be undertaken lightly.

So I'll get off my soap box but I won't backpedal. I'm concerned.

It's not an in general concern. I have tremendous respect for our authenticators thought the entire forum.

I'm expressing a concern for the first time and if opinions are valid across the board, the ability to ask for further clarification and express my very real concern is valid as well.

Authentications just can't be undertaken lightly in any thread. And authentications simply cannot be done without large, clear pictures, and many of them.

Glib assessments when people are counting on the answer one way or another, without excellent, heck even remotely decent pictures, is a dangerous precedent, and yes, it concerns me.

The fact that I have never in all these years voiced a concern, and was indeed hesitant to ask for more information, speaks to just how concerned I am.

We ask very very clear and specific pictures when it relates to bags. It should be no different with jewelry. I'd venture to say possibly more important.

Blatant and very good Tiffany fakes abound on the Internet. That in and of itself speaks to the need to be circumspect and cautious about making authentications without necessary pictures.
 
#9,053
I hope this doesn't upset folks-Personally I noticed and thought it odd that a person with a small handful of posts, and had just joined this month -was authenticating here. I feel that this should be a buyer beware situation-as we don't really know the experience level of the person authenticating in this situation. While this is not a business, we certainly rely on one another here for opinions and we come to trust each other. That trust is earned over time and posts.
 
#9,054
Please be aware that, as Swanky mentioned in the Ebay Authentication thread, we are aware of the issues. The authentication threads are all being re-evaluated but this is going to take some time.

If there is a post that you feel is really out of line, please report it and let us deal with it.

We appreciate your concern and want you to know we're on top of it!

In the meantime, please feel free to continue this discussion in the Ebay subforum thread here:

http://forum.purseblog.com/ebay-forum/tpf-authenticator-discussion-899195-53.html#post28565225
 
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#9,057
jellyv said:
This seems a peculiar notion to me. What does "starting point" mean when you assert--ironically--that hands on and in person are the only way to authenticate jewelry? (Ironic since you yourself have authenticated here.)

When anyone including a brand new forum member can jump in with authentication opinions, there's a problem. I hope we'll see the mods weigh in.
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Since you showed interest in my credentials, I would be glad to share! I am a collector, yes a very avid collector, with 15 years of experience collecting Tiffany and Company jewelry with pieces in all metals ( one third of my collection is silver and the rest a mix of gold/platinum). I have bought more than half of my over 90 piece collection directly from Tiffany. The other portion of my collection was purchased through respected jewelers/ appraisers who were willing to invest their time and share their knowledge on how to identify a fake vs real piece. I have also spent countless hours researching markings by visiting the stores, viewing trusted online sites and reading many antique jewelry books. I have also been collecting antique jewelry for over 20 years. In addition, I was also lucky enough to grow up in a household with parents who shared an affinity of jewelry with me. I never claimed to be an appraiser. I only verify pieces that I truly believe are authentic and use my own collection as reference. I only authenticate Tiffany and Company pieces as I have very little experience with other brands. Take my opinion for what it is worth; as I said before, this forum is a starting point. :smile1:
 
#9,059
AntiqueShopper said:
Since you showed interest in my credentials, I would be glad to share! I am a collector, yes a very avid collector, with 15 years of experience collecting Tiffany and Company jewelry with pieces in all metals ( one third of my collection is silver and the rest a mix of gold/platinum). I have bought more than half of my over 90 piece collection directly from Tiffany. The other portion of my collection was purchased through respected jewelers/ appraisers who were willing to invest their time and share their knowledge on how to identify a fake vs real piece. I have also spent countless hours researching markings by visiting the stores, viewing trusted online sites and reading many antique jewelry books. I have also been collecting antique jewelry for over 20 years. In addition, I was also lucky enough to grow up in a household with parents who shared an affinity of jewelry with me. I never claimed to be an appraiser. I only verify pieces that I truly believe are authentic and use my own collection as reference. I only authenticate Tiffany and Company pieces as I have very little experience with other brands. Take my opinion for what it is worth; as I said before, this forum is a starting point. :smile1:
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I didn't see anyone asking about your credentials. I think everyone was speaking of a new member with only 15 posts. I didn't see anyone questioning any of your opinions.
 
#9,060
AntiqueShopper said:
Since you showed interest in my credentials, I would be glad to share! I am a collector, yes a very avid collector, with 15 years of experience collecting Tiffany and Company jewelry with pieces in all metals ( one third of my collection is silver and the rest a mix of gold/platinum). I have bought more than half of my over 90 piece collection directly from Tiffany. The other portion of my collection was purchased through respected jewelers/ appraisers who were willing to invest their time and share their knowledge on how to identify a fake vs real piece. I have also spent countless hours researching markings by visiting the stores, viewing trusted online sites and reading many antique jewelry books. I have also been collecting antique jewelry for over 20 years. In addition, I was also lucky enough to grow up in a household with parents who shared an affinity of jewelry with me. I never claimed to be an appraiser. I only verify pieces that I truly believe are authentic and use my own collection as reference. I only authenticate Tiffany and Company pieces as I have very little experience with other brands. Take my opinion for what it is worth; as I said before, this forum is a starting point. :smile1:
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jellyv said:
Lovely. Thanks for sharing, sincerely. I did not ask about your credentials, though.

We are off topic, per mod, at this point.
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charleston-mom said:
I didn't see anyone asking about your credentials. I think everyone was speaking of a new member with only 15 posts. I didn't see anyone questioning any of your opinions.
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Yes ... this is off topic. Again, if you want to discuss this, please go to the existing Ebay thread referenced above.

Thanks.
 
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