I recently bought a vintage VCA necklace from what I believe to be a well known and reputable preloved consignment store (including reviews from this forum). I was told that the necklace was about 20 years old, and so didn't have original box etc, and that the original owner was advised to send it to VCA in NY for cleaning/polishing (thus, there would be recent paperwork from VCA to confirm its authenticity). The original owner did so, and brought it to the consignment store in the package from the VCA store in NY with a receipt which includes an invoice number, as well as the serial number of the necklace, etc. However, I used Real Authenticate and they are calling the piece counterfeit due to "various inconsistencies" -the written report is pretty vague (and I had to pay extra $10 to get that information). I'm in shock and feeling kind of ill. Is it possible that Real Authentication is wrong, especially as it's an older piece? Assuming the receipt is real for the cleaning service at VCA, can I assume that VCA would NOT have cleaned the piece if they felt it was fake? Should I call the VCA store in NY to confirm that they did do this work (since I have the "invoice" number) or can I bring it to VCA for them to authenticate (somehow I feel super embarrassed to do so, but surely they do this for a fee on a regular basis?). This was my first preloved luxury purchase, also first VCA purchase, and at the moment I honestly just hate myself for finding myself in this position. Any advice would be much, much appreciated.
Help! How to find a second opinion for authentication for VCA necklace
- Thread starter ardenp
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The best way to confirm authenticity quickly is to submit it for service. They will not service if they do not have record of it. That is not to say that the piece is not authentic. Their current database only goes back so far. I had a pre-loved piece that VCA NYC would not service because they could not find it. It could pre-date the database or have been purchased at Neiman's, or other approved vendor, which VCA does not track. I had the option of them sending it to Paris for authentication, which would cost me $1,800 and take 6-8 months. I declined.
There was another pre-loved piece that I had serviced without problem.
I have generally stopped buying VCA pre-loved unless it was a cannot turn down deal and I was super comfortable with the authenticity. Not worth the uncertainty, to me.
There was another pre-loved piece that I had serviced without problem.
I have generally stopped buying VCA pre-loved unless it was a cannot turn down deal and I was super comfortable with the authenticity. Not worth the uncertainty, to me.
Everything is possible. Someone could forge the invoice, take original boxes and put the item inside etc. It is very difficult to say anything without at least seeing photos of your items.
On the other hand, even third party authentication services can be wrong, they are not necessarily specialists in old vintage pieces to make any conclusions about them.
My advice:
1) you can post online here and we have a look (VCA invoices pretty standard)
2) go to the nearest VCA store and send the item for cleaning/polishing/chain extension etc.
On the other hand, even third party authentication services can be wrong, they are not necessarily specialists in old vintage pieces to make any conclusions about them.
My advice:
1) you can post online here and we have a look (VCA invoices pretty standard)
2) go to the nearest VCA store and send the item for cleaning/polishing/chain extension etc.
Thanks for all the advice, as I'm new to all of this. I have attached photo of the invoice I got (with several holes!). Did cover the serial code as that seems to be correct procedure? I will say that the invoice is printed on thin copy paper though perhaps this is a photocopy from the consignment store.
Invoices can be forged pretty easily (not to say that this one is). As others have said, the best way to "authenticate" the piece is to send it to the VCA workshop for servicing. I have bought many pieces preloved and have sent them all to NYC to have the chains lengthened (in the case of pendants) or the posts changed and the clips loosened (in the case of earrings). I have never had an issue with them refusing to work on the piece or saying that they are not authentic. However, I do believe that they will decline to service the item if they cannot find it in their database. You can pay to get the piece officially authenticated, but as someone mentioned, that costs $1,800, and unless the piece is extremely valuable, probably not worth the cost in my opinion.
Edited to add: if you are that uncomfortable with it, does the store offer a return policy? If so, I would probably just return it for the peace of mind. It does seem odd that VCA charged $180 for polishing as I thought that was a free service, but I have never sent a piece in just for cleaning.
Edited to add: if you are that uncomfortable with it, does the store offer a return policy? If so, I would probably just return it for the peace of mind. It does seem odd that VCA charged $180 for polishing as I thought that was a free service, but I have never sent a piece in just for cleaning.
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Serial number is removed from the invoice as well or is it you who removed it (in white dots)?
Typical practice is to remove personal details only like your name and address. SA's name is typically left in.
Cleaning is normally free at VCA stores, polishing is not - this is more comprehensive process.
To be frank, I have never seen VCA invoices on this thin paper, typically it's thick, yellowish, very solid, same with Cartier. If you don't mind, could you show pics of the engravings on your piece? Strike out some of the numbers on the serial. What I am after is VCA 750 stamp and serial. Also close up of the clove. The "balls" on the older pieces are different from newer ones in a certain way.
I would definitely check this invoice.
Edited to add: what I don't like here is absence of signature. When you collect your piece, a copy of the invoice is given to you which you and SA have to sign. Why this one does not have those???
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we are not allowed to do this as this violates TPFs rules.
authentication threads (and those who authenticate) are delineated as such and have specific guidelines/requirements.
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There is a thread called "Authenticate this jewellery", I just posted over there. Look for it and post the photos I requested if you can!
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