knockoff vs inspired by..

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twigski

twigski

O.G.
Sep 20, 2006
798
142
#1
Ladies when it comes to jewelry what do you consider a total knockoff of a designer piece & what is a "inspired" by piece?

For me I consider anything that looks similar to one of the distinguishing designs such as Cartier's screw motif & many of the items that look like the VCA alhambra a total KO. For some reason items that look like Tiffany's diamonds by the yard it's more of an inspired item rather than a KO to me. This is JMO & I'm sure many will disagree w/me :shame: I'd like to get your input.
 
#2
I would say that "knock-off" would have to have the designer logo written all over it in some way or fashion. "Inspired" can just copy the look without attesting to be that particular designer. Inspiration happens all the time.
 
#3
I think for jewelry it is very hard because it is not like the designer's name would be on the imitation piece. There are so many similar pieces of jewelry that I think it would be too hard to tell for the normal buyer. I know for myself, when it comes to jeweler I want the best value, best look, and the real deal. It is not like purses where there are blatant fakes/imitations.
 
#4
Speaking of inspired by, I have seen so many David Yurman imitations at my job. Yesterday a lady was selling them, and today someone else was selling them. Eventhough they look similar, they do not come close to the real deal. I would rather have one real piece than many fake ones.
 
#7
To me the difference between knock off or inspired by is determined by whether it has the name on it. A key that is not tiffanys and SAYS tiffanys is a knockoff. A key that is identical without the fake tiffany inscription is inspired by.
 
#8
I think a distinct design such as Cartier screw or VCA motif is something what would be "knocked off".
It's harder to consider a design like Tiffany DBTY or keys as distinct (to me) because the components for the DBTY are just chain, bezel and stone which can be purchased by any manufacturer. The key pendant design has been around since keys were invented; Tiffany just made it popular this time around. I do consider the Return to Tiffany line distinct.
 
#9
I believe that an iconic piece, which is reproduced, may be considered a knock off. I'm not referring to DBTY or other such pieces that more in the public domain. An ethical jeweler, making a replica, knows that he/she cannot copy every design element from the original. I don't recall the percentage that needs to be excluded, but it should never be an exact copy.
 
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