Since its founding in 1896,Van Cleef&Arpels has been renowned for its top-tier jewelry craftsmanship.The brand's Alhambra series,launched in 1968 with its iconic cloverleaf design,has become a favored talisman among global celebrities.However,the high market demand has also led to the proliferation of counterfeits.This article will guide you through four core features to accurately identify genuine pieces.
I.The Details of the Brand Logo
The unique typography and layout of the Van Cleef&Arpels official logo are crucial for identification:
Double-Line VCA Font:Genuine pieces feature a double-line,raised engraving design with precise letter spacing according to brand standards(e.g.,the golden ratio between the right curve of the"C"and the bottom line of the"A").
Font Thickness Variation:The strokes of the letters V,C,and A in authentic pieces show an artistic gradient,while counterfeits often use uniform lines.
Clarity of Engravings:Genuine brand stamps have sharp edges without burrs,while counterfeit stamps often have broken or blurred lines.
II.The Evolution of Clasp Designs
1.Comparison of New and Old Clasp Styles
2.Key Identification Tips
Genuine:The inside of the clasp shows fine scratches from hand-polishing by craftsmen.
Counterfeit:Chain links often have sharp right angles and lack natural curvature.
III.The Authenticity Code of Metal Marks
As a jeweler to the French Royal Family,Van Cleef&Arpels uses a unique marking system:
18K Gold Mark:
Genuine:Raised eagle head(French style)or hound head(British style)with a complete gold-plated edge.
Fake:Flat-printed patterns with common misalignments or color peeling.
Special Anti-Counterfeiting Mark:Some pieces after 2015 feature a hidden micro-engraved"VCA"visible only at a specific angle under light.
IV.The Mystery of Serial Numbers
Each Alhambra piece comes with a unique 12-digit code,which can be verified as follows:
Code Features:Genuine pieces have precise spacing between numbers and letters(e.g.,"V12345678AB"),while counterfeits often compress characters.
Year Code:Early pieces(1968-1999)use letter combinations(e.g.,"CL"for the 1990s)and should be judged in conjunction with the style of the piece.
Official Verification:Log on to the Van Cleef&Arpels official website and enter the serial number to obtain the complete casting records.If the webpage is inaccessible,please check the validity of the link or try again later.
V.Advanced Identification Tools Recommended
Magnifying Glass Inspection:Use a 10x magnifying glass to check if the gemstone facets show an"octagonal step cut"feature.
UV Testing:Natural mother-of-pearl emits a soft blue fluorescence under UV light,while counterfeits do not.
Magnetic Testing:Some 18K gold diamond-set styles contain trace magnetic substances,but platinum pieces should be completely non-magnetic.
The above content is for reference only.It is recommended to consult professionals or contact the Van Cleef&Arpels official customer service directly before making a purchase.