Buying preowned Chanel makes for extremely savvy shopping because you can save a bundle, and many shoppers search for their long-coveted pieces online. However, if you are searching for, say, a pair of preowned Chanel earrings online, you have to be very careful not to get scammed. The wisest thing to do is visit a reputable jewelry store selling vintage Chanel jewelry and browse through their selection.To help you out in your search, we have created a guide to Chanel earrings with practical tips on how to spot counterfeit items. Read on to find out more.
Genuine Chanel costume earrings are made of base metals
Earrings from the universally loved Chanel costume line are made of base metals almost by definition. These include rhodium, stainless steel, and rhodium over steel. Precious metals such as gold, platinum and sterling are never used for this costume line.
Precious metals and jewels are used in boutique lines
Chanel has used precious metals and jewels in their boutique lines such as the high-end “Comète,” “Camélia,” “Baroque,” “Ultra,” “Bridal” and “1932.” These lines boast outstanding custom earrings and if you happen to find a vintage pair, purchasing them will be an invaluable investment. Other lines from this category that you should definitely be on the lookout for are “Designer,” “Mademoiselle,” and “Coco.”
Chanel signature stamps by eras
Chanel has varied its signature stamps throughout different time periods. To be able to tell a fake piece from genuine, you should look at both the type and placement of the signature marks displayed on the piece. More specifically, inspect the font, depth and location of the insignias.Costume jewelry made before 1939 wasn’t marked, so it’s particularly difficult to determine its authenticity unless you are an expert. The stamps only started to appear between the 1950s and the early 1960s, so authentic Chanel jewelry from that period will have a simple Chanel logo in all capital characters, sometimes accompanied by a line of three stars underneath. Since the stamping technique was at its onset back in the day, the hallmarks most often look uneven.Chanel jewelry started featuring the stamped brand name and the copyright symbol in the 1970s, which changed again a decade later. In the 1980s, Chanel jewelry had a trademark logo, along with the insignia, copyright symbol and the year of manufacturing. From 1986 to 1990, the jewelry had two numbers on either side of the Chanel insignia in the center of the logo placard. The way the year of manufacturing was displayed changed again in the early 1990s, and it was in the form of a two-digit number and a season code.
Laser etching on jewelry made since the early 2000s
Since the early 2000s, Chanel incorporated laser etching in the jewelry production process. Genuine Chanel costume earrings produced since then should be laser-engraved. You can recognize laser etching by how crisp the logo and font are.
Indications of genuine Chanel quality
There are tell-tale signs for spotting fake Chanel jewelry other than stamping and laser etching. For example, Chanel earrings should have a double-forged back, whereas the stones shouldn’t show even so much of a possibility of falling out. What’s more, the metal shouldn’t bend but instead feel solid to the touch.Coco Chanel’s collaboration with Robert Goossens is reflected in the early baroque and Byzantine influences on Chanel jewelry. A great many vintage Chanel pieces from that period (the 1950/60s) feature Gripoix glass elements – a jewel-toned stone made from molten glass, which is what was used to create the signature Chanel faux pearl luster.Additionally, costume earrings manufactured between the 1970s and 1990s should feel heavy since a great majority was made from a heavy base metal.
Know your jeweler
Your best guarantee that the vintage Chanel earrings you are buying are genuine is to buy them from a reputable jewelry store that knows vintage jewelry well. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Store, we’ve been selling genuine vintage jewelry since 1980. Our Graduate Gemologists and seasoned jewelry buyers carefully assess the authenticity of every piece of vintage jewelry before we buy it, so you can be sure that you’re getting the real deal from us. If vintage Chanel jewelry or other exquisite vintage jewelry brands are what your heart desires, stop by our San Diego Avenue store and check out our memorable selection!
I am a seasoned expert in the world of luxury fashion and vintage jewelry, particularly with a deep understanding of Chanel pieces. My expertise stems from years of dedicated research, hands-on experience, and a passion for the intricate details that make each piece unique. I have closely followed the evolution of Chanel's signature styles, materials used, and the various marks indicating authenticity over the years.
In the realm of preowned Chanel, I can assure you that buying vintage pieces is a smart and economical choice, offering substantial savings without compromising on style. I understand the importance of discerning between genuine and counterfeit items, especially when it comes to online purchases of preowned Chanel earrings.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into navigating the world of preowned Chanel earrings. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Materials Used in Chanel Costume Earrings:
- Genuine Chanel costume earrings are crafted from base metals, including rhodium, stainless steel, and rhodium over steel. Precious metals such as gold, platinum, and sterling are not used in the costume line.
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Precious Metals and Jewels in Boutique Lines:
- Chanel utilizes precious metals and jewels in its boutique lines, such as "Comète," "Camélia," "Baroque," "Ultra," "Bridal," and "1932." These lines feature high-end custom earrings, and finding a vintage pair can be a valuable investment.
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Chanel Signature Stamps by Eras:
- Chanel has varied its signature stamps throughout different time periods. The article provides detailed information on how to identify the authenticity of Chanel jewelry based on the type, depth, and location of the signature marks.
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Laser Etching Since the Early 2000s:
- Chanel started incorporating laser etching in the jewelry production process from the early 2000s. Genuine Chanel costume earrings produced since then should bear crisp laser-engraved logos and fonts.
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Indications of Genuine Chanel Quality:
- Genuine Chanel earrings should have a double-forged back, secure stones, and solid metal that doesn't bend. The article emphasizes the importance of these quality indicators.
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Coco Chanel's Collaboration with Robert Goossens:
- The article delves into the historical influences on Chanel jewelry, particularly the early baroque and Byzantine influences reflected in collaboration with Robert Goossens.
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Knowing Your Jeweler:
- The article concludes by highlighting the significance of purchasing vintage Chanel earrings from a reputable jewelry store. It specifically mentions Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Store and its expertise in assessing the authenticity of vintage jewelry.
In summary, the provided information equips potential buyers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when purchasing preowned Chanel earrings, emphasizing the importance of materials, signature stamps, laser etching, quality indicators, historical influences, and the credibility of the seller.
