How to spot a fake Tiffany pouch

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As I'm sure you're aware, the amount of fake Tiffany jewelry on eBay seems to out number the authentic Tiffany jewelry. Honest sellers do exist and there are ways to spot the fakes just by looking at the pictures. One of the easiest things to spot is the pouch.

There are a few things that are common to all
AUTHENTIC Tiffany blue drawstring pouches
no matter how old the pouch is.
  •  Fabric - Tiffany's pouch fabric is suede cloth. The fabric is not a smooth nap. It has highs and lows that are visible in clear photos.
  • 99% of fake pouches are made of a cheap, closely cropped, faux velevet. All of the velvet fibers are the same height so the pouch will photograph smooth.
  • The size of the bags are consistant:
    ~ The most common size is medium 4 1/2" (1 in pics)
    ~ The small size is 3 1/2"
    ~ The smallest size is 2 1/2"
    ~ The less common large sizes are 6 1/2" and 7 1/2"
    These sizes may vary by no more than 1/8" due to the seam allowance.
  • Notice that all sizes are X and 1/2 inches. The same cannot be said for most fake Tiffany drawstring pouches.
  • On very rare occassions you may see an odd shaped drawstring pouch to accomodate a specialty item. All of the information pertaining to drawstring pouches will also apply to these pouches.
  • The medium and small pouches have approximately 1/2" margin from the top of the pouch to the top row of stitches. (2 in pics)
  • The larger sizes have approximately 1" margin from the top of the pouch to the top row of stitches.
  • The smallest pouch has a 3/8" top margin.
  • The fake pouches have a much narrower top margin. (see pics)
  • The fabric on the inside of the pouch is EXACTLY the same as the outside of the pouch.
  • The inside of the pouch will have a pocket made of the same suede cloth. The large and odd shaped pouches usually do not have a pocket.
  • The seams will be serged using a coordinating thread color.
    - Pouches dating back two or more decades may have a straight stitched seam rather than a serged seam but all else will be the same and you should be able to tell by the fading of the fabric and the imprint that it's an old pouch.
  • Note: the size of the Tiffany & Co on the front of the pouch can vary. Newer pouches have smaller type than the older pouches.

There are a few things that are common to all
AUTHENTIC Tiffany blue snap pouches
no matter how old the pouch is:
      •  Fabric - Like the drawstring bag, Tiffany's snap pouch fabric is suede cloth. The fabric is not a smooth nap. It has highs and lows that are visible in clear photos. Fake snap pouches uses a similar fabric so this is difficult to determine in photos.
      • The size of the bags is consistant: 2 5/8".
      • Both sides AND the bottom of the pouch are stitched. Most counterfeit snap pouches are not stitched across the bottom.
      • Snap pouches have gusseted sides and divider pocket made of the same fabric.
      • The stitching lines are perfectly straight and perfectly curved around the flap.
      • The back of the snap nipple has a round piece of matching fabric glued to it so it doesn't scratch the jewelry.
      • The brand of all authentic Tiffany snaps is marked on the reverse side of the flap's snap. This unique brand is different than the brand used on any fake Tiffany pouch.

If you're interested in or win an auction that has a pouch similar to the counterfeit pouches in these photos, it's a sure bet the jewelry is also counterfeit. Retract your bid or demand your money back!

I am in the process of writing a more detailed book on how to spot fake Tiffany jewelry on ebay. If you have any information to add or would be interested in the book please email me at ebayer@rdesign2000.com

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All information & photos provided here are copyrighted and my not be used
for any purpose without my express permission.

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