How to spot real designers from fake\knock-offs

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8 years ago

Fake or knock-offs are fashion items that are designed to look like they have a high-fashion brand, but are actually cheap and of low quality. Some people don’t mind carrying or wearing a replica item, but it’s not okay when you’re taken advantage of by someone selling a clever counterfeit.

One good thing about authentic designer clothes is that you get a lifetime guarantee and they come with an authenticity card.

When you buy clothes, a bag, a pair of shoes, or other accessories online, you don’t actually get to handle the item and assess the quality, prior to making your payment.

Some fake designer items look identical with the authentic, even down to the designer’s logo. However, the number one way to spot knock-off designer clothing is the material. Fakes, by their nature, are made with cheap materials.

A second giveaway is the stitching sewn on labels, especially on Jeans, trousers and dresses. If you can see the stitching through the other side without having to look very carefully, it is certainly a fake. You may be able to see the stitching if you look very carefully, but it will be fine stitching and of a cotton that blends very well with the main material.

Lastly, most counterfeits are made in Asia, so a tag proclaiming that your new Hermes bag is “Made in China” is highly suspect. Designer goods are usually made in Europe.

…and fake gold jewellery too!

By American standard, fake gold is anything less than 10 Carats. In Nigeria, especially Kano, Kano State and Yaba, Lagos State, where gold is sold or bought in large quantities, some people have bitter tales to tell of how they purchase fake gold jewellery instead of the real deal. If you are the type that can’t detect real from fake gold, STYLE has got you covered. The most reliable way to find out is to take it to a certified jeweller and have it tested. If you want to check for yourself, here’s a list of tests you can conduct to tell if the gold is real.

Inspect the official markings: A stamp will indicate either fineness (1-999 or .1-.999) or Karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or 24K). A magnifying glass will make this easier.

Look for noticeable discoloration: It is important to check for discoloration in areas that face constant friction (typically around the edges). If the gold seems to be wearing off and showing a different metal beneath it, you probably have a piece that is only gold plated.

Bite on it: A real gold will show indents from your teeth; deeper markings indicate purer gold.

Hold a magnet up to the item: Gold is not a magnetic metal, so if it pulls towards, or sticks to the magnet, it’s fake.

Weigh: A jeweller can normally do this for you for free if you don’t have your own scale. You will need the weight in grams.

Ceramic plate test: Drag your item across the surface. A black streak means your gold is not real, whereas a gold streak indicates your item is genuine.