Hermes boasts beautifully simplistic designs with an incredible attention to detail. However their minimalist style makes them comparatively easy to forge. Be on the lookout for these seven telltale signs that your Hermes bracelet is a counterfeit.
- The Packaging
replica hermes jewelry packaging
If the listing includes the original packaging, it’s worth taking a careful look.
The ubiquitous Hermes jewelry replica orange may seem like such a distinct color but it’s remarkably hard to distinguish it from similar shades that may be only a hue away from the real thing. (For comparison, the closest approximation to Hermes Orange that we can find is Pantone 165C.) But an immediate tip-off is a box looks too brown (like a dull orange) or overly vivid.
Also the logo should of course be straight and centered on the packaging and should be printed in a chocolate brown, not black.
And if you’re lucky enough to personally handle the packaging, run your fingers over the top to feel for a softly pebbled texture. A smooth or paper-like texture is indicated of a fraudulent box.
A word of caution here: just because the Hermes jewelry box outlet is real, that doesn’t necessarily mean what’s inside is authentic. So factor the packaging into your judgement but do not rely on it solely to deliver the final real versus fake verdict.
- Made in Austria versus Made in France
Historically Hermes enamels were manufactured only in Austria and stamped accordingly. Contemporary Hermes H enamel bracelet knockoff (from roughly 2010 on) are produced in France and marked as “Made in France.” Although accounts of the exact dates for when this transition from Austria to France production vary, it’s most helpful in determining the authenticity of vintage pieces. So if an item is listed as vintage but is stamped with “Made in France” it’s most likely a fake.
- Dimensions and Weight
Fake Hermes bracelets tend to run smaller than authentic pieces. Cross-reference the dimensions with those listed on Hermes’ website. Also double-check the weight of the bracelet. Because bogus bangles are made of far less expensive materials (like plastic or resin), forgeries are noticeably lighter.
- Leather Stitching
All Hermes leather bracelet replica are hand sewn. But there is a fine line though between the natural imperfections that come from sewing by hand and the rigorous standards set by Hermes. Closely examine the leather stitch; the stitching may not be flawless but it should be pretty close to perfect, evenly spaced and no sloppy or loose ends.
- Date Code
Hermes employs a date code on all its leather goods. If you know what year your fake Hermes Kelly Double tour bracelet is from, you can verify its date code against these three key eras.
For any pieces produced between 1945 and 1970, they are stamped with a letter that represents its production year. Pieces made between 1971 and 1996 are marked with a letter (again corresponding to the year) inside of a circle. And any items made after 1997 are similarly marked with a letter denoting the year but is inside of a square.
And like the Made in Austria versus Made in France marks, these codes are a way to know if your Hermes Leather bracelet is indeed vintage—or misleadingly labeled as such.
- Enamel Work
Hermes is not a brand to cut corners, so when they produce their enamel bracelets like the Cheap Hermes Clic Clac H Bracelet, they set a single, solid piece of enamel into the metal framework. It’s a costlier and labor intensive process than the counterfeit approach which simply involves pouring resin into the framework. The biggest clue in deciphering a real Hermes H bangle are in the softly rounded edges of the enamel. Counterfeit bangles’ resin meanwhile will be flat.
Similarly forged Hermes bracelets are oftentimes circular. Real Hermes bracelet outlet however are usually an oval or elliptical shape so they rest more comfortably on your wrist.
- Secure Closures
If you’re able to handle the bracelet in question, try opening and closing the piece. If it has a hinge like on the Hermes Clic Clac bracelet, it should open smoothly and cleanly. If you’re putting extra tension on it to pry it open or undo the clasp, it may not be an authentic Hermes Bracelet. For the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet replica, the center O ring should be free to spin and move but without a visible seam. Stationary O rings or large gaps between the O and its securing hardware are strong indicators it is not real.