Fake Tiffany VENT

[Tiger926]

Sometimes a fake can get past an expert, that is how good some fakes can be. The general rule is that if you do sell a fake, by accident of course, that you do provide a refund. Top sellers of high end jewelry and watches will always refund a fake, always.

High end sellers at boutiques, but can you really say that a pawn shop/consignment/second hand store is going to abide by this same rule?

OP could have switched the piece with a fake at home, so the store owner really does not have to do anything, IMHO. And, if she is a scammer herself, she won't do anything. But, I am wondering if this seller would have some sort of insurance for her jewelry?

If this is truly a high end boutique, then owner would provide jewely appraisal certificates as part of purchase, I would think. This is how it is in regular jewelry stores, but not sure about consignment stores?

She more than likely doesn't because customers just purchase from her, and are none the wiser. OP isn't an expert either, so her piece may actually be genuine, so this is all a moot discussion as it requires a Tiffany expert of authenticity to analyze the actual piece.

Not sure why OP is willing to part with hundreds of dollars without photos or certificates of authenticity or appraisal certificates? If all of that had happened, and piece was determined to be fake, then there might be a case here as perhaps the storeowner herself was ripped off.

At this point, I see the store selling stuff that they claim is real, yet none of it comes with verification of that, and yet, customers are still buying products from that store.

I thought with consignment/pawn/secondhand shops, it's always buyer beware - is there some kind of warranty available? Tiger

 

[kwelch10377]

..

 

[crashbb]

The only Tiffany's necklaces I have, I got for "free" for running the SF marathon/half marathons. Given to me by men in tuxedos, no less.

 

[JLiz]

I think it's interesting that everyone is criticizing the OP for buying high-end items AND for buying those items at a discount.

I can afford to shop at Nordstroms but I'd rather shop at Nordstrom Rack to get the same merchandise but at a lesser price. My husband and I can afford a new tv outright, but would rather sell the old tv first on craigslist then apply that the the new purchase. The OP can afford to buy them first hand but would rather save a little by buying second hand.

It sounds to me that the OP is smart with her money. She likes to have nice things and doesn't want to go into debt to have them. Good for her!

 

[Tiger926]

I think it's interesting that everyone is criticizing the OP for buying high-end items AND for buying those items at a discount.

I can afford to shop at Nordstroms but I'd rather shop at Nordstrom Rack to get the same merchandise but at a lesser price. My husband and I can afford a new tv outright, but would rather sell the old tv first on craigslist then apply that the the new purchase. The OP can afford to buy them first hand but would rather save a little by buying second hand.

It sounds to me that the OP is smart with her money. She likes to have nice things and doesn't want to go into debt to have them. Good for her!

I haven't commented on what the OP purchases with her money, as that is not my place to do so. I thought perhaps she could ask for a Disney trip as a gift, instead of a few shoes or purses, but that's the frugal girl in me.

OP may be smart with her money, in buying secondhand, but she isn't a smart consumer. I really believe consumers don't do their homework, nor properly arm themselves in situations like these. She willingly gave a couple of hundred dollars for a piece that she didn't have authenticated. I'm assuming if piece turns out to be fake, she probably way overpaid for it, and so that would definitely not be a smart purchase whatsoever.

Not saying she deserved to be scammed, if indeed the store owner willingly sold a fake piece, but properly ensuring that it was an authentic piece before purchasing would have served her well. Perhaps ask for piece to be held, and go and do some internet research, and if satisfied with the results, than she could purchase. As well, ask for an appraisal certificate, or, ask if piece can be authenticated in her presence by a jewelry appraiser. OP said it was an impulse purchase, and that was the beginning of her problems, IMHO.

Tiger

 

[JLiz]

I haven't commented on what the OP purchases with her money, as that is not my place to do so. I thought perhaps she could ask for a Disney trip as a gift, instead of a few shoes or purses, but that's the frugal girl in me.

OP may be smart with her money, in buying secondhand, but she isn't a smart consumer. She willingly gave a couple of hundred dollars for a piece that she didn't have authenticated. I'm assuming if piece turns out to be fake, she probably way overpaid for it, and so that would definitely not be a smart purchase whatsoever.

Tiger

You're right; I miss typed. I should not have said everyone is judging her for her purchases. It does seem, though, that a lot of posters think the OP should either be happy buying lower end items at full price or high end items at full price and that if she is buying high end items at a discount it says soemthing negative about her; i.e. she's trying to hard to look like she's rich when she's not.

Some people seem to put a lot of meaning into "status" purchases...both those that buy them and those that don't.

Maybe the OP just likes quality. I like Coach bags because I think they are good quality. I only buy them at the Coach outlet because I am frugal. Could I suffice with a bag from Walmart...sure. But, I would rather spend $100 on a Coach that I know will last at least ten years than spend $10 each year for the same time period buying junk from Walmart.

Also, I could afford that same bag at full price from Macy's but if I can save, I feel silly spending the full amount.

I just think it is unfortunate that some posters view things so black and white without any grey.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Tough luck buttercup. You bought it at a consignment shop, you should have made sure it was authentic BEFORE you bought it. Not the shop owners problem.

I feel for you, but I have to agree. Buyer beware.

 

[ilovemk76]

This thread is proof that money can't buy you class.

 

[badblackpug]

I deal with a high end consignment shop a few times a year. I wear a lot of high end clothing and what I don't want the following season goes to her. I usually make $300-$500 and it always goes right into the Disney fund. Never once had a problem.

I found a new store on Craigslist that specializes in Louis Vuitton. I have always wanted one but I refuse to carry a fake so I still don't have one. All I need to do is skip a Disney trip and I could have one but I can't seem to be able to do that. I recently went to this new consignment store and she had about 15 of them. They all seemed real according to my research. She also had all the other type bags, all real.

Today I brought her about 8 items. I am dumping all my Coach stuff. I figured I would use that consignment money made to buy one of the Vuitton bags she has. I was planing on bringing her a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes we would both made a nice profit on! THEY are real fur sure I saw the invoice when my DBF bought them for me!

I spotted a Tiffany bracelet and I bought it. When I went home I put it under a magnifier glass and it's fake. I called the owner up immediately. She argued with me about it. Later called me back and said she went to the Tiffany web site and that bracelet is there. YES it's a classic, doesn't mean that it is real. I spotted several differenced from he Tiffany picture and the bracelet I bought from her. It's a good fake but it's FAKE! So now I have to go back and argue my case with her. Her web site says AUTHENTIC stuff. I think she should take it back with a great big apology to me but I have a feeling that this is going to be a fight.

My argument is just because it looks like Tiffany does not mean it IS. They are quite specific on how they make their jewelry. When I called her to say it was a fake she should have said bring it in for an immediate refund.

Guess I am NOT getting a Vuitton from her, there are a LOT of fakes out there and if I could not trust her with a bracelet I don't see how I can trust a much more expensive bag, even with all the research that I have done about how to spot a fake one.

If I do not get my money back I will per sue it with my bank and I will be the biggest mouth about how you can't trust the validity of her stuff! I am really angry about this! Not only will she lose a good customer she will lose a great consigner. Her store is a lot easier for me to get to so I decided to give all my business to her.

I know some of you are not going to get this. A few will![/QUOTE]

I think it's interesting that everyone is criticizing the OP for buying high-end items AND for buying those items at a discount.

I can afford to shop at Nordstroms but I'd rather shop at Nordstrom Rack to get the same merchandise but at a lesser price. My husband and I can afford a new tv outright, but would rather sell the old tv first on craigslist then apply that the the new purchase. The OP can afford to buy them first hand but would rather save a little by buying second hand.

It sounds to me that the OP is smart with her money. She likes to have nice things and doesn't want to go into debt to have them. Good for her!

You're right; I miss typed. I should not have said everyone is judging her for her purchases. It does seem, though, that a lot of posters think the OP should either be happy buying lower end items at full price or high end items at full price and that if she is buying high end items at a discount it says soemthing negative about her; i.e. she's trying to hard to look like she's rich when she's not.

Some people seem to put a lot of meaning into "status" purchases...both those that buy them and those that don't.

Maybe the OP just likes quality. I like Coach bags because I think they are good quality. I only buy them at the Coach outlet because I am frugal. Could I suffice with a bag from Walmart...sure. But, I would rather spend $100 on a Coach that I know will last at least ten years than spend $10 each year for the same time period buying junk from Walmart.

Also, I could afford that same bag at full price from Macy's but if I can save, I feel silly spending the full amount.

I just think it is unfortunate that some posters view things so black and white without any grey.

I didn't comment on how the OP spends her money, either. I think the mistake was hers, though. Unless you buy from an authorized retailer, you cannot be guaranteed and authentic item, and she did not request any paperwork to guarantee that the item was authentic prior to purchase. I think this all falls under "buyer beware," particularly if the store has a "no refund" policy.

I think the reason a lot of PP jumped on her is because her OP was unnecessarily braggy. All of the parts I highlighted above are extraneous, and frankly, very boastful. (and the last line was just condescending) She could have skipped all the drama by avoiding the need to show off.

"I took some items into a consignment store that deals with high end manufacturers. The store advertises that all of it's items are authentic. I saw a Tiffany bracelet that I really liked and purchased it. When I got it home and I examined it closely I realized it was not authentic......"

 

[goofy!]

Sometimes a fake can get past an expert, that is how good some fakes can be. The general rule is that if you do sell a fake, by accent of course, that you do provide a refund. Top sellers of high end jewelry and watches will always refund a fake, always.

Top sellers of high end jewelry and watches don't typically advertise in Craig's List, where the OP said she found the store.

Consequently, the seller may not have the same policies as those that typically deal with high end jewelry.

 

[diznygirl]

I think the reason a lot of PP jumped on her is because her OP was unnecessarily braggy. All of the parts I highlighted above are extraneous, and frankly, very boastful. (and the last line was just condescending) She could have skipped all the drama by avoiding the need to show off.

"I took some items into a consignment store that deals with high end manufacturers. The store advertises that all of it's items are authentic. I saw a Tiffany bracelet that I really liked and purchased it. When I got it home and I examined it closely I realized it was not authentic......"

In a nutshell.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Dear god OP, what a horrific plight. I can't imagine the sheer horror that each waking moment brings for you right now. I thought I'd seen and heard it all, what with wars, terrorism, diseases, crime, abuse etc. But fake Tiffany jewellery? I feel physically sick. May God bless you and grant you the strength to get through this.

 

[Swan4Me]

This thread is proof that
money can't buy you class.

Isn't that the Coutess Luann's song?(Real Housewives of NYC)

 

[WowLookAtThat]

While I slightly sympathize with the OP I think that with stores like second hand, consignment shop and especially online there is always a case of "buyers beware". Unless you have bought from the high end shop or really any kind that sells a certain label you have to be absolutely sure that you have what you paid for. With items like jewelry there should be authorization. Sorry Op but you are going to have to cut this as a loss.

 

[Ember]

I was taught that name dropping anything or anyone is not the polite thing to do. Am I totally out of the loop here and this is standard behavior?

How is this really any different than posters who list all their Disney trips?

I love Coach I love Dooney and Bourke. I have several that I have purchased at either Macy's or various outlet stores. I like to have a few a nice things, I know, I would NEVER, EVER buy a $3k purse. I think that would be ludicrous. But hey, that's just me...

I would hope that no one would judge you for the handbag you carry, whether it's from Walmart, Coach, or Chanel. But if you wouldn't judge someone for using a bag from Walmart, how can you justify judging someone for using a bag from Chanel? A bag has nothing to do with who a person is, it's just personal preference and how someone chooses to spend their money.

If this post had been the same issue but about power tools, or iPods, or any other item, people would not have judged the OP as a snob, classless, or trying to appear "above her station." What is with the venom regarding designer goods?

I think it's ludicrous to buy a new car, sports tickets, video games, musical instruments, fine wines, David Bowie concert tickets, go multiple times to Las Vegas, or spend money on a large screen television. I honestly get nothing out of any of these things, they would be an utter and complete waste of money for me. But I don't feel I have the right to judge other people who get enjoyment from them, to vilify and insult them. If someone gets enjoyment from a pair of shoes, what difference does it make to anyone else? Does it really make people feel superior, that they are oh-so-much-smarter with their money, because they only buy things they happen like? (Of course, they needed those things, they weren't just wants...)

Dear god OP, what a horrific plight. I can't imagine the sheer horror that each waking moment brings for you right now. I thought I'd seen and heard it all, what with wars, terrorism, diseases, crime, abuse etc. But fake Tiffany jewellery? I feel physically sick. May God bless you and grant you the strength to get through this.

This was just uncalled for.

 

[WowLookAtThat]

How is this really any different than posters who list all their Disney trips?

There is a difference between bragging and name dropping with lists of times been to Disney. When someone lists their trips it isn't bragging as to when they went or even a special occasion that was listed there. With name dropping there is that standard of bragging.

 

[Magic Mom]

There is a difference between bragging and name dropping with lists of times been to Disney. When someone lists their trips it isn't bragging as to when they went or even a special occasion that was listed there. With name dropping there is that standard of bragging.

I don't know, I've seen some pretty braggy lists in a few signatures.

 

[WowLookAtThat]

I don't know, I've seen some pretty braggy lists in a few signatures.

Well, maybe I haven't been on long enough to think of a long list as a bragging situation. Then again it can be the attitude of the poster, one poster may list a lot of trips and be a brag vs. one who lists a lot of trips but doesn't. It is assumed with items such as Prada, Gucci and Valentino that there is a lot of money spent however it is the behavior of the person who spent their cash on the items that really shows.

 

[Ember]

I don't know, I've seen some pretty braggy lists in a few signatures.

This is what I'm thinking. How is it bragging to say "I have a Tiffany's bracelet," but not to to say, "I've been to Disney and stayed at the Grand Floridian?" In both cases, the names of the jewelry and the hotel are unnecessary. You could simply say, "I have a bracelet," and "I went to Disney." The same status is implied by mentioning the hotel name as by mentioning the brand of bracelet. Both are mentioned to indicate a level of money spent. If one is bragging, the other must be as well.

 

[hambirg]

It is also a rookie mistake not to verify high end stuff like that before you walk out of the shop. It is actually a fairly common scam to buy a piece and then trying to return a fake claiming that when you got it home you discovered the problem.
When you return the item to her, she probably doesn't have anyway at all to verify it is the exact same piece you walked out with.

Many reputable places will accept no returns at all because of scams like that. When she is arguing with you, she might be trying to avoid losing her shirt to scam artists. After all, she doesn't know you any better than you know her.

This is a very good point.