How To Verify Authenticity Of Gucci Serial Number
Karren Bangura
Gucci is one of the most highly counterfeited luxury designer brands in the world, and it is no surprise as to why. With so many iconic styles and design cues in their handbags, Gucci sits at the top of the luxury fashion world alongside Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
However, it is important to know your way around the real deal and be able to identify counterfeits when shopping for pre-owned Gucci handbags, as there are tons of fakes out there. The following guide contains tips and red flags that will help you conduct DIY 5-step authenticity check on a pre-owned Gucci bag.
The rear of a modern, rectangular serial number tag contains anywhere from 10 to 13 digits, arranged in two rows. The first denotes the style of the handbag, while the second row is the supplier/batch code. This code will never have letters, and the font contains serifs (feet) on the numbers.
However, be sure to note that this code is not unique to your specific bag - other bags identical to yours that came from the same series and supplier will have the same code, therefore two authentic Gucci handbags can share the same serial number sequence.
Furthermore, since 2016/2017 and through 2021, in addition to the serial number tag, Gucci began using QR codes, located on a black fabric tag inside the bag to help fight against counterfeiters. These QR codes can be scanned with smartphones to authenticate the bag.
Caption: the Gucci Arli bag - a beautiful vintage example featuring burgundy leather and two-tone gold and silver hardware. The interlocking GG closure is very different from the modern examples, but is extremely unique and a true Gucci. Note that the inside of the bag does not have ANY serial number tag, yet it is unmistakably an authentic.
Caption: on the left is vintage Gucci Aviatrix Medium Boston Bag, featuring the signature Gucci crest. On the right, you will see an example of a vintage serial number tag with rounded edges, as well as the Gucci crest, with the numbers printed in gold. Examples like these do not adhere to the typical serial number tag standards and absolutely stunning.
As a top luxury brand, Gucci only makes their handbags from the highest quality materials and with meticulous craftsmanship. This is why you can find even very vintage Gucci handbags from the 80s and 90s in such amazing, like-new condition.
Caption: Look at this gorgeous example of a vintage Gucci Crocodile Skin Bamboo Top Handle Bag finished in brown with gold hardware. The bamboo top handle is iconic Gucci, while the crocodile skin material is purely exotic.
You can see the quality in the hardware and craftsmanship. Take a look at the serial number tag - it has rounded edges and does not adhere to standard number codes. The front face of the tag is also different: note the gold print and lack of the trademark that you find on modern Gucci bags.
Authentic Gucci handbags feature precise stitching, with the threads sometimes, but not always being the same color as the bag itself. If you see any unevenness to the stitching, breaks or gaps in the threading or fraying, the bag is very likely a fake.
While there are obvious differences between the Gucci hardware types, they all have one thing in common: quality. Feel the hardware on an authentic Gucci handbag, and you will feel the weight and quality of the metal. It will never be light, cheap, scratch-prone or covered in plastic.
Caption: A far more modern handbag, this Gucci Red Guccissima Soho Tote was created to make a statement. The ultra-soft, supple and luxurious Guccissima leather is finished in a bright red and bold gold hardware.
This card is issued with every new authentic Gucci bag - however do not be fooled . If counterfeiters can replicate a whole bag, they can replicate a card with ease. Do not just simply accept the presence of this card as proof that the bag is authentic.
In fact, many reputable luxury resale companies will provide their own type of authenticity card certifying that the bag is authentic. These same resellers will typically provide a money back authenticity guarantee, and the best resellers will provide a lifetime authenticity guarantee - not just one that expires after the typical 30-day return period.
Authenticating Gucci handbags may seem difficult at first because Gucci created so many iconic styles and innovations over the years. However, if you know about the foundation of the qualities shared by all Gucci handbags, you are well on your way to spotting the fakes out there.
When you shop at Collectors Cage, an official certificate of authenticity is always included with your purchase. This proof is your assurance that you have acquired a genuine product. It is not just a form of documentation, but a symbol of the lifetime guarantee we offer. This card is your guarantee that every purchase at Collector's Cage is an investment in real quality and credibility.
At Collector's Cage, we pride ourselves on our commitment to authenticity, which is reflected in our unconditional lifetime warranty on all our products. This guarantee not only symbolizes our commitment to be the industry leader, but also the deep trust and respect we have for our customers. By choosing us, you become part of a community where authenticity and customer satisfaction are the cornerstones, both now and in the future.
Inspecting the bag's serial number tag can serve as your initial approach in distinguishing if a Gucci bag is real. Genuine Gucci bags have specific serial number tag formats and placements that can be your guide to authenticity.
The serial number tag is featured on a high quality leather patch, on the interior tag, inside the bag, and includes identifiable markers like the stamp, the authentic 'Gucci' font, and 'made in Italy' in lower case.
A genuine Gucci bag exudes elegance and quality that can be felt upon touch. Gucci sources high-quality materials, including GG monogram canvas, Guccissima genuine leather, and rare exotic crocodile skins, to create luxurious products.
These materials provide a luxurious feel to the touch. The high quality leather used in Gucci bags undergoes masterful tanning and dyeing processes that ensure its durability and color retention over time.
While Gucci's iconic design cues such as bamboo handles, horsebit closures, and the GG monogram canvas are well-known, there are other less noticeable but equally crucial features to consider when verifying the authenticity of a Gucci bag.
The quality of stitching is a key factor in determining the authenticity of a Gucci item. An authentic bag is known for their exceptional craftsmanship, and this is clearly reflected in the precision and consistency of their stitching.
The interior tag of a Gucci bag can provide valuable clues to confirm its authenticity. An authentic version will have a tag that is consistent with the brand's high standards of quality and precision.
Authentic bags include a rectangular leather tag on the inside that features the brand's trademark, logo, and the words 'made in Italy' in lowercase letters, all of which should be centered and have clear, precise font with correct spelling.
Genuine Gucci interior tags have serial numbers that are subtly embossed into the high quality leather with a typewriter-style font featuring serifs and are arranged without letters, whereas fake Gucci bags may display numbers that are too prominently engraved or incorrectly spaced.
Each of these methods offers a unique approach to confirming the authenticity of a Gucci bag. We will further explore these additional authentication methods and how they contribute to the authentication process.
In an effort to combat fake bags, Gucci introduced QR codes to its bags in 2016/2017. The introduction of QR codes has significantly transformed the authentication process of luxury goods like Gucci bags.
The QR codes on modern Gucci bags can typically be found on a small black fabric loop inside the bag, and their presence (or absence) in bags from 2016-2021 should be taken into account when authenticating Gucci bags.
To verify the authenticity of a Gucci bag, one must scan the QR code using a smartphone, which directs the user to a webpage confirming the item's genuineness as part of Gucci's digital authentication process.
The logo, spacing, centering of the text, and the 'Gucci' name should be carefully examined to confirm authenticity. Although the presence of a controllato card is a sign of authenticity, it should not be considered conclusive as counterfeiters may include fake Gucci cards with replicas.
The packaging of a Gucci bag can provide significant clues to its authenticity. Genuine Gucci bags come with a dust bag that not only protects the bag but also aids in confirming its authenticity.
The boxes of authentic products are of high quality, often displaying the logo or a solid color with the Gucci logo embossed on the top, and they convey a luxurious sensation to the touch.
Whether you are buying new Gucci bags or a pre-owned one, always ensure to buy from trusted retailers and resellers, and consider certain factors to ensure you are getting a genuine piece. We will examine these factors in greater depth.
When buying a pre-owned Gucci bag , it's important to familiarize yourself with the distinctive details of the styles and periods. A well-maintained bag should exhibit exceptional quality in its:
When looking for a reliable quality seller, to find real Gucci bags, even when pre-owned, it is recommended to purchase pre-owned Gucci bags from reputable sources that provide expert verification of authenticity and retail price. With this knowledge, you now know what to do to avoid fake stores.
While the points outlined in this guide are useful for authenticating a Gucci bag, you can also utilize professional authentication services for expert verification. One such service is Real Authentication.
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