6 Ways to Authenticate Your Chanel at Home
by HULA on Oct 09, 2020
There are countless reasons why we shouldn't buy counterfeit goods - but does one know how to tell if a Chanel bag is fake with naked eyes*? We might have AI authentication technology -- Entrupy (see how it works here!) to indicate authenticity, but it is definitely not an easy task for untrained eyes, especially if you don't have a bunch of readily available Chanels laying around to compare your bag with. Read on to see 6 Chanel bag authentication tips!
*For a more accurate result, we suggest authenticating your luxury bags with trusted authentication services. Even most retail staff from Chanel would most likely be unable to authenticate your bag for you on the spot due to Chanel's high volume of bag production.Aligned Diamonds
Chanel has built its name not only with its timeless designs, luxurious leather, and elegant silhouettes, their craftsmanship, and attention to detail are also what you are paying the big bucks for. Notice that on any real Chanel bag, the famous quilting stitches are always aligned perfectly even with a pocket on top.Symmetry & Stitch Count
Another thing to look out for is the diamonds' symmetry. Pay attention to how many exact stitches there are on each side of the diamond and see if all sides have the same amount. Real Chanel bags tend to have more stitch count per edge -- some sites suggest that stitch count should be no less than 10, but we found out that some newer Chanel designs have only 9 stitches. If possible, refer back to Chanel's official website and zoom in on the product images to have a more in-depth look at the stitch count.Leather Chain Link
Chanel's quintessential leather intertwined chain-link strap should be expertly stitched and have no uneven edges or bumps. There should be no raw edges along the sides as the straps should be finished with folded hems.Authenticity Labels
Chanel currently does not issue authenticity labels/cards with 9+ digits. If the bag was made between 1984 and 1986, it should feature 6 digits. Between 1986 and 2004 should feature 7 digits. Between 2005 and onwards, it should feature 8 digits. See below for more info on Chanel's serial number!Serial Number | Year | Serial Number | Year |
30XXXXXX | 2020 | 14XXXXXX | 2011 |
29XXXXXX | 2019 | 13XXXXXX | 2009-2010 |
28XXXXXX | 2019 | 12XXXXXX | 2008-2009 |
27XXXXXX | 2019 | 11XXXXXX | 2006-2008 |
26XXXXXX | 2018-2019 | 10XXXXXX | 2005-2006 |
25XXXXXX | 2018 | 9XXXXXX | 2004-2005 |
24XXXXXX | 2017-2018 | 8XXXXXX | 2003-2004 |
23XXXXXX | 2016-2017 | 7XXXXXX | 2002-2003 |
22XXXXXX | 2016 | 6XXXXXX | 2000-2002 |
21XXXXXX | 2015-2016 | 5XXXXXX | 1997-1999 |
20XXXXXX | 2014-2015 | 4XXXXXX | 1996-1997 |
19XXXXXX | 2014 | 3XXXXXX | 1994-1996 |
18XXXXXX | 2013-2014 | 2XXXXXX | 1991-1994 |
17XXXXXX | 2012-2013 | 1XXXXXX | 1989-1991 |
16XXXXXX | 2012 | 0XXXXXX | 1986-1988 |
15XXXXXX | 2011-2012 |
Hardware
Although this seems like a no-brainer, how hardwares are installed can be a telltale sign of your bag's authenticity. Is your CC logo installed the right way? Is it tilted? Because it's such an easy thing to look past, these obvious mistakes often get ignored.Zippers
Chanel doesn't make their own zippers. Their zips are currrently mainly manufactured by Lampo, an Italian company that has been making accessory zips since 1887. On vintage designs, you can find zipper brands like YKK, DMC, OPTI DMC, Eclair and also Lampo. Newer Chanel designs feature an embossed CC logo versus the zip manufacturer's logo at the back of the zipper.Chanel | Chanel | Chanel |
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