Real Vs. Fake Van Cleef & Arpels - Learn How to Spot the Differences

Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury brand renowned for their exceptional high-end jewellery pieces – particularly their unique Alhambra collection. 

With such a global recognition, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Van Cleef & Arpels has become a target for counterfeiters. 

Imagine spending a fortune on your favourite Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Vintage Bracelet, only to realise that you’ve been duped. Sounds painful right?

Here's how Emily spots fake Van Cleef & Arpels

@loveluxury.co.uk Can you tell the difference? #dubai #realorfake #vancleefarpels #jewelry ♬ original sound - LoveLuxury

To avoid such a catastrophic situation, here are a few more things to keep a lookout for, the next time you’re out in search for the “OG” VCA piece.

1.    Quality of Materials

Each Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra creation is a symbol of unparalleled and excellent craftsmanship. 

Every element is chosen with utmost care so that each piece is nothing short of perfection.

Only the finest materials are used, ensuring that each piece is timeless and of exceptional quality. This includes top-tier metals like 18-karat gold and platinum, exquisite gemstones and other natural materials including mother-of-pearl, onyx, coral that adorn each piece. 

Stones such as Chalcedony are meticulously chosen for their unique characteristics. They display natural striations and optical features. 

A Chalcedony can be opaque, translucent or semi-transparent. These alternating areas of transparency and translucency allow the light to reflect off the surface in unique patterns, making each piece distinctly individual. 

2.    Unique Serial Number

Each VCA item is a unique craftsmanship  and is indicated by a distinctive serial number usually engraved on the clasp or a small tag near the clasp.

The serial number starts with two letters, which will indicate the year the piece was produced. 

Be sure to check that the number correctly matches any paperwork that comes with the piece.

3.    Brand Hallmarks

Van Cleef & Arpel is a trademark of luxury reflecting a legacy passed down through generations over a    decade. These are showcased clearly with embossed hallmarks that indicate the brand and the purity of gold.

The trademark will appear as either “Van Cleef & Arpels” or just simply the initials  “VCA”.  

Be wary of an incomplete “Van Cleef” or even missing hallmarks, in which case it most certainly is a fake Van Cleef. 

An “Au750” or simply “750” is a hallmark that indicates the gold purity.

These markings should be deeply and evenly imprinted. 

4.    Consistent number of Beads

Each clover leaf will have a certain number of beads around it and this remains consistent for each Alhambra piece of the same collection. Any difference should make you suspicious that this piece is a fake Van Cleef. 

5.    Observe the Chain

Another clear sign of authenticity is the linking of the chain. Each link in a real VCA is done by hand. This is evident by one pointy end which has a solder mark and the other end which is rounded.

6.    Check the positioning

Each piece of Van Cleef & Arpels is constructed with meticulous care and calibration.

The clover leaf in an authentic VCA is precisely cut out to fit within each quatrefoil setting perfectly, ensuring there are no gaps or loosening. 

Van Cleef and Arpels knock offs will stand out by having ill-fitted clovers with visible glue sticking out or ends not quite meeting the beaded enclosure.  

Another feature to look for is the double beaded disc shape when observed from a side view in an original piece. A Van Cleef & Arpel replica, on the other hand, will have a cylindrical disc shape.  

7.    Seamless Symmetry

Each motif should be flawlessly symmetrical, with no irregularities. Van Cleef & Arpels replicas, when closely observed, often have minor asymmetries that can be a dead giveaway.

8.    Smooth Edges and Finishing

Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are meticulously constructed down to the detail. They will have smooth, polished edges and surfaces with a stunning flawless finish.

Unpolished metals, loose clasps and joints,  rough uneven edges or any other signs of shoddy work are immediate red flags that you’re probably handling a Van Cleef & Arpel replica.

9.     Spelling Mistakes

This one might seem obvious, but dupes usually tend to have carelessly misspelt the brand’s name, its serial number or misprinted the logo. 

10. The Weight Test: Hefty or Hollow?

As evident as it can be, real jewellery should have a substantial feel to the hand – If it feels too light to be true, it probably is. Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are crafted with high-quality metal, giving them a considerable weight. Dupes, on the other hand, will feel lighter due to the use of inferior materials. 

11. Too Good to Be True?

Who doesn’t love a good deal, when it comes to luxury items? But a price that's too good to be true is probably fishy. Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels pieces come at a premium price that reflects their craftsmanship and quality. 

12. The Packaging

The product comes in a luxurious, high-quality sturdy box with the brand name printed on the lid, which is usually white or silver with the brand name printed on the lid. Van Cleef & Arpels signature colour is a sage green, which is used on the inner jewellery box, pouch and shopping bag.  The inner jewellery box is made with a plush black interior.

13. Paperwork:

It is imperative that you ask for the original purchase receipt and authentic papers when making a Van Cleef & Arpels purchase. These documents are proof of the item’s authenticity. 

14. Consider the Source:

Fraudulent sellers use false information and stolen or photoshopped pictures to advertise their Van Cleef & Arpels replicas. 

Therefore it is advised that keen clientele always shop from reputable trusted sources with expert knowledge that hold an excellent record. 

Making a purchase from a trusted jeweller ensures that the jewellery you’re buying is indeed an authentic piece.

Conclusion - It’s All in the Details

When you’re wearing a VCA item, you're not just wearing any jewellery. You're wearing a piece of art, made from the most exquisite materials the world has to offer. 

From identifying the integrity of metals and gemstones used, to scrutinising the brand’s hallmarks, we’ve listed down all the checkpoints that will prevent you from falling prey to counterfeiters. 

Van Cleef jewellery is an investment you won’t regret; within its assemble lies a tale of true craftsmanship, precious gemstones and metals, unique to every piece.