How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (2024)

Undeniably the “crème de la crème” of all luxury handbags is the Hermès. Craftsmanship, exclusivity, sophistication, and quality are what you can expect from Hermès, but what if these expectations have been compromised? What if your purchase isn’t the real deal? Chances are if you don’t leave it up to the experts, you’re purchasing a fake!

Knock-off Hermès bags are becoming more and more sophisticated creating a serious problem within the luxury handbag industry, especially for online consignment stores. But don’t lose hope!! With companies like Lux Second Chance taking the time and effort to rigorously authenticate each piece in our inventory, we thought we’d share quick tips and tricks for authenticating Hermès for yourself. Besides the obvious signs in appearances of a fake Hermès such as poorer quality in color, structure, and fabric, here are the nitty-gritty details that can really help you spot a real vs fake Hermès bag!

1. Check the Logo Stamp

The logo stamp on the inside of any Hermès should read “Hermès Paris Made in France”. The marking should be clear and precise. The logo stamp is always embossed on the material using a method called heat stamping. Many fakes will feature stamps that have been printed or pressed on very deep into the leather. The fonts have changed over the years, so don’t panic if yours is different from another Hermès you’ve seen. In most recent years, the fonts have become very thin. The placement of the logo stamp should also sit right below the stitching and not too far down, otherwise that could be an indication of a fake.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (1)

2. Examine the Stitching

Each bag is hand-crafted by professional artisans thoroughly trained in constructing luxury goods; specifically Hermès goods. When examining the stitching on a Hermès bag you are going to look for the signature saddle stitching that is customary to their handbags. You would expect a luxury item such as a Hermès to have completely flawless stitching; this is not the case. If the saddle stitching is completely flawless that could be a sign that it is factory made by a machine as opposed to a human hand. Although each bag is crafted by professional artisans and are perfect in appearance, subtle signs of imperfections in the stitching demonstrate that it is made by the hand and not by a machine. The stitching on the inside of the bag is made with just as much care as the outside of the bag. There should be no loose threads and should still be neatly done by hand.

In addition, you will notice the saddle stitching on the base of the handles is a double-stitch on a real Hermès. Some fakes will not have this double-stitching which would be a dead giveaway, however, really good counterfeit products may include this detailed feature.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (2)

3. Check the Hardware

Each piece of hardware on a Hermès bag will feature unique details which can help authenticate the bag. Generally speaking, most Hermès bag feature hardware with a palladium or gold plated finish. On rare bags you might find brushed gold, silver, brushed silver, or ruthenium finishes. The hardware should never show too much wear or peeling, but slight tarnishing is possible over time with extended use and wear. On a Birkin or Kelly bag, the hardware on the front straps where the lock would sit are engraved with “Hermès-Paris” in neat, crisp, and evenly spaced font directly under the rectangle opening for the lock. Gold-plated hardware will have a hallmark on the left of the Hermès-Paris stamp. Non-gold hardware plates will not have this hallmark stamp.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (3)

4. Inspect the Zipper

Zippers on the inside of Hermès bags come with a distinct design element. An ‘H’ will be found at the exact end of the zipper. This should be a clean, even, sans serif upper case ‘H’. However, older models of Hermès bags may only have a neat square at the end of the zipper. If your bag has a square at the end of the zipper, that doesn’t necessarily make it a fake, but rather just an older model.

Additionally, the metal on a real Hermès zipper would be more of a matte finish as oppose to a shiny metal. The zipper on a real Hermès would be easy to use and should not require too much pulling to open to close. The zipper itself should remain parallel to the zipper line at all times. If the zipper hangs at a 90 degree angle from the zipper line or flops down, that is a sign of a fake. The mechanism used on an authentic zipper is of superior quality and is set to hold the zipper in a parallel position.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (4)

5. Examine the Padlock and Key

Birkin and Kelly Hermès bags will come with a padlock and key on the front. The padlock would have a Hermès engraving on the bottom like the other hardware on the bag. The number on the lock corresponds to the number engraved on the accompanying keys. The key should sit neatly inside the leather clochette attached to the same leather strap as the padlock and be totally concealed when not in use. On a fake Hermès, the key will be sticking out of the bottom of the clochette ever so slightly and will not entirely fit in fully concealed. Additionally, the clochette on a real Hermès bag should be made of one piece of leather folded in half and stitched, not two pieces.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (5)

6. Verify the Date Stamp

Depending on the year of the bag, each Hermès will have a unique date stamp with a letter accompanied by either a circle, a square, or no shape depending on the year it was made. For your reference, we have included a chart of Hermès date stamps according to year below. The stamp will also feature the artisan’s ID and an indicator of exotic skins if applicable. You can find the date stamp in one of two places, behind the strap on the front of a Birkin or in the inside of the bag on the right hand side of newer models. A fake Hermès date stamp would be very deep in the leather and the cut of the leather trim isn’t as neat as on a real Birkin.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (6)

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (7)

7. Measure the Hermès Bag

Birkin and Kelly bags will come with a number associated to the product such as a ‘Kelly 35’ or ‘Birkin 40’ bag; this is the exact measurement of the base of the bag. By simply measuring the length of the base of the bag you should get that exact number in centimetres. A knock-off may say it’s a ‘Kelly 35’ bag, but if the length of the base does not measure to exactly 35 centimetres, it’s a fake. It is also useful to note what sizes Kelly or Birkin bags do not come in. If the bag states ‘Birkin 55’ or ‘Kelly 20’ you will know they are fake because Hermès does not offer bags in those sizes.

8. Examine the Dust Bag

The Hermès logo on the dust bag for Birkin or Kelly bags should be set in either one or two rings, depending on when the dust cover was made. To authenticate the small details of the Hermès logo on the dust bag, compare it to a picture of the genuine Hermès logo. The color of the dust bag will vary depending on the year. For example, vintage dust bags are a tan velour, newer dust bags are orange cotton flannel, and post-2007 dust bags are a beige and light brown Herringbone Toile. Fake dust bags often come in a grey color and feature a burgundy colored stamp.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (8)

9. Authenticity Card

This may be the easiest feature to distinguish a fake Hermès from the real deal. Hermès does not issue authenticity cards with their bags. They never have and likely never will. If you’ve purchased a Hermès bag and received an authenticity card with it that looks very legitimate, it is most definitely a fake. Use this trick and ask about it when inquiry about the authenticity of a bag. If the seller is legitimate and knows their stuff, they’ll correct you and say Hermès never includes authenticity cards with their handbags.

Conclusion

We hope this helps you authenticate your latest finds and have peace of mind that you are getting the quality you paid for! For easy, authentic Hermèsbagsshop Lux Second Chance now for previously loved luxury goods!

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January 25, 2019 — Tessa Hall

Tags: authentic fashion handbag hermes how to authenticate luxury spot a fake

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How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag | Lux Second Chance (2024)

FAQs

Where can I authenticate my Hermes bag? ›

bababebi is an independent authentication service that renders opinions on the authenticity of Hermès handbags and is not affiliated with or sponsored by or certified by Hermès.

How do I read my Hermès serial number? ›

Hermès items don't have a serial number or a date code, but there is still a way to find out how old your bag is. Hermès uses date stamps, often referred to as “blind stamps” or “craftsmen stamps”. When you understand how to read the date stamp, you will be able to tell which year the item was manufactured.

How much is Hermès authentication? ›

Hermès Premium styles are charged at $119 per authentication and will have the 24 hour turn around time.

How do I authenticate my handbag? ›

Within the bag, you'll often find an authenticity card. Certain features of the card may be unique to the brand, such as a trim on the outside, a specific font, or the type used for the specific bag number.

Where is the QR code for Hermes? ›

We will send you the QR code via email that you need to show in the Hermes Parcelshop. Print the label in the store and affix it firmly on the parcel.

Is there an app to check purse authenticity? ›

Entrupy is an advanced AI based authentication service designed to authenticate designer handbags and accessories anytime, anywhere. The app is to be used in conjunction with the Entrupy device available when you sign up for Entrupy Service.

Can the real real authenticate my bag? ›

We have developed the most rigorous authentication process in the resale marketplace. We are the only resale company in the world that authenticates every single item we sell—and there is no other resale company doing more to remove fakes from the market every day and put counterfeiters out of business.

What is the blind stamp on Hermes bags? ›

Simply put, an Hermes Blind Stamp is an embossed stamp that notates the year of manufacture and the craftsman (or craftsmen) who made the bag. The two stamps are typically found in close proximity, although that is not always the case.

Do all Hermes bags have code? ›

Since the brand's inception in 1922 to 1944, Hermes leather goods do not carry any stamps at all. The stamping system was only enacted in 1945. From 1945 to 1970, the stamp featured a single alphabetical letter in chronological order; “A” for bags made in 1945, “B” for bags made in 1946, and so on.

Do all Hermes bags have a blind stamp? ›

All Hermes leather items made after 1945 include this stamp. The blind stamp includes two key components. There will be a letter and a shape, or just a letter alone. Then, there will also be a separate group of shapes, symbols, letters or numbers.

What year is the Hermes D stamp? ›

Hermes leather items should have a blind stamp. Hermes uses letters in alphabetical order to date the bags surrounded by a shape. From 1945 to 1970, no shapes were used.
...
Hermes Blind Stamp and Year Reference Guide.
No ShapeCircleSquare
1946 B1972 B1998 B
1947 C1973 C1999 C
1948 D1974 D2000 D
1949 E1975 E2001 E
22 more rows

How much is real authentication? ›

All authentications start at a base price of $30, including a determination of 'Authentic' or 'Counterfeit'. You can add upgrades at the time of the initial order or add them later. Email notifications are sent out once your order is complete, and determinations can be found within your account.

Do Hermes bags gain value? ›

The average Chanel or Hermès bag increases in price by around 12 per cent per year, she added, making investing in them more lucrative than other assets.

How much is an original Hermes bag? ›

A leather Birkin bag purchased directly from the store starts at $9,000 and can sell for $30,000 depending on size, color, material and condition.

How do pawn shops authenticate designer bags? ›

Many designer bags have unique serial numbers that are registered with the company that made the bag. The pawn shop can contact the company to see if the serial number on the bag is registered to that company. This is usually the quickest and easiest way to authenticate a designer bag.

How do you get an item authenticated? ›

A certificate of authenticity is important for things like jewelry, artwork, and autographs. This is a slip of paper certifying your object is authentic, and not a forgery or fake. You will need to contact a professional authenticator in your given field in order to receive your certificate.

How are designer bags authenticated? ›

The authentication process is carried out by an expert at Royal Bag Spa, using the Entrupy's Authentication device to provide you with a double assurance. If applicable, manufacturer date codes and serial numbers are verified for consistency. Lastly, the item is also compared to on-hand authentic reference items.

How do I get a 6 digit Hermes code? ›

1. Go to a Parcel Locker of your choice. You will receive a notification when the parcel is delivered to your Parcel Locker or App Parcel Locker. It will contain a QR code and a pick-up code (6 digits).

How do I use Hermes barcode? ›

Your paper ticket, E-ticket or M-ticket contains a square barcode. This barcode can be scanned at the check-in device. Place your ticket 5 to 15 centimetres below the scanner and make sure that the red dot is directed at the middle of the barcode.

How does Hermes QR code work? ›

Scan your QR code at the Print In ParcelShop device, which will then print the label for you. Stick this to your parcel and give it to the shop assistant for sending. You'll also receive a code that you can enter on the device instead of using your QR code.

What is the authenticity app? ›

Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by adding a second step of verification when you sign in. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code that is generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone.

Is there an app to identify designer bags? ›

How Clair AI Works. Clair AI works on desktop and mobile. For the smoothest experience, install the Rebag app on your iOS or Android device. Then scan a handbag, and receive the designer, model, and style along with an offer that Rebag is willing to pay for that item today.

Is there an app for fake designer bags? ›

Entrupy is an app that uses a handheld microscope camera that can detect whether a designer item is fake or not. The company boatsts 98 percent accuracy for 11 brands it tested, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci, according to Bloomberg.

How do you check if an item is authentic? ›

Serial numbers play a crucial role in demonstrating provenance, authenticity and ownership. National Geographic | Fine Art Galleries artwork serial numbers are comprised of a unique combination of alphanumeric characters. Generally, the serial number has a numerical prefix followed by letters and numbers.

Can I authenticate my LV bag? ›

Louis Vuitton does not come with any authenticity cards. In order to tell if the bag is real, manufacturer places a unique stamp with a place and date code on the inside of the purse. Nowadays LV bags are not only produced in France, but also in the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain.

Can a replica be authentic? ›

While authentic refers to something that is not a copy, hence is of undisputed origin, replica refers to an exact copy or replication of original items, such as paintings as well as other products, and resemble the original in terms of appearance and shape.

What does Z mean on Hermès stamp? ›

2021 Z (no surrounding shape) 2022 U (no surrounding shape) 2023 B (no surrounding shape) There are additional shapes Hermes uses to mark their handbags, often found next to the branded "Hermes, Paris, Made in France" hot stamp, which can seem misplaced or random to the untrained eye.

What is the Z in Hermès stamps? ›

Hermes Bags Date Stamp
Without ShapeCircle Stamp
W : 1967W : 1993
X : 1968X : 1994
Y : 1969Y : 1995
Z : 1970Z : 1996
22 more rows

Does Hermès stamp matter? ›

Hermès date stamps are vital to all Hermès buyers because they can be used to authenticate Hermès bags. This is essential for people who buy luxury handbags as investments, but we all want to know that our bags are genuine.

Can I sell a fake Hermes bag? ›

Selling a fake is a criminal offence and we take this extremely seriously. See our Hermes authenticity guide for a detailed look at how to tell a genuine Hermes bag from a fake bag. Bags of Luxury do not sell on sites such as eBay as this is where most fakes can be found so we do not wish to be selling in this arena.

What is the star on the Hermès logo? ›

Hermès Craftman's Personal Product

The symbol used to depict that Hermès pieces were made for a Craftsman's own personal use is a shooting star. This is next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.

What is the lock for on a Hermès bag? ›

The lock on a Hermès bag is to prevent anyone other than the owner from getting inside. You can use the lock to secure the closure on the handbag so that it can only be opened with one of the keys provided by Hermès. Shop a collection of Hermès bags on 1stDibs.

Why is there a lock on Hermès bag? ›

Jérôme Lalande: Originally, Hermes luggages are intended either for sports or travel. In the same way that all trunks have a key, these Hermes bags have a padlock. When these large bags had been resized to become handbags; their codes, including their padlocks, and their proportions, were preserved.

What is the signature color of Hermès? ›

The Hermès orange hue is Hermès' signature orange, simply known as Orange, Orange H, or Classic Orange within the brand. In the extensive portfolio of Hermès colors, it is color code 93. The shade is bright and clear, filled with energy and verve.

What stamp is 2023 Hermès? ›

Such bags are called "Horseshoe bags" because of the special Horseshoe shaped stamp that Hermès puts on such bags.
...
Hermes Authentication Guide (stamps/year, hardware, etc)
No ShapeCircleSquare
1969 Y1995 Y2021 Z (no square)
1970 Z1996 Z2022 U (no square)
2023 B
25 more rows

What is Hermès horseshoe stamp? ›

The horseshoe symbol indicates that the bag is a special order (SO) and is often referred to as an HSS (horseshoe stamp) item. To just about every Hermes connoisseur, the rarity and intrigue of these bespoke bags never gets old.

What is the best way to authenticate? ›

In authentication, the user or computer has to prove its identity to the server or client. Usually, authentication by a server entails the use of a user name and password. Other ways to authenticate can be through cards, retina scans, voice recognition, and fingerprints.

What does a real certificate of authenticity look like? ›

A genuine COA must contain specific descriptive details about the art such as what the medium is (painting, sculpture, digital print, etc), the name of the artist or publisher (or both), the art's exact title or subject matter, dimensions, details of the edition size if it is a limited edition (along with the specific ...

What is the turnaround time for real authentication? ›

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME? We guarantee 24 hour turnaround on all authentications once sufficient images have been received. 12 hour expedited service is available for an additional $20 upgrade.

What is the most popular bag in Hermès? ›

The most coveted Hermès bag is the iconic Birkin bag. Named after actress and “it girl” Jane Birkin, this timeless Hermès bag comes in many color ways, materials, and sizes.

Which Hermès bag is worth more than gold? ›

London - Hermès Birkin bags are more valuable than gold or stocks, according to a recent study that found that in the last 35 years, the iconic French handbag has increased in value by more than 500 percent.

Who owns most Hermès bags? ›

The wardrobe of Jamie Chua is filled with an impressive collection of more than 200 Hermès bags. Aside from that, the wardrobe also contains 300 pairs of shoes and drawers of diamond jewellery. Chua is said to own the largest and most expensive collection of Hermès bags in the world.

Which Hermès bag is expensive most? ›

Featuring the same rare material and colour of Hermes' most luxurious Niloticus Crocodile Himalayan line, a Diamond Himalayan Birkin 30 was sold at a record price of over US$440,000 at Sotheby's auction in 2022, making it one of the world's most expensive bags.

What is the cheapest Birkin? ›

The Hermes Box Calf Birkin

The cheapest birkin bag price comes in this type of leather typically, as the price tag is usually lower than other materials. This material CAN scratch a bit easier, however the scratches can easily be buffed into the leather- a great lower price tag option!

How many times can you buy Hermès bag in a year? ›

As of 2023, you can only purchase one quota bag from Hermes. The Hermes quota bags include The Birkin, The Kelly, and the Constance bag. These quota bags are the highly coveted and desired bags Hermes makes. With only being able to purchase 1 quota bag a year, make sure that you purchase the exact bag you want.

Does my Hermes still exist? ›

myHermes ParcelShop provides your customers with a new, more flexible option for receiving or returning parcels. We operate a network of over 4,500 nationwide ParcelShops which are open 7 days a week.

How do I authenticate an item? ›

A certificate of authenticity is important for things like jewelry, artwork, and autographs. This is a slip of paper certifying your object is authentic, and not a forgery or fake. You will need to contact a professional authenticator in your given field in order to receive your certificate.

Is the barcode the tracking number Hermes? ›

I'd recommend using our online tracking service to get the latest update on your parcel's journey. All you need is the 16 digit barcode provided when you ordered the parcel.

How do I verify a barcode? ›

Print your barcode and take it to a retail store. Ask if you can scan your barcode at the register. (Bribe the cashier with snacks.) The scanner should pick up your barcode and beep, confirming that the barcode is readable.

How do you authenticate a barcode? ›

It is simple to use an application to check barcodes. Use the camera on your phone to scan barcodes or the QR Code on the packaging or product sticker.

What is my Hermes called now? ›

About Evri: Hermes New Name

In March 2022, the courier Hermes announced that it was rebranding and is now known as Evri, delivering a fresh new look but with the same great parcel delivery service.

What is the new name for Hermes tracking? ›

“It is more than just a name change – it is a statement of intent of our commitment to leading the way in creating responsible delivery experiences for 'Evri one', 'Evri where'. “It heralds a new culture and an even better way of doing things in an ever-evolving world – building on our achievements and successes.”

Can I still use Hermes label? ›

Yes. My retailer does its returns through Hermes, can I still send them with you? Yes.

What are 4 ways to authenticate? ›

In authentication, the user or computer has to prove its identity to the server or client. Usually, authentication by a server entails the use of a user name and password. Other ways to authenticate can be through cards, retina scans, voice recognition, and fingerprints.

Why am I unable to authenticate? ›

What causes the 'Unable to Authenticate' error message in Pokemon Go? As explained earlier, the 'Unable to Authenticate' error appears when there's trouble with one's internet connection and stability in Pokemon Go. However, the message could also appear as a result of Pokemon Go developer, Niantic.

How much does it cost to authenticate a designer bag? ›

$30 Basic Authentication

Includes an Authentic or Counterfeit determination.

Can a tracking number be fake? ›

Every tracking number is unique and should match the one you received in a confirmation email. If it doesn't appear in a search, it's a bogus number. Your delivery date was earlier than when you placed an order. USPS scams can involve real tracking numbers.

How many digits is a Hermes tracking number? ›

The Hermesworld tracking number format is usually 16 digits. (While the tracking number format of Hermes Germany is usually 14 digits.) Hermesworld, headquartered in Germany, is a multinational group providing all-around supply chain solutions.

Do Hermes reuse tracking numbers? ›

like UPS, they reuse tracking number but they shouldn't be reusing the recent ones.

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