How to Spot Fake Cartier Jewellery
Attention to detail is a hallmark of Cartier craftsmanship.
08/05/2025
One of the prestigious names in jewellery and synonymous with luxury and elegance, Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847. Referred to by Edward VII as the ‘Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers’, Cartier is famous for many designs such as the Trinity ring with its 3 Bands of coloured gold, the Panthère motif, the Love bracelet and ring, and the iconic double-headed panther bracelet.
However, it is no surprise that brands of this reputation can have products counterfeited, and Cartier is no exception. Distinguishing between genuine Cartier pieces and fakes can be difficult, but minute inspection can differentiate between the two. The key to look out for is quality. Cartier is a premium brand, and one can expect quality in all elements of their jewellery.
Cartier Kashmir sapphire and diamond flower brooch
A telling sign of authenticity in Cartier jewellery is the presence and quality of hallmarks and engravings. Cartier engraves its pieces with specific hallmarks; the Cartier logo, metal purity (e.g., 750 for 18k gold), and sometimes a unique serial number. These engravings should be crisp, clear, and evenly spaced. Counterfeit items often feature the expected markings, but these will be poor quality engravings that may be uneven, shallow, or possibly smudged. Fonts may differ slightly from an authentic piece.
Cartier jewellery is weighty due to the high-quality metals used. Fake pieces often feel lighter because they're made with cheaper metals. Some fakes may be made from a combination of 18K gold and a cheaper, lighter metal. If it is possible, compare the weight of the jewellery you are inspecting with the genuine, authenticated article.
A Cartier Art Deco diamond bracelet
Attention to detail is a hallmark of Cartier craftsmanship. Authentic pieces will display flawless construction, with no visible seams, gaps, or inconsistencies. Under magnification, fake Cartier items may show poor soldering, uneven settings, or rough edges. The clasps on bracelets, necklaces, and watches on fakes may be difficult to operate whereas Cartier uses high-quality clasps that open and close smoothly. Stones should be brilliant and perfectly set, whereas counterfeit stones might appear cloudy or poorly cut.
Another area to consider is that authentic Cartier pieces come with a certificate of authenticity, a signed warranty card, and high-quality packaging. A genuine Cartier certificate of authenticity includes details about the piece, such as its serial number, materials, and purchase date. Ensure that the information on the certificate matches the jewellery you are buying and, if possible, compare dates with a purchase receipt. Fake pieces may have serial numbers, but they can be duplicated or incorrect. Counterfeit packaging often looks cheaply made and may feature incorrect logos or typefaces. A ‘sniff test’ of the box might reveal that toxic glues have been used in its construction.
A Cartier torsade necklace and a single earring set
If in doubt, seek the opinion of a reputable expert in the field. The highly knowledgeable and friendly team at Dawsons have years of experience selling genuine Cartier jewellery and can authenticate your piece so that you can have confidence that you own a genuine article should you be looking to insure, or perhaps, wish to sell a pre-loved item.
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Nicky Houston
Our Head of Department - Jewellery, Silver & Watches... Nicky is a highly respected Auctioneer & Valuer, who had dreams of becoming an artist. Whilst she may not have made it as a successful artist herself, Nicky has helped many a customer to successfully sell and buy beautiful pieces of jewellery and works of art over her many years working within the auction industry.
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