[REAL vs. FAKE] VCA Vintage Alhambra Bracelet – Comparing Super-Fake to Genuine

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The VanCleef&Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet is without a doubt one of the most iconic jewelry piece from VanCleef&Arpels. Everybody wants one. The Vintage Alhambra bracelet in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl shown in the video comes in at $3,900 in the U.S. – cheap fakes can be found for less than $50, Super-Fakes will set you back more than $100. But how good are they?

Can you tell a Super-Fake from a Genuine VCA Vintage Alhambra Bracelet? The answer is yes!

There are certain criteria you can detect without magnification but if you want to make sure you get yourself a magnifier and you will see plenty of differences and giveaways.

Let’s take a close look at these two pieces and find the signs to differentiate a fake from a genuine Vintage Alhambra Bracelet.

You will have to watch the video to see the differences with your own eyes, but I’d like to give you a short summary of the key points of how to tell the genuine VCA Vintage Alhambra bracelet from the Super-Fake. Most, if not all of these points, are valid for any of the VanCleef&Arpels pieces.

• check the French gold eagle hallmark on the closing hoop of the chain

• take a very close look at the clasp itself – the logo engraving, the edges and finish inside and out

• inspect the hoops of the Alhambra charm where the chain links attach

• inspect the beads on the Alhambra charms – VanCleef&Arpels finishes the beads on their Alhambra jewelry to perfection and you’ll notice that it simply looks pleasant and worthy

• another clear giveaway are the prongs that are bend in to hold the centre gem of the Alhambra – since fakes won’t use solid gold you can see the grey base material showing through here and there

Always watch out and never fall for fakes!