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A world-renowned symbol of opulence, the Hermès Kelly bag is an investment piece worth knowing inside and out. Understanding how to spot a counterfeit is imperative for any potential buyer, collector, or lover of this iconic accessory. This comprehensive guide for 2023 delves into the fine details of the Kelly bag, differentiating between the authentic and the counterfeit, from the gold-stamped logo to the hardware engraving, zipper, and even the four studs on the back.
1. Check the Gold-Stamped Logo
✅The genuine Hermès Kelly bag gold-stamped logo is clear, neat, with a wider font and uniform spacing, characteristics typical of the original product.
❎Counterfeit versions often have issues with the gold-stamped logo's proportions, with rigid letters that are slightly off, and a thin, elongated font shape, which does not match the characteristics of the original product.
2. Examine the Hardware Engraving
✅The genuine Hermès Kelly bag hardware logo engraving is clear, with clean and smooth edges and bottom grooves, meticulously polished.
❎Counterfeit versions often have their hardware logo engraved by laser or CNC, lacking bottom grooves and edge treatments, reducing its clarity.
3. Inspect the Zipper
✅For the genuine Hermès Kelly bag, the tail end of the zipper is manually pressed or machine-pressed during manufacturing, leaving processing marks. However, under magnification, the corners of the 'H' are smooth.
❎Counterfeit products tend to be smooth and shiny, but upon magnification, the edges lack chamfers, resulting in a sharp feel when touched.
4. Look at the Four Studs
✅The four studs on the back of the genuine Hermès Kelly bag belt buckle are embedded into the belt, not protruding significantly when touched.
❎Counterfeit versions often have shiny hardware, with studs that are noticeably protruding when touched.
