Cartier
Authentication Guide
Professional Authentication Recommended
Cartier jewelry, especially the Love bracelet, is heavily counterfeited. High-quality fakes can be very convincing. Cartier boutiques can verify serial numbers - this is the most reliable authentication method.
Critical Authentication Checks
Cartier boutique verification
CRITICALCartier boutiques can verify serial numbers and authenticate pieces. This is the most reliable method. They maintain records of all pieces sold.
Source: Cartier official
Weight test
CRITICALAuthentic Cartier jewelry uses solid precious metals and has substantial weight. Counterfeits often feel noticeably lighter due to hollow construction or plating over base metals.
Source: WP Diamonds, professional jewelers
Engraving quality
CRITICALAll engravings (Cartier signature, serial numbers, hallmarks) should be laser-precise. Authentic pieces have perfectly clean, crisp engravings with no rough edges or inconsistencies.
Source: The RealReal
Magnetic test (for gold/platinum)
HIGHGenuine gold and platinum are not magnetic. If a piece claiming to be gold or platinum responds to a magnet, it's plated or fake.
Source: Standard jewelry authentication
Hallmarks & Engravings
Authentic Cartier pieces have specific hallmarks and engravings that should be verified.
"Cartier" signature
Every authentic Cartier piece is engraved with the "Cartier" name in a specific font. The lettering should be precise, clean, and consistent.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Clean, crisp engraving with proprietary font. Letters evenly spaced.
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Blurry, uneven, or too deep/shallow engraving. Wrong font style.
Metal purity hallmarks
Indicates metal content: "750" for 18k gold, "950" for platinum, "585" for 14k gold, "925" for sterling silver.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Properly stamped hallmark consistent with claimed metal
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Missing hallmarks, wrong numbers, or hallmarks that don't match the metal
Country hallmarks
French pieces bear official French hallmarks (eagle head for 18k gold, dog head for platinum). International pieces have different marks.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Correct hallmark for country of manufacture
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Missing official hallmarks or incorrect regional marks
Serial number
Unique identification number for each piece. Can be verified through Cartier.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Clean engraving, verifiable through Cartier boutique
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Missing, altered, or unverifiable numbers
Love Bracelet Authentication
The Cartier Love bracelet is one of the most counterfeited jewelry pieces. Pay attention to these specific details.
Screw motifs
The screw motifs should be evenly spaced and identical. On authentic pieces, they are precisely machine-engraved, not embossed.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Perfectly even spacing, precise depth, consistent appearance
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Uneven spacing, varying depths, inconsistent appearance
Closure mechanism
The screw closure should operate smoothly with the proprietary Cartier screwdriver. The screws should sit perfectly flush when closed.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Smooth operation, screws sit perfectly flush, secure closure
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Rough operation, screws don't sit flush, loose or wobbly
Interior engravings
Interior should show: "Cartier" signature, serial number, metal purity (750 for 18k), size number, and sometimes "©Cartier".
✓ AUTHENTIC
All required engravings present, crisp and legible
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Missing engravings, wrong order, poor quality, wrong font
Weight
A size 17 Love bracelet in 18k yellow gold weighs approximately 32 grams. Weight varies by size and metal.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Weight consistent with Cartier specifications for size/metal
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Significantly lighter or heavier than authentic specs
Juste un Clou Authentication
The nail bracelet is another heavily counterfeited Cartier design. Key authentication points:
Nail head and tip
The nail head should have precise geometric proportions. The tip should be realistically shaped.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Precise proportions, realistic nail appearance, smooth finish
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Disproportionate head, unrealistic tip, rough finish
Opening mechanism
The bracelet opens at the nail head with a hinge mechanism. Should operate smoothly without excess play.
✓ AUTHENTIC
Smooth hinge, secure closure, no wiggle when closed
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Stiff or loose hinge, insecure closure
Interior engravings
Inside: "Cartier" signature, serial number, metal purity, size.
✓ AUTHENTIC
All engravings present and crisp
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Missing or poorly executed engravings
Watch Authentication
Source: Cartier official, Rebag, The RealReal
Caseback engravings
Serial number, model reference, metal content, and "Cartier" should be engraved. On some models, an embossed "CARTIER" appears on exhibition casebacks.
Crown (winding crown)
Authentic Cartier watches have a cabochon (polished gemstone) set in the crown - typically blue sapphire or spinel. Should be securely set.
Dial printing
"Cartier" text on dial should be perfectly centered, crisp, and in the correct font. Roman numerals should be precise.
Movement
Most Cartier watches use Swiss movements. Opening the caseback (by professional only) reveals movement markings and quality finishing.
Packaging
Authentic Packaging Includes:
- Red leather or leatherette box with gold "Cartier" lettering
- Certificate of authenticity with matching serial number
- Instruction booklet
- Red Cartier pouch (for jewelry)
- White outer box with red ribbon
Important Note
Get Professional Authentication
For Cartier pieces, the best authentication is through Cartier boutiques directly. They can verify serial numbers against their records.
Sources & References
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. The Fraud Codex is not affiliated with Cartier or Richemont. All information is compiled from publicly available sources and authentication experts. This guide should not replace professional authentication services. Cartier is a registered trademark of Cartier International AG.