Authenticity at Siopaella
Every piece.
Guaranteed
for life.
We authenticate every item in-house before it's released for sale — and we stand behind every piece we've ever sold, for the lifetime of the item.
Our Promise
Authentic for life
Our Process
In-house experts.
Not algorithms.
We have been in business in the Republic of Ireland for 15 years and have successfully resold over 140,000 items. We are committed to providing the industry's highest levels of trust — every item sold is 100% authentic and we guarantee the authenticity of everything we sell for life. And yes, life means life.
All items are put through a multi-point, brand-specific authentication process by our Head Authenticator, Ella de Guzman. Along with over 10 years of professional industry experience, Ella has received specific authentication training in the U.S.A. She inspects each and every item before it is released for sale, and her knowledge of the designer handbag industry goes back to the mid-1990s — the birthplace of so many consignment stores — Vancouver, BC, Canada.
To this day Ella still inspects each and every item personally before it is released for sale.
“We don't rely on technology alone. Every piece is examined by a human expert who knows exactly what to look for.”
Authenticate
your own piece
Our authentication service is open to the public. Submit photos of your piece for a Basic or Full Report. Physical inspections at 29/30 Wicklow Street carry an additional €40 charge. Siopaella operates independently and is not liable for any loss resulting from opinions rendered.
01
Basic Report
€35
A clear yes or no authenticity determination. Ideal when you simply need to know whether a piece is genuine.
02
Full Report
€75
A detailed written explanation of our authenticity assessment — ideal for resale, insurance, or peace of mind.
03
Basic Report
Chanel & Hermès
€75
Yes or no determination for Chanel and Hermès pieces, which require additional specialist expertise.
04
Full Report
Chanel & Hermès
€125
A full written assessment for Chanel and Hermès pieces. The most comprehensive report we offer.
Authentication Guide
Authenticating
Chanel
Below are some of the key indicators we examine when authenticating Chanel pieces here at Siopaella. Every item is assessed across multiple points — no single indicator is definitive on its own.
Stitching & Leather
Stitching should maintain a consistent pattern and line up evenly on the back pocket and sides. As all Chanel bags are handmade, there may be slight variations — which is why we always examine multiple points of each item.
Hardware
If the lock has a stamp, it was made in France; no stamp means Italy. The back of the lock will always have flat screws, never rounded. The logo engraving is evenly spaced in a very clear font. On the CC lock, the C on the right goes over and under the C on the left.
Chain & Strap
Authentic Chanel chains are notably heavier than those on replicas. The leather woven through the chain is stitched cleanly and seamlessly at every join.
Card & Serial Number
Every bag from 1980 onwards includes an authenticity card bearing a serial number. The card has a gold outer line that — under certain light — should appear uniform in colour with no rainbow effect. The serial number on the card must exactly match the tag on the interior of the bag. From 2000, this tab is protected by a clear hologram layer with small gold specs that shimmer when moved.
Date Codes
6 digits: manufactured 1984–1986 · 7 digits: 1986–2004 · 8 digits: 2005–present. From 2000 onwards, the “0” in serial numbers has a strike through it. From 1986–1994, it does not.
Chanel Continued
The finer
details
Beyond the key indicators, our authenticators check these additional markers on every Chanel submission.
The CC Logo
The two interlocking C’s should be perfectly proportioned and centred. The C on the right overlaps the top of the left C, while the left C overlaps the bottom of the right C. Any misalignment or uneven weight in the letters is a red flag.
Lining & Interior
Authentic Chanel linings are consistent with the bag’s period of manufacture. Interior stitching is fine and even; any quilting will align precisely with the exterior pattern.
Serial Number Details
From 2000 to present, the “0” in serial numbers carries a strike through it. From 1986–1994, the “0” has no strike. From 1997 to the present, the “1” has a specific stylised serif — our authenticators know exactly what each manufacturing period looks like.
Louis Vuitton
A little bit of history
Understanding when a canvas or leather line was introduced helps verify a piece’s authenticity. Any bag claiming to be from a particular era must feature the correct materials for that period.
1888
Damier Canvas
1896
Monogram Canvas
1985
Epi Leather
1993
Taiga Leather
1997
Vernis Leather
2003
Multicolore Monogram
2008
Damier Graphite
Authentication Guide
Authenticating
Louis Vuitton
We look at multiple points on every Louis Vuitton submission. Here are the key indicators our team examines.
Leather & Materials Canvas
Bags like the Speedy and Keepall are constructed from a single piece of canvas — meaning the monogram on the reverse will be upside down. This is correct and expected. The LV logo should never be cut off at a seam.
Heat Stamps
Authentic LV heat stamps have short tails on the “L”, perfectly round “O”s, and closely spaced “T”s. Always check that the “Made in [country]” stamp matches the factory location code stamped inside the bag.
Hardware & Zips
Authentic Louis Vuitton hardware is weighty and well-finished. Zip pulls are clearly engraved. Rivets are solid and flush with the canvas. The S-lock should snap shut cleanly.
Stitching
Authentic LV stitching is tight, even, and consistent throughout. The thread colour varies by line and period — our authenticators know what to expect on each.
Date Codes
Reading
LV date codes
Before 1980
No date codes were used. Bags from this era are authenticated purely through physical examination of materials, hardware, and construction.
Early 1980s
Three letters followed by six numbers. The factory location code preceded a line of numbers representing the manufacturing date.
1982–1989
Two letters followed by six numbers. The first two letters represent the factory location.
1990–2006
Two letters followed by four numbers. Letters = factory location. 1st & 3rd numbers = month of manufacture. 2nd & 4th numbers = year.
2007–present
Two letters followed by four numbers. Letters = factory location. 1st & 3rd numbers = week of the year. 2nd & 4th numbers = year.
Factory Location Codes
Matching codes
to countries
Cross-reference the two-letter factory code with the “Made in” heat stamp. A mismatch between the date code country and the stamp is a clear red flag in the authentication process.
France
A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS, AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, CO, CT, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TR, TS, VI, VX
Italy
BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, RC, RE, SA, TD
Spain
CA, GI, LO, LB, LM, LW, S.A., FC, FH, FL
Switzerland
DI, FA
Germany
LP, OL
Terms & Conditions
Service Scope
Siopaella’s authentication service provides an expert opinion based on the information and images submitted. Our assessments are conducted independently and solely reflect the professional judgment of our authenticators at the time of review.
Liability
Siopaella operates independently and is not liable for any loss resulting from the opinions rendered. Authentication reports represent a professional opinion only and do not constitute a legal guarantee of authenticity. We strongly recommend physical inspection for high-value pieces.
Physical Inspections
Physical inspections at our store at 29/30 Wicklow Street, Dublin require an additional charge of €40 on top of the report fee. This must be arranged in advance — please contact us at info@siopaella.com or via WhatsApp at 089 617 0937 to schedule.
Refund Policy
All authentication services are non-refundable once the assessment has been completed. In the event that we are unable to complete an assessment (for example, due to insufficient imagery), we will contact you to discuss next steps before proceeding.
Authenticate Your Piece
Have a piece you’d like
authenticated?
Our service is open to the public. Submit photos of your piece for a Basic or Full Report, or get in touch to arrange a physical inspection at 29/30 Wicklow Street, Dublin.
Get a Report Email UsPhysical inspections require an additional €40 charge. Siopaella operates independently and is not liable for any loss resulting from opinions rendered. All authentication services are non-refundable.