Standing amongst the Hermès classics, the Constance bag is considered the third French brand’s icon, with a compact silhouette and a modern style, it is a piece preferred by young and fashionable women. However, the popularity of this stylish bag has attracted the wrong attention, as with all the other Hermès products, the Constance is also a victim of counterfeits and scams.
Nowadays, there are thousands of hidden markets dedicated to creating Hermès’ bags replicas and sell them for high prices, including the Constance bag. This is why it is very important to know how to identify an original Constance to avoid a scam or a potential loss to your investment.
At The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House we want to keep you informed on how to decipher the authenticity of a Constance bag, so you can avoid any wrong purchase and stay away from fake handbags. Pay attention to these details and learn how to identify an authentic Constance bag!
Materials and construction
When it comes to authenticating an Hermès Constance handbag, a meticulous examination of the materials used in its construction is paramount. The type of leather employed in crafting the bag serves as a critical indicator of authenticity, and to confirm its genuineness, you must engage all your senses – touch, smell, and sight.
The texture and overall appearance of the Hermès Constance bag can vary depending on the leather used. While calfskin, the most common material, typically exhibits a grainy texture, some variations may feature a smooth finish. Exotic leathers like crocodile, alligator, lizard, or ostrich should display distinctive scale or pore textures and possess a luxurious, smooth surface.
The scent of the bag is another important factor to consider during authentication. Authentic Constance handbags emit a characteristic, natural leather aroma that can vary with the bag’s age. Conversely, a strong synthetic odor is a telltale sign of a counterfeit.
The bag’s weight also provides clues to its authenticity. A genuine Constance, despite its small size, should feel slightly heavy due to the quality of its leather and hardware, distinguishing it from lightweight plastic imitations.
However, it’s worth noting that counterfeiters are becoming increasingly adept at replicating the look and feel of genuine Hermès bags, sometimes even using high-quality leather sources. This makes distinguishing between authentic Constance bags and counterfeits more challenging.
One distinctive feature of a Hermès Constance bag is its unique structure. Compact and small, it features a flap secured by an “H” metal clasp and a long strap for shoulder or crossbody wear. The exterior stitching is a hallmark of authenticity, as all Hermès Constance bags employ a saddle-stitching method that shows visible stitches on the exterior. These stitches should be diagonal, symmetrical, and meticulously executed, not appearing inconsistent or glued.
The gussets, which expand to create the bag’s slim yet rigid silhouette, are a standout feature of the Constance bag. Each size, except for the 14cm Micro, offers the choice between a single or double gusset, resulting in one or two interior compartments. Proper examination of these gussets is essential for authentication.
Inspecting the side and bottom sections of the Constance bag is also crucial. These areas should not appear perfectly straight but exhibit a subtle curvature. Some counterfeit Constance bags feature unnaturally straight sections, whereas authentic Hermès bags maintain this curvature to function correctly.
Interior
Examining the interior of an Hermès Constance bag is essential for authentication. The lining should consist of premium lambskin in a matching color to the rest of the bag, and it should exude the distinct scent of genuine leather.
The bag’s compartments and pockets can vary based on size and buyer preference. With the exception of the Micro Constance (14cm) size, all Constance bags offer the choice of one interior compartment or a divided interior with two compartments.
The zippered pocket on the back panel of the Constance should align horizontally with the zipper teeth. The leather piece attached to the zipper should match the bag’s material and color. Both the zipper and zipper teeth should be plated in the same hardware as the rest of the bag. The material surrounding the zipper should be soft, not rough as seen in some counterfeits.
Most Constance bags also include an open pocket on the front interior panel. This pocket may be divided into smaller and larger sections, or in some cases, the back panel may have an open pocket without a zipper.
The Constance 1-24 is another variation featuring one or two interior compartments, a zippered back pocket (which may include an open pocket), and a front pocket with two different-sized spaces. This version of the Constance includes a mirror with a leather tab designed to fit perfectly in the front pocket. Additionally, the Constance 1-24 features an exterior back pocket suitable for storing tickets or small flat items.
Strap
The strap of the Constance bag is a versatile feature designed for adaptability. It loops through two square-shaped rings at the top of the bag, and these rings must match the hardware of the rest of the bag, such as gold plating for gold hardware.
The Constance strap offers two length options for carrying the handbag. By taking two sections of the strap, it can be worn on the shoulder, arm, or held by hand. Alternatively, a longer single strap allows for crossbody or extended shoulder wear.
Consistency in craftsmanship is crucial when inspecting the strap. The seams on the strap should mirror those found throughout the bag, with diagonal, symmetrical, and detailed stitching. In the center of the long strap, three specific stitches should be present, all appearing equal and precise.
Sizes
One effective method to authenticate a Constance bag is to verify its size. Hermès employs a centimeter-based measurement system for their bags, meaning that a bag’s size corresponds to the number of centimeters at its bottom. For instance, a size 18 bag has a bottom measuring precisely 18 centimeters. The Hermès Constance bag is available in four distinct sizes: Micro Constance (14 cm), Mini Constance (18 cm), Constance 24 cm, and Constance Elan (25 cm).
Hardware
Hermès places a strong emphasis on using top-quality materials, and this holds true for the hardware featured on Constance handbags. The hardware consists of brass plated in precious metals like gold, palladium, ruthenium, and permabrass. It is crucial to closely inspect the hardware when authenticating a Constance bag. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that all the hardware components within the bag are consistently plated in the same material, with no mixed platings.
Authentic Hermès hardware exhibits a distinct shine and remarkable durability. It should not easily peel, tarnish, or show signs of deterioration. If you observe peeling with a different color underneath, it is a strong indicator of a counterfeit Constance bag.
The centerpiece of a Constance bag’s hardware is the iconic “H” clasp. This clasp features sides attached to the bag’s body and a middle section affixed to the closing flap. While typically made of gold, palladium, ruthenium, or permabrass, it can also come in enamel, lacquered hardware, and even exotic skins like lizard, crocodile, or ostrich.
A genuine Constance bag will have a thin plexi plate positioned at the bottom of the middle section of the “H” clasp. This component serves to secure the bag when it comes into contact with the side sections of the “H” clasp. The plexi plate is fastened using two flathead screws, which should be identical and as precisely aligned as possible. These screws should also be plated in the same material as the rest of the bag’s hardware.
In summary, meticulously examining the “H” clasp on a Constance bag is a crucial step in authenticating it, as these intricate details are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.
Hermès is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, and this extends to the precise placement of metal engravings on their handbags’ hardware. In the case of the Constance bag, several metal engravings are critical in authenticating the bag.
The most significant engraving can be located on the middle section of the “H” clasp, positioned at the base. This engraving features the word “Hermès” and it is essential to note that it should include the French accent mark over the second “e.”
Another noteworthy engraving is a small square logo that accompanies the “Hermès” word, specifically in Constance bags with gold-plated hardware, regardless of whether it’s rose, yellow, or white gold. It’s important to emphasize that this symbol should only be present on bags with gold-plated hardware; its presence on any other material-plated hardware indicates a counterfeit.
Furthermore, the zipper within the interior pocket of the Constance bag should also bear an engraving of the word “Hermès.” As with any other location on the bag, this engraving should be sharp and meticulously executed.
Date stamps
Hermès date stamps are invaluable pieces of information for authenticating their handbags as they reveal the bag’s year of creation and a unique code specific to each piece.
For the Constance bag, these date stamps are typically found in the upper right corner of the bag’s interior, near the top seams. However, vintage Constance bags made before 2015 may have the date stamp located on the back of the strap, so it’s crucial to check the strap for older bags.
To decipher the date stamps, you must consider certain letters and symbols that indicate the year of creation. Additionally, there are serial numbers that identify the craftsman and the workshop responsible for crafting the handbag.
To understand more about Hermès date stamps, consult a detailed guide.
Prints
When it comes to authenticating a Hermès Constance handbag, inspecting the print is crucial. In the case of the Constance, the print resides beneath the closing flap, positioned just a few millimeters below the upper seams. It should prominently display “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” in capital letters, with a font that’s uniform, distinct, and should include the French accent mark on the second “e” in “Hermès.” Ensuring that the print size is proportional is vital, as some counterfeits may feature oversized prints.
Matching the print color with the hardware color is another vital aspect. The print should always align in hue with the hardware; for instance, if the hardware is gold-plated, the print should exhibit a golden shade.
For Constance bags incorporating exotic skins, either in the bag’s construction or hardware, a small symbol should accompany the conventional “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” print. This symbol denotes the type of leather and serves as an authentication marker. If these symbols appear on a Constance bag lacking exotic skin, it’s a strong indication of a counterfeit.
Here you can find a detailed guide about the Hermès special symbols printings.
Packaging
When determining the authenticity of a Hermès Constance bag, assessing its packaging is a critical step beyond physical examination. While not every Constance sold in the second-hand market includes a box and dust bag, these elements are pivotal in avoiding counterfeit or stolen handbags.
The classic orange Hermès box should exhibit a small logo on its lid, providing adequate space to accommodate the Constance bag comfortably, ensuring it matches the bag’s size. The dust bag should be crafted from a broad, dense material, featuring a light beige coloring, with the Hermès logo bearing a double circle design, accompanied by an elaborate illustration depicting a horse, a cart, and a standing figure. The cord used for closing the dust bag should be light brown, and the space designed for the cord should measure precisely 2 centimeters in width.
To further authenticate the box, a UV light test can be employed. Shining a UV flashlight on the box’s surface should reveal several invisible Hermès logos imprinted on it. Note that the opacity of these logos may vary from one box to another. Also, older bags’ boxes won’t feature invisible ink logos, as the system was not yet implemented.
Invoice
The invoice stands out as a pivotal element when it comes to authenticating a Hermès Constance bag. It serves as a comprehensive source of crucial information about the bag, including its color, size, hardware, and leather type. More importantly, it facilitates a direct comparison with the date stamp found inside the bag.
Obtaining these documents, including the invoice, payment receipt, and live proof of bank transaction, is of paramount importance. They collectively establish the genuine authenticity of a Constance bag that has undergone physical inspection, offering invaluable insights to ensure secure and reliable purchases.
Avoiding a counterfeit can be easy if you always stick to reputable sources to buy your Hermès handbags. Luckily for you, at The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House we offer you a safe process in which you can obtain a brand new in box Hermès bag with all the authenticity guarantee straight from the official store.
Don’t miss the chance, enter our online store and look for the bag of your dreams!
