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Fake watches, jewelry, and luxury clothing are a big deal. Midway through March, a team of detectives and fraud experts found a cache of fake designer clothing valued at well over £1 million in a North London warehouse. While the number might seem staggering, it’s just a small piece of the pie – fake luxury goods and jewelry is estimated to cost billions of dollars in lost revenue every year, along with some huge hits to marketing and branding power.

We’ve found ten luxury goods, jewelry items, and watches that counterfeiters love to copy. Some are simple enough to replicate, others are complex enough to catch buyers unaware, and some are just difficult to examine. If you’re on the lookout for luxury goods and want to avoid sleazy ‘replica’ editions, check out these ten frequently copied items and make sure you’re ready to spot them.

1.    The Rolex Submariner

Source: http://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-black-thumb-450×331.jpg

For most would-be watch collectors, Rolex is the number one name for luxury. With a number of models on the market, it’s fitting that counterfeiters would choose one of Rolex’s most slick and simple watches to replicate: the Submariner.

Unlike most dress-style watches, the Submariner has only one dial and lacks the flashy additions often found on high-end timepieces. This makes it perfect for two groups of people – those who like to dress down, and those in the business of creating ‘replica’ watches. If you’re on the market for this $5000+ sports and dress watch, be sure to check the authenticity certificate.

2.    Fake ‘Gold’ Jewelry

Source: http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/images/gold-bars-10.jpg

No, ‘gold plated’ does not mean gold. In fact, it tends to mean that your jewelry has been lightly touched by a brush of gold paint. That might leave your jewelry looking shiny and golden, but it certainly doesn’t give you the right to brag about your ’solid’ gold earrings, necklace, or wristwatch.

Gold jewelry is a frequent target for counterfeiters because, to put it simply, most people haven’t seen a lot of pure gold jewelry. When in doubt, check the authenticity certificate, or at least have the jewelry looked at by a professional jeweler.

3.    Nike Air Force Ones

Source: http://www.kicksonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/nike-air-force-1-high-sheed-white-blue-1.jpg

It’s not just jewelry that gets copied by counterfeiters. London police uncovered over £1 million worth of fake clothing and footwear in March, including hundreds of pairs of fake Nike Air Force Ones.

Whenever a company invests billions of dollars into their brand, it’s inevitable that counterfeiters will try and capitalize on it with low-quality imitation goods. Thankfully, most fake shoes and clothing is relatively easy to spot, and simple to tell apart from the real thing.

4.    Charm Bracelets

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherweaver/2675000180/

Charm bracelets are once again a popular fashion accessory. With their new-found popularity is an even larger presence on the tables, shop counters, and display racks of unethical retailers and underhand market counterfeiters.

How can you tell whether that Pandora bracelet is real or fake? Look for signs of authenticity and legitimacy when purchasing online, and always check the item itself when buying off the peg. Lovelinks, Nomination, and other brands are all frequently mass produced and re-branded, so beware of imitators for your next birthday or special occasion purchase.

5.    Designer Shirts and Sunglasses

Source: http://www.sohob2b.com/uploadfiles/Versace-sunglasses-3.jpg

There’s a slight paradox when it comes to designer shirts. The type of people that buy them aren’t likely to purchase fakes, and those stuck buying ‘replicas’ aren’t likely to be able to afford the real thing. Yet despite this slight logical counterfeiting error, the imitation clothing industry costs luxury labels millions of dollars every year.

It’s not hard to see why, either. Walk through a street market or back-alley shopping center and you’ll have a hard time not seeing fake designer t-shirts, sunglasses, and other fashion accessories on sale.

6.    Tag Heuer Carrera

Source: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/tagcarrerawin.jpg

Tag Heuer are one of the most well-known and respected names in the luxury watch world, and the Carrera is quite possibly their most popular, valuable, and appreciated model. An automatic chronograph watch, the Carrera has picked up thousands of poor imitators and millions of dollars worth of replica creations.

Thankfully, most of them are easily spotted due to poor construction and shoddy materials. As always, if you’re in the market for a luxury watch it’s essential to check both it and its papers before you spend a cent.

7.    Glass ‘Gems’ and Precious Stones

Source: https://honors.rit.edu/amitraywiki/images/6/62/Synthetic_gems.JPG

Glass ‘gems’ and imitation jewels are popular subjects for scammers in East Asia. Any long-term traveler will have heard of the Beijing, Bangkok, and Manilla gem scams, and those with any knowledge of the jewelry industry will be able to see through the poorly made items straight away.

But despite the reputation, gem scams still catch out thousands of people every year. From glass gems to poor plastic casing, the amount of money fleeced from those with limited jewelry knowledge is puzzling, sad, and very worrying.

8.    The Rolex Explorer

Source: http://www.craigboyce.com/Rolex/RolexImages/Explorer%20II.JPG

Much like the Rolex Submariner, the Explorer is everything counterfeiters love – simple, elegant, and backed by a reputation that’s second to none. Perhaps that’s why it’s become one of the most popular ‘replica’ Rolexes available – a watch that’s so popular as a fake it’s considered the benchmark for counterfeiting.

As always, it’s the small things that give these watches away. Misplaced markers, out-of-place insignias and ‘Rolex’ branding, and poor links all make fake Explorer’s quite simple to spot.

9.    Glass ‘Diamond’ Jewelry

Source: http://www.partypants.co.uk/pimp-bling/diamond-pimp-rings-clear.JPG

Given the amount of fake diamonds on the market today, the old adage that diamonds ‘are forever’ might not hold true. Fake diamonds are a major annoyance for jewelry collectors, costing many companies millions of dollars in lost revenue per year.

While most are easy to spot, it’s the sales tricks that make so many imitation diamonds a business success. From organized scams to once-in-a-lifetime offers, most replica diamonds are sold using unethical, and often downright illegal, sales tricks.

10.    Fake Converse Shoes

Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FgjatomrOWQ/SpuLRbh3e1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/Hfc6mOeO5sg/s400/CONVERSE+shoes-076.jpg

Even Converse, a brand not particularly well-known for its high society image, is falling victim to counterfeiters and ‘imitation’ product sellers. Converse’s distinct and highly varied shoe range has given many counterfeit clothing producers a buffet of options to steal from.

While fake shoes can be difficult to spot, there are several psychological tests that are worth doing if you’re tempted to buy some. Check out the shop selling them, and see if it would be the type of place where high quality shoes would typically be stocked. Finally, ask to see a certification or import document – sometimes the hard data is what’s required to make a certain purchase.

It’s 4:45pm and you need to get a birthday gift for a woman that’s relatively close to you. The jewellery shop closes in five minutes, and even an online order would fail to arrive in time. There’s only one choice – make a quick decision and hope that it’s the right one.

Sound like a familiar situation? Buying birthday gifts, anniversary presents, or tokens of appreciation at a special occasional can be incredibly difficult, especially when paired with a tight time limit. Despite the ongoing recession, many professionals are still working upwards of 50 hours per week, making a trip to the jewellers a difficult side-mission.

These six low-maintenance gifts aren’t designed to be complex or ultra-touching. They’re simple, at least from a giver’s point of view. Next time you’re stuck buying a gift that needs to mean something at the last minute, run through this list, pick one out for the situation, and enjoy simple, low-maintenance gift giving that has lasting positive results.

1.    Charm Bracelets

The old low maintenance favourite is back. Charm bracelets were ultra-popular a couple of decades ago, particularly amongst couples looking for a simple, low-maintenance gift for each other. Now they’re popular again, and hundreds of varieties around around, giving collectors huge choice over what goes on their bracelets. More importantly, givers have a huge amount of choice over what goes on their partner’s bracelets.

Pandora is a popular brand, and a sure-fire hit for Valentine’s Day gifts or anniversary presents. For long-term charm bracelets and cool gifts with a memory attached, give it after a special occasion with the first charm pre-attached. Brands to be on the lookout for include Pandora, Lovelinks, and the ever-popular Nomination.

2.    Rapper Chains

It’s difficult to give jewellery to a male friend. Most rings are considered too feminine – or in the case of marriage, way too personal to talk about with a guy friend. Necklaces can be worthwhile, but most men opt for the simple chain-style necklace – a far cry from anything found in an upscale jewelry store. Finally, watches are the perfect choice, but are almost always too expensive for anything less than a wedding gift or significant birthday present.

That’s where the rapper chain comes into play. Sure, it’s a gag gift, but it’s one that you can wear out to a bar or nightclub without feeling completely ridiculous. Well, you might feel a little bit ridiculous, but it’s the good kind of ridiculous, right? If you want your friends to be the life of the party, pick up a giant rapper chain and set them loose.

3.    Weird Jewellery

Giving good jewellery can be difficult. First you’ve got to consider the person and their preferences – do they like gold or silver? – and then you’ve got to weigh up the occasion. Giving a piece of jewellery that’s too expensive or upscale could send the wrong impression, especially when it’s for a close friend or co-worker.

However, gag gifts are always a great way to stay secure and safe. While t-shirts and weird artwork are definitely the go-to choice for funny gifts and bizarre birthday presents, the occasional weird piece of jewellery can be a good choice. Depending on the person, it could even be something that gets worn reasonably often. Shown is the Margaux Lange “Barbie Jewellery” collection – a sure hit for artsy types and gag gift-givers.

4.    Something Handmade

It’s the thought that counts, not the cost. Handmade gifts have an extra sense to them – they’ve slightly divine and spiritually significant, even if they aren’t any more attractive or impressive than their mass-produced counterparts. Even if they’re not made by you, giving a handmade gift – especially handmade jewellery – sends a very good impression. From diamond rings for a partner, to cool bracelets or watches for a close friend, almost anything that’s available from a jewellery store can be bought as a handmade alternative online.

Etsy is a good place to start. Search on and offline for good gifts, then check online for a handmade alternative. Sometimes the best gift isn’t the most polished, but the most personal.

5.    Something Cultural

Cross-cultural gifts can be touching and interesting. Anyone that’s built a relationship or friendship across cultures knows what an interesting experience it can be, and having a memento of the experience can be an awesome personal boost, not to mention an amazing conversation starter. From ethnic jewellery to cultural clothing and accessories, cultural jewellery is one of the best low-maintenance gift ideas around.

Thousands of online or offline retailers offer cultural jewellery, but the best stuff is always the jewellery that you’ll find in-country. Next time you’re on an overseas trip, whether for business or pleasure, take some time out of your day and search for cool boutique jewellery shops and interesting accessory dealers.

6.    Something Expensive

Let’s face it – if you’re so short on time you need something ultra-simple to give away, you’re probably rich enough to buy something impressive. From luxury watches to diamond jewellery, a whole new world of jewellery gifts opens up once you increase your budget. It’s unlikely that any male friend would be disappointed with a flashy Tag Heuer or Rolex watch, and even less likely that any female friends would object to a set of diamond earrings. If you’ve got the resources, expensive gifts can often require the least maintenance of anything.

It is Mothers Day on Sunday 14th March, that special time of year where you have the opportunity to say thanks to you’re Mum for all those things she does for you no matter how big or small!

Some Mothers like a special card, or a bunch of flowers and some chocolates, others like being surprised by being cooked a meal and some like to be whisked away on a pamper day to relax and be spolit!

But this year, why not give your mum something she can treasure and keep forever, such as a charm bracelet? These kinds of gifts are currently very popular, and they are a great way of showing your mum how much you care and giving her a girl that she can keep and treasure, as well as being reminded on this every time she looks at the pretty bracelet on her wrist.

All charms stock a large variety of charms for mothers day, such as charms with hearts, flowers or if your mum has a particular interest, for example, if she has a soft side for a four legged friend, cats or dogs, we even have animal charms!

Visit www.allcharms.co.uk today for some lovely charms to remind your Mum just how much she means.

Happy Mothers Day!

It’s the subject of many movies and the goal of many more criminal fantasies: jewellery theft. From ultra-thrilling chase stories to bumbled heists, the world of jewellery thieves is rich, colourful, and occasionally, quite profitable. A well-planned heist could earn thieves millions of dollars, and get them one set closer to the jet-set on-the-run lifestyle.

Of course, jewellery heists aren’t all glitz, glamour, and gadgets. For every one James Bond styled heist, there are hundreds of colossal failures and lengthy prison sentences. These eight heists combine weird strategy with slick skills, and have resulted in some bizarre and amazing jewellery getaways.

1.    The McDonalds Smash n’ Grab

The parking area of a McDonalds probably isn’t the most popular place for a million-dollar diamond heist, but for four thieves in Northern Pennsylvania, their car-park break-in proved very profitable indeed. After a man entered the restaurant to grab a bite to eat, four thieves smashed the window of his Mercury Sable – not exactly a vehicle that would suggest immense wealth – and took off with over $900,000 worth of jewellery, primarily made up of rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

It’s amazing that the thieves managed to find a car with such huge reserves of jewellery inside, especially in a public McDonalds car-park. Foul play or just dumb luck?

2.    Two Airport Baggage Handler Jewellery Cons

Two baggage handlers at New York City’s JFK International Airport caused a stir when they broke into a shipping container intended for Brazil, stealing over $250,000 worth of Swiss jewellery and accessory products. Like most thieves, their plan fell apart when they were forced to improvise – after storing the missing jewellery in an airport locker, police quickly discovered what had happened. Both men are currently facing almost 15 years in prison for their poorly-planned airport heist.

3.    The Mother-Son Thieving Team

Here’s a rob-the-jeweller story with an interesting twist. A small jewellery store in the German city of Dresden was victim to an unusual heist – a 17-year-old boy robbed the store while his mother sat outside in the car waiting for him. After dropping her son and his two would-be thug friends at the store (supposedly to avoid them injuring themselves on the way over), the boys 36-year-old mother casually waited in the car for them to return.

The mother was sentenced to almost 4 years in prison for her actions. While we don’t know the three boys’ sentences, their presumably much steeper – their robbery involved an assault and several violent attacks to the store owner.

4.    The World’s Biggest Diamond Heist

“In February 2003, Notarbartolo was arrested for heading a ring of Italian thieves. They were accused of breaking into a vault two floors beneath the Antwerp Diamond Center and making off with at least $100 million worth of loose diamonds, gold, jewellery, and other spoils.”

Leonardo Notarbartolo’s heist story goes above and beyond what most would consider extreme – it’s one of the most incredible heist stories around. After an error on their escape – evidence of the heist strewn around the forest – his team of expert thieves were caught and thrown in Belgian prison. For a crime story that truly defies what we think of as reality, check ‘em out.

5. Paris Hilton’s $2 Million Jewellery Swindle

Whatever happened to just buying a girl a charm bracelet? This thief (or gang of thieves) hit Paris Hilton’s Hollywood mansion as part of a string of celebrity burglaries. After accessing the house at 5am, the thieves made off with over $2 million in jewellery.

Hilton’s house is equipped with a full video surveillance system, which could mean these all-star thieves are brought to a much-needed end. In the last two years, their targets have included Paramount Pictures head Sherry Lansing, guitarist John Taylor, and country artist Faith Hill.

6.    Man Attempts to Swallow a $20,000 Ring

Compared to some of the jewellery heists on our list, this $20,000 thievery is trivial. However, for 23-year-old Cleon Harris, a stolen $20,000 diamond ring was worth losing his dignity, and probably his lunch, for. After stealing the ring from a local woman’s unguarded handbag, this bumbling idiot of a thief decided to sell it for a quick profit.

Unfortunately, he chose a jewellery store in the same town as his ultra-skilled ring theft. The owner recognized the ring immediately, called the police, and stalled Harris until they arrived on the scene. During his would-be escape, Harris attempted to swallow the ring and get away from police. He succeeded at neither, ending up ring-less and in jail.

7.    London’s $65 Million Ring, Bracelet, and Watch Heist

After being hit by a devastating $23 million robbery in 2003, this London jewellery store was robbed again, this time for almost $65 million. Scotland Yard detectives arrested and detained a man believed to have been connected to the robbery, but at the time hadn’t managed to locate or arrest either of the two well-dressed jewellery thieves.

The thieves are believed to have made off with over £40 million in jewellery, including dozens of luxury watches, bracelets, and lavish hoop earrings. Altogether, dozens of jewellery sets and items were taken, leaving this store out of a few customers, and hopefully covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

8.    Legendary 79-Year-Old Jewellery Thief Gets Caught

Doris Payne, one of the most well-known jewellery thieves in the world, ran out of luck this January as she was caught stealing a $1300 Burberry coat from a Los Angeles jewellery store. The veteran thief had been caught and sentenced numerous times before, but had refined her theft formula to near superhuman levels.

Payne would reportedly enter stores the world over, from Paris to Tokyo, and try on jewellery. With a story for the clerk and some impressive slight of hand for any cameras, this master thief managed to steal hundreds of thousands worth of jewellery every year. Unfortunately for her, this latest $1300 mistake could be her last – the 79-year-old is awaiting trial in an LA jail.