How I check every piece
I have checked every piece in our shop myself before it is sold. Here you can read what I look for.
Vinzenz M. Ohme
The inspection
Overall impression
First I take the piece in my hands. Material, weight, smell: how does it feel as a whole?
Details
Then the details: stitching, edges, hardware, zips, stamps and the date code.
The whole picture
No single feature decides on its own. Only when everything fits together does a piece go into the shop.
Experience
I have had many thousands of pieces in my hands, counterfeits among them. I do not take those in.
Why a gemmologist checks bags
I am a gemmologist and diamond grader, and a professional member of the German Gemmological Association (Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft e. V., F.G.G.) in Idar-Oberstein. Gemmology teaches you to examine things step by step and to reach a verdict only once everything fits together. That is how I approach every bag.
What the condition grades mean
New / unworn
Unused, with no signs of wear.
Like new
Almost no signs of wear.
Very good condition
Light signs of wear, typical for its age. Well cared for overall.
Good condition
Visible signs of wear, for example on the edges, handles or leather.
Fair condition
Clear signs of wear. We describe the details in the notes.
The photos always show exactly the piece you will receive, with all signs of wear.
Cleaned, not restored
After we buy a piece, it is cleaned. That is all we do: we do not touch anything up or restore anything. You receive it in its original condition, just as you see it in the photos.
Questions about a piece?
Write to us or come and see us in the boutique. We will take our time with your questions.