How to Avoid Scams When Buying Original Tiffany Lamps on Chairish

Navigating the Market: Staying Safe When Buying Original Tiffany Lamps on Chairish

Original Tiffany lamps are exquisite pieces of art, but their high value makes them a target for scammers. Chairish is a curated marketplace that aims to provide a secure environment for buyers and sellers, but vigilance is still crucial. This guide will help you identify and avoid common fraudulent schemes.

Common Scams to Watch For

• ✓ Fake Designer Attribution: Scammers may misrepresent "Tiffany-style" lamps as genuine originals. True Tiffany lamps were produced between 1890 and 1930 and possess unique characteristics like specific base materials (bronze with a lead ring), patina, and meticulous glasswork. Reproductions often use inferior materials like brass or zinc, and their glass may have painted colors or lack the subtle imperfections of authentic pieces. Be wary of lamps with forged signatures or markings that appear off-center or have inconsistently sized letters.
• ✓ Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Sellers might advertise a lamp as an original Tiffany when it is, in fact, a reproduction. Genuine Tiffany lamps are extremely rare and command prices in the tens of thousands to millions of dollars. If a price seems too good to be true (e.g., a few hundred dollars), it is almost certainly a reproduction. Always research the expected value of authentic Tiffany lamps before making a purchase.
• ✓ Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Scammers may use high-quality images of genuine Tiffany lamps sourced from reputable galleries or auction sites to list fake or misrepresented items. Always scrutinize the seller's other listings and their overall profile for consistency and authenticity. If possible, request additional, unedited photos of the lamp from various angles, including close-ups of the base and any signatures.
• ✓ Unreported Structural Damage: High-value antique items like Tiffany lamps can develop hidden damage over time, such as cracked glass panels, solder repairs, or dents in the base. Scammers may fail to disclose these issues to maximize their profit. Thoroughly examine all provided images and, if possible, ask the seller for detailed condition reports or a video walkthrough of the lamp.
• ✓ Fake Restoration Certificate: A seller might present a fraudulent certificate of authenticity or restoration. Genuine certificates should come from reputable appraisers or restoration specialists. Research the credentials of any appraiser or restorer mentioned and, if in doubt, seek an independent appraisal.
• ✓ Account Takeover via Phish: Be extremely cautious of any emails or messages that appear to be from Chairish requesting your login credentials or personal information. Scammers may pose as Chairish support to gain access to your account and financial details. Always verify the sender's email address (it should end in @chairish.com) and never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information through unsolicited communications.

Ensuring a Secure Transaction

Chairish has protocols to protect buyers and sellers, including holding payments until delivery confirmation. However, for high-value items like original Tiffany lamps, an extra layer of security is recommended. Consider utilizing Safe Trade Services for an independent verification of the item's authenticity and condition before finalizing the transaction. For a valuable item like an original Tiffany lamp, the 'Premium Plan' from Safe Trade Services offers comprehensive verification.

• ✓ Verify Seller Reputation: Check for seller reviews, history, and responsiveness. Established sellers with a consistent track record are generally more reliable.
• ✓ Examine Listings Closely: Pay attention to detailed descriptions, multiple high-resolution photos, and any provided provenance or authentication documents.
• ✓ Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask the seller clarifying questions about the lamp's condition, history, and authenticity. A reputable seller will be happy to provide this information.
• ✓ Use Chairish's Secure Payment System: Avoid any requests to complete transactions outside of the Chairish platform, as this voids their buyer protection.
• ✓ Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, or if a seller is evasive or pressuring, it's best to walk away.

By staying informed and employing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and enjoy the process of acquiring a beautiful original Tiffany lamp.