Authentic Napier Charm Bracelets can be big bucks! Fake ones can be just as costly.
When you compare regular charm bracelets prices against unmarked charm bracelets, chances are the price differentials are astronomical. Napier charm bracelets are one of the most problematic purchases for collectors. So many are sold by folks that don’t recognize the tell tale signs that the piece has been adulterated and sadly there are fake Napier charm bracelets being sold by those who change out findings in the hopes of getting a better price for their piece.
Clasp on the bracelet above was rarely used due to poor performance. Marked Napier on clasp not jump ring. This bracelet almost didn't pass the Napier test until verified by Napier Employee.
Clues to tell if it’s Napier.
First… Matching earrings will be marked. Napier used three to four clip bac
k styles from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. Familiarize yourself with those findings. Second… is the jump ring seam angled with a © mark? Those were not used until the 1970’s and very few charm bracelets were made from the 1970’s on. The earrings that were made to match the pieces that incorporate this type of jump ring will be MARKED adjustable clip backs, pierced clip backs or the standard clip back earrings. Not old funky clip back findings.
Typical clip back style for Napier.
Other signs that it’s not Napier are worn plastic faceted beads and cast charms. Almost all Napier charms were die-stamped and accented with glass beads or durable high quality plastics that have maintained their luster over the years. Napier is not noted for the manufacture of enameled charms which are frequently listed as unsigned Napier.
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