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Ecrila

Guide — Glossary

The pre-owned luxury glossary.

The terms you come across when selling a luxury bag, watch or jewellery — explained simply, with links to the detailed guides.

Updated 17 June 2026

Authentication

Verification of a piece's origin by an expert (materials, finishes, engravings, numbers). It conditions any serious buyback offer — see our appraisal approach.

Blind stamp

A small stamp (often a letter, sometimes inside a square or circle) struck into the leather of an Hermès bag, indicating the year of manufacture. A key point of authenticating an Hermès.

Cannage

Dior's signature diamond quilting, hand-done on fine leathers. It pulls up the value of a Lady Dior.

Caviar

Chanel's grained calfskin, tougher and more sought-after than lambskin; black caviar is the most liquid combination on resale. See Chanel bag values.

Resale value (cote)

The price range a buyer offers for a pre-owned piece, based on model, leather, vintage, condition and the market. Indicative online, it's set after a hands-on appraisal.

Date code

A manufacturing code (notably Louis Vuitton) indicating the workshop and date. One element among others in authenticating a Louis Vuitton bag.

Consignment

A selling method where a boutique sells on your behalf for a commission (often 15–40%), distinct from a firm buyback. Comparison in where to sell your luxury.

Dustbag

The fabric protective cover supplied with the piece. Part of the original accessories that add value on resale.

Full set

The complete set of original accessories (box, papers, receipt, spare links…). It pulls value up clearly, especially for watches.

Hardware

The metal parts of a bag (clasps, chains, buckles) or watch. Their condition, material (gold, palladium) and finish weigh on the value.

Patina

The natural ageing of leather over time — notably Louis Vuitton's vachette, which darkens. Normal, it affects the range without being a dealbreaker.

Saddle stitch

Two-needle hand stitching, the signature of Hermès leatherwork. Stitching that's too regular (machine) often betrays a counterfeit — details in authenticating an Hermès bag.

Firm buyback

Direct purchase of your piece at a definitive price, paid quickly, with no commission or public listing. That's how we work.

Reference

A number precisely identifying a model (watches especially). It strongly determines the resale value of a watch.

Superfake

A high-end counterfeit that imitates appearance very well. It betrays itself on overall consistency — hence the importance of a physical appraisal.

Timeless / Classic Flap

Chanel's signature flap bag with the CC clasp. One of the most liquid models on resale — see its value.

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Pre-owned luxury glossary: the terms to know — Ecrila Guide