Since 1953, Lladro creations have continued to inspire and innovate. Collected worldwide, these luxurious figurines are always in demand. Occasionally, sellers will try to pass of a fake figurine as authentic. Follow these steps to determine the authenticity before you buy.
First, look at the bottom of the figurine. The porcelain should also be engraved with a logotype that looks similar to a blue bell or tulip, the name Lladro and will say "Made in Spain." The logotypes have changed over the years but every example can be found on the official Lladro site (see Additional Resources). Be wary of any seller who will not show the bottom of the figurine before buying.
Second, search the Lladro catalogues. Every authentic piece has been catalogued and on the official site even lists the suggested retail price of the item. Checking the piece out this way is an excellent resource and a good check to see if the price that you are paying is on par with the value of the figurine.
Third, go to the official Lladro website and use the number found on the bottom of the figurine; this is called the serial number, authenticity code or limited series number. If there is not a number on the bottom, then you should be able to locate the number on the authenticity card that comes with the figurine. You can input this number into the Lladro website and the site will immediately verify its authenticity.
Fourth, if you are still in doubt as the authenticity of the figurine, you can contact the Customer Service department of Lladro. They will authenticate the piece, free of charge. Go to the website and use the Contact Us link to get the current email address. Lladro will require you to send the serial number or reference number, pictures of the bottom and other pictures of the figurine. For anyone that purchases luxury items, free authenticity verification is a tremendous help.
Finally, if you are unable to wait for verification from the company or cannot confirm authenticity from the steps above, you may want to consider hiring a local appraiser. You can usually find a local appraiser by contacting a store that sells Lladro figurines. These stores usually have someone they recommend and will most likely provide you with contact information.
Tip
Anytime that you buy a Lladro piece, register on their website. They have a program called the Lladro Assurance Program which authenticates the figurine and will keep your information in case you decide to sell in the future. Anytime that the serial number or logotype has been scratched off of the bottom of the figurine, this means that the piece is a second and not up to the quality standards of Lladro. They are still sold but know what you are buying. Lladro figurines are made in Spain so often you may find titles listed in Spanish with no English. Do not be alarmed and still check for authenticity. The words retired or active commonly are used to describe Lladro pieces and can significantly increase their value. Make certain to look up the piece on the website first as many sellers can get confused about what pieces are actually retired. Professional Lladro sellers will most likely know but everyday sellers may not understand the differences in the pieces that are retired or active.
Warnings:
- Always make certain to buy from a reputable dealer. There are many people online who will sell items that are not authentic and it is up to you to determine its authenticity before buying. Beware of sellers listing an item as a Lladro when it is really a Nao item. Nao is made by the same company but the quality is not at all the same.
Resources
Tips
- Anytime that you buy a Lladro piece, register on their website. They have a program called the Lladro Assurance Program which authenticates the figurine and will keep your information in case you decide to sell in the future.
- Anytime that the serial number or logotype has been scratched off of the bottom of the figurine, this means that the piece is a second and not up to the quality standards of Lladro. They are still sold but know what you are buying.
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- The words retired or active commonly are used to describe Lladro pieces and can significantly increase their value. Make certain to look up the piece on the website first as many sellers can get confused about what pieces are actually retired. Professional Lladro sellers will most likely know but everyday sellers may not understand the differences in the pieces that are retired or active.
Warnings
- Always make certain to buy from a reputable dealer. There are many people online who will sell items that are not authentic and it is up to you to determine its authenticity before buying.
- Beware of sellers listing an item as a Lladro when it is really a Nao item. Nao is made by the same company but the quality is not at all the same.
Writer Bio
Stacie Haight Connerty has been writing and editing for almost twenty years. She has been nationally published in several magazines and currently writes for several parenting websites. Stacie has an MBA in marketing and has worked in marketing/public relations for 15 years.
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