4 Simple Ways To Authenticate Your Venetian Mask
Learn how to recognise authentic Venetian masks and avoid common signs of imitation, helping you choose a mask that reflects genuine Venetian craftsmanship. Read more to ensure you are getting exactly what you are paying for!
Imitations can sometimes be difficult to spot and are occasionally presented as authentic Venetian masquerade masks. While lower prices may reflect simpler materials and production methods, price alone is not always a guarantee of authenticity. Factors such as craftsmanship, materials and finish all play an important role when choosing the right mask for your occasion - whether that’s a masked ball, fancy dress party or special celebration.
What to look for…..
1: THE PRICE
Lower prices often reflect lower production costs and simpler materials - although price alone is not proof of authenticity. Some imitation masks are also priced similarly to genuine ones, so it’s worth considering craftsmanship, materials and provenance rather than price alone.
2: CERTIFICATE OR STAMP
A simple ink stamp of authenticity may point to the mask being a counterfeit but also may be genuine if its wax etc. Venetian Masks with certificates (tags) of authenticity from the manufacturers are more likely to be genuine and filigree masks with the name of the maker on the ribbon is a good sign too.
3: THE RETAILER/SHOP
Do you get silly offers that sounds too good to be true? Buy one get one (or two) free etc? Use your common sense, ask the shop/seller where they get the masks from (most will say if they have nothing to hide). Ebay is another area to be careful of, some are genuine sellers, others not so much.
4: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
To confuse matters more, sometimes a Venetian mask artisan may use a moulded mask base and hand paint/decorate it (which is still genuine). Then there is paper pulp and paper strips - pulp is cheaper to produce and often is a slightly lower cost product, whereas strips are far more time consuming therefore expensive to make…..Again ask the seller and see if they will tell you which they sell.
OUR MASKS
At Simply Masquerade, we only source genuine Venetian masks made in Italy. While authentic craftsmanship can cost more than mass-produced alternatives, the artistry, materials and time involved create something designed to be treasured long after the party ends.