Products from well-known brands are counterfeited all the time. At the same time, high-quality fakes are often difficult to distinguish from the original. Ray-Ban glasses are one of the most popular accessories. They have an army of fans all over the world. Counterfeiters also “love” this brand. Let's find out how to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses from counterfeit ones.
In this article
- How to distinguish Ray-Ban from a fake: look at the packaging
- How to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses from fake ones by logo and number?
- How to check if Ray-Ban glasses are real based on the frame material?
- How to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses by color?
- Other ways to distinguish an original from a fake
The first original Ray-Ban glasses appeared almost 100 years ago. Their creation was facilitated by US aviation. American pilots constantly complained about the bright sun and glare during flights. Military personnel approached Bausch & Lomb and asked them to create sunglasses for aviators. Actually, the first model of protective optics, which was released under the Ray-Ban brand, was called “aviators”. The lenses in them are shaped like drops. When making such glasses, the anatomical features of the face are taken into account. The frame covers it almost halfway, protecting your eyes and skin from the sun. Subsequently, this model became so popular among civilians that today not a single fashion brand collection can do without it.
In 1999, the Ray-Ban brand was bought by an Italian company called Luxottica Group, so production was moved from the USA to Italy. At the same time, the labeling changed. Previously, the letters “BL” could be seen on glasses. Since 1999, frames began to be marked with the symbols “RB”, that is, the first letters of the two words of the brand. But some counterfeiters still make fakes with the old markings.
This marker can be used to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses from fake ones. There are other ways to verify the authenticity of optical products.
How to distinguish Ray-Ban from a fake: look at the packaging
This brand produces medical frames and sunglasses. The company's assortment includes many different models, but wayfarers and aviators are most often counterfeited, since they suit most people, regardless of gender, style, face shape and other features. If you study these two models, you can later easily distinguish real Ray-Ban glasses from fake ones.
Original branded Ray-Ban frames and sunglasses are available in standard boxes, silver-gray or black. The red color indicates that this is a limited edition. The size of the box is 17 by 55 cm. On the side there is information about the product:
- barcode;
- article number of 7 characters (two brand letters with an “o” in front and a four-digit number of a specific model);
- temple size;
- degree of glass darkness (in percent).
All these symbols must be indicated on the frame of original brand glasses, namely on the left temple. The package will definitely include a branded case, brown or black, with an inner lining made of velor. In addition, the box contains a cleaning cloth for glasses. It should also have a logo. Usually, a high-quality manufacturer’s booklet is also included, with glossy pages, even font and clear text without typos or smudges. If any of the above is not in the box, you should refuse to purchase. Perhaps this is a fake.
The problem is that counterfeit items are also produced with all of the listed attributes. Such counterfeit products are almost no different from original Ray-Ban glasses. How, then, to distinguish a real model from a fake? You can determine whether this is truly an original by looking at the markings and logos.
How much do real Ray-Ban glasses cost? Iconic brand Ray-Ban with a worldwide reputation
Ray Ban is a legendary eyewear brand with a worldwide reputation in the optical market. In 1937, the first models appeared, which instantly won the hearts of Americans, and later became famous throughout the world. The manufacturer uses advanced technologies in the manufacture of optics: Carbon Fiber, Polarized, P3 Plus, Flip Out. Lightweight frames are resistant to wear and mechanical damage, made of thin titanium alloy, polyamide (APX) or carbon. Polycarbonate and glass lenses in ray-ban glasses have special protective coatings, ensuring uniform light transmission and clear visibility without solar glare.
Ray-ben glasses will highlight your style and look fashionable, completely covering your eyes from excess light, but emphasizing your smile. This is proven quality, combining fashion traditions and modern forms, individuality and personal image. Real Ray Ban glasses provide excellent eye protection from solar radiation and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. They will go well with a light jacket, a wide shirt, or a formal jacket, perfectly complementing your wardrobe. Mega-selling sunglasses can often be seen on the faces of film and show business stars and celebrities. Among branded sun accessories, Ray Ban glasses are a recognized masterpiece.
Official Ray Ban store in Moscow
The official Ray-Ban website offers a large assortment of women's and men's glasses in the RB-OCHKI online store: 85 model options, 15 types of shapes and 225 colorful colors. By choosing and ordering at a low price any model from the Aviator, Wayfarer, Clubmaster, Justin, Round Metal series - you get a 100% quality product! Take advantage of convenient online payment methods on the website: cash or credit card. All glasses are sold in a special case with the seal of the Italian company Luxottica. The letters “RB” are stamped on the button of the case. The logo printed on the lenses, the article number and size indicated on the temples are distinctive features of the original products. Counterfeits are excluded and authenticity is guaranteed.
How to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses from fake ones by logo and number?
You can distinguish real Ray-Ban glasses by their logo and markings. They are not only on the packaging, but also on the optical products themselves, both on the lenses and on the frame. Brand logos are indicated on the outside of the right glass, as well as on the bridge above the bridge of the nose.
The letters "RB" should be visible on the left lens. Counterfeiters have gotten used to making such markings with paint, but usually they are erased very easily. Applied roughly and carelessly. This is easy to understand by touch.
The right temple of real Ray-Bans indicates which country they were made in. In this case, both Italy and China can be indicated. Production is located in both of these states. On the inside of the bar above the bridge of the nose you can see the inscription “Ray-Ban Made in Italy”. This marking appeared recently. It can be used to determine the authenticity of the aviators.
The nose pads should have the "RB" mark on the aviator goggle model 3025. This marking is very difficult to fake because it cannot be painted on. All images, inscriptions, signs, numbers on glasses must be clear, even, and of the same size. If one of the letters protrudes to the side or has unclear outlines, most likely the model is not real.
Some original Ray-Ban glasses are engraved with two capital letters of the brand. It is located on the inside of the left lens. But not all models are engraved. Before purchasing a specific optic, check its features on the manufacturer’s website.
Features of the products themselves and engraving
Take the glasses in your hands - the product should be quite weighty, but not bulky. Those. you should have a strong feeling that this is truly an original product of high quality. Both glass and metal frames - everything should look solid and presentable. The weight of the glasses is perfectly balanced, so the original Ray Bans fit perfectly. As for the engraving, it is applied with a laser, so you don't feel it when you run your hand over the surface. The abbreviation "RB" is in the upper left corner of the lens. The words "Ray Ban" are located on the right lens.
How to check if Ray-Ban glasses are real based on the frame material?
Ray-Bans are made from both plastic materials and metal, and even from expensive natural raw materials. But most models are made of plastic. In this case, a single piece of acetate is used in production, which is carefully polished. The frame should not have any roughness, abrasions, burrs or other defects. Even small irregularities indicate a fake. Moreover, you should be skeptical about information about the authenticity of the model if the seams on the parts are clearly visible. If the temples of the model are transparent, then the stem should be visible in them. Unreinforced arches are short-lived and fragile. The Luxottica Group company does not produce these.
There are more parts on metal glasses that should be inspected carefully. The hinges are secured with bolts. They should be strong and well lubricated. If you notice plastic in the design or glue, then do not buy the frame.
How to distinguish original Ray-Ban glasses by color?
Sunglasses and frames are produced in a wide variety of colors. But you can check the actual color scheme with the official release. Companies that produce optical products sometimes come up with unusual colors and shades for new models, adapting to a specific season. It happens that the outside of glasses is colored differently from the inside. However, the shades differ little. Manufacturers of counterfeit products, as a rule, do not take such nuances into account.
Numbers and letters on sunglasses
As a rule, the letters that encode the brand name come first. The numbers below indicate the series number of the collection of glasses to which the model belongs. If the glasses are produced in a single copy, the digital designation is used to identify it and verify its authenticity (for this purpose, a corresponding certificate will be attached to the model).
Labeling begins with the brand and number of the eyewear collection
Some brands indicate the year of release of the collection on the temples. This information comes immediately after the brand name and series number.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the marking indicating the place of manufacture of the model. Only the inscription Made in... (and a mention of the country of origin) or Hand Made in... Any other wording may indicate that you are holding a fake.
Also on some glasses you can find the letters CE (CЄ), they indicate that the accessory fully complies with European Union standards.
Please note that the above inscriptions are more typical for branded models. Manufacturers of budget collections do not adhere to a single standard in labeling and can display any information they deem necessary.
Find your nearest optical store
In addition, information about the frame sizes is indicated on the temples. Typically, the first number (two digits) indicates the width of the lens. The second number, also two-digit, indicates the width of the bridge, that is, the distance between the lenses. The third number is three-digit; it indicates the length of the temple.
Let's look at a specific example: we have a Salvatore Ferragamo glasses model
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The following dimensions are indicated on the temple:
- 55 – lens width;
- 18 – width of the distance between the lenses (bridge);
- 140 – length of the temples.
In rare cases, the size information may have a combination of four data, in which case the last digits will indicate the height of the lenses.
Knowing the correct sizes, you can easily select sunglasses and can even order accessories online, without first trying them on.
Example of markings on children's Vogue glasses
Often the marking may indicate a free-standing letter, for example, S. This letter indicates the color of the lenses. The exception is the letter P, which indicates the presence of a polarizing filter. Sometimes the name of the filter is written in full - Polarized. However, the polarization information may not be indicated on the temple, in which case it will be a Polarized sticker located on the lens.
Other ways to distinguish an original from a fake
On the Internet you can find many reviews and articles written by indignant customers who have become victims of scammers. You can find the distinctive characteristics of a particular model or study the tricks that counterfeiters have in their arsenal. In addition, to avoid buying a fake, purchase optics only in specialized stores. Make sure the seller is certified to sell Ray-Ban glasses. Pay attention to the cost of the model. Of course, today optics are often sold at discounts. But branded glasses cannot be very cheap.
Bausch & Lomb and Luxottica
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A little history, or rather how Luxottica labels Ray-Ban products. In 1999, the Italian manufacturer Luxottica buys Bausch & Lomb. From this year, sunglasses under the Ray-Ban brand are no longer produced in the USA and production is transferred to Luxottica factories (mainly in Italy, but the concern also has factories in other countries, China is no exception) . Very often, fake Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses have the abbreviation “B&L” on them; if you have just such a copy in your hands, then you are more likely to have come across a fake or these glasses were made in the USA before 1999.
