Pre-Owned Luxury Language Explained
Luxury Glossary for Buyers and Sellers
Understand the words used across Luxury Reborn product listings, condition notes, authenticity information, seller assessments, consignment, payment and delivery. Definitions describe how the term is used on this website; an individual listing or policy provides the final item-specific detail.
Buying & Product Listings
Terms used to identify and present an item
Read every definition together with the photographs, condition notes, measurements and inclusions for the exact product.
- Actual-item photographs
- Images of the individual pre-owned piece offered for sale, rather than a manufacturer image or an example of the same model.
- Authentication
- The item-specific process used to assess whether a luxury piece is genuine. A serial number, date code, receipt, box or card alone is not proof.
- Authenticity guarantee
- Luxury Reborn’s published buyer protection concerning authenticity. Read it with the Authenticity page and applicable purchase terms.
- Inclusions
- The items supplied with the product, such as a box, dust bag, strap, lock, keys, cards, papers, spare links or receipt, only when stated.
- Model or collection
- The recognised product family or design name. The exact size, material, colour and configuration may still differ within one model.
- Pre-owned
- Previously owned. It does not automatically mean heavily used; the condition grade and notes explain the individual piece.
- Provenance
- Documented origin or ownership history. Provenance can add context but does not replace physical authentication of the item.
- Reference number
- A maker or model identifier used particularly for watches and some jewellery or accessories. It is different from an individual serial number.
- Reserved
- Temporarily unavailable for purchase while a qualifying checkout, deposit or confirmed reservation is active.
- Vintage
- Luxury Reborn generally classifies an item as Vintage when available evidence indicates it was produced in a calendar year at least 20 years before the current calendar year. This is Luxury Reborn’s commercial classification convention, not a legal definition. Vintage describes age, not condition. A vintage piece may be in any stated condition, and its wear is assessed and disclosed separately. Where the production year is uncertain, Luxury Reborn considers the available item specific evidence rather than relying on a serial or date identifier alone.
Condition Language
How physical condition and changes are described
Luxury Reborn uses six overall grades, supported by item-specific notes and photographs. New requires original, unopened packaging. A never-used item with opened or missing packaging is Unused. Other inclusions are described separately from physical condition.
- Condition grade
- A summary of overall physical wear. It should always be read with the complete description and photographs.
- New
- Never used and in original, unopened packaging, with no visible signs of use, storage or handling. Inclusions and any brand warranty are stated separately; this grade does not imply an active brand warranty.
- Unused
- Never carried, worn or used. Original packaging may have been opened or may be missing. Any visible changes from age, storage or handling, such as creasing, shape loss or tarnishing, are disclosed. All inclusions are listed separately.
- Excellent
- Minimal signs of handling or use that are generally visible only on close inspection.
- Very Good
- Light signs of wear from careful use, with the relevant areas identified in the listing.
- Good
- Noticeable wear from regular use while the item remains functional unless the listing says otherwise.
- Fair
- Significant visible wear, ageing or flaws. The item remains functional, and every material limitation is stated in the listing.
- Patina
- A surface change that develops through age, light, handling or oxidation. On vachetta it commonly describes natural darkening.
- Glazing
- The coated finish applied to exposed leather edges. Cracking, peeling, wear or repair to glazing may be noted.
- Colour transfer
- Dye or pigment transferred from another material onto the item, often from clothing onto a lighter leather or canvas.
- Restoration or alteration
- Work that changes or repairs the original item, including repainting, replaced parts, structural repair, resizing or significant polishing.
- Structure loss
- Softening, slouching, warping or collapse from use, storage, age or pressure compared with the item’s intended shape.
Designer Bags & Materials
Common bag construction, leather and style terms
These definitions identify common materials and constructions; the exact listing states the verified details for each piece.
- Hardware
- Metal components such as buckles, turn locks, chains, feet, zips and clasps. “Gold hardware” normally describes colour or finish, not solid gold.
- Coated canvas
- A woven base finished with a protective coating, used for patterns such as Louis Vuitton Monogram and Damier. It is not leather.
- Caviar leather
- Chanel’s common description for durable grained calfskin. Grain, finish and firmness can vary by era and product.
- Lambskin
- A soft, smooth leather valued for its fine feel and appearance, but generally more susceptible to scratching and pressure marks than grained calfskin.
- Vachetta
- Usually pale, minimally treated cowhide trim associated with Louis Vuitton canvas pieces. It darkens and develops patina through light and handling.
- Togo leather
- A pebbled Hermès calfskin known for a soft hand, visible grain and practical wear characteristics.
- Epsom leather
- An embossed Hermès calfskin with a structured appearance and defined grain.
- Sellier
- A structured Hermès construction with visible exterior seams and sharper edges, commonly associated with Kelly bags.
- Retourne
- A softer Hermès construction turned and stitched so the seams sit inward, creating more rounded edges.
- SLG
- Small leather good, such as a wallet, card holder, coin purse, key case or compact pouch.
- WOC
- Wallet on Chain: a compact wallet-style bag with a chain strap and an interior arranged for cards and small essentials.
- Strap drop
- The vertical distance from the top of a bag to the highest point of the hanging strap or handle; useful for judging fit.
Luxury Watch Terms
The main parts, movements and collecting language
Watch condition includes mechanical and cosmetic considerations. Service history and replacement parts should be understood together with the visible case, dial and bracelet.
- Case
- The watch body that contains and protects the movement; its shape, metal, edges and polishing history can matter to collectors.
- Dial
- The face displaying the time and other information. Originality, refinishing, marks, lume and replacement history may affect interest.
- Bezel
- The ring surrounding the crystal. It may be fixed or rotating and can be decorative or functional.
- Movement
- The internal mechanism that powers the watch and controls timekeeping and any additional functions.
- Automatic movement
- A mechanical movement wound by a rotor that responds to motion while the watch is worn.
- Manual-wind movement
- A mechanical movement powered by turning the crown by hand at suitable intervals.
- Quartz movement
- A movement regulated electronically, usually using a battery, rather than a traditional mechanical escapement.
- Complication
- A watch function beyond basic time display, such as a chronograph, calendar, moon phase or power-reserve indicator.
- Service history
- Records of maintenance or repair. Service work may include replacement components, so documentation and disclosure matter.
- Originality
- The extent to which the case, dial, hands, movement, bezel, crown and bracelet remain in their original configuration.
- Full set
- A market phrase usually indicating the watch is supplied with its original box and papers, and sometimes tags or accessories. The exact inclusions must still be listed.
- Polishing
- Refinishing metal to reduce scratches. Heavy or repeated polishing can soften original case edges and affect collector preference.
Fine Jewellery Terms
Marks, metals, stones and alterations explained
Jewellery listings should state only the material, gemstone and maker details that have been verified for the individual piece.
- Hallmark
- A stamped or engraved mark that may indicate metal fineness, maker, assay office or another manufacturing detail. One mark alone does not establish authenticity.
- Fineness
- The proportion of precious metal in an alloy, often expressed in parts per thousand, such as 750 for 18-carat gold.
- 18ct or 750 gold
- Gold alloy containing 75% pure gold. The remaining alloy influences colour, strength and finish.
- Gemstone carat weight
- A unit of weight for gemstones. It does not describe physical dimensions, quality or gold purity.
- Setting
- The structure holding a gemstone, such as prong, bezel, pavé or channel setting.
- Clasp
- The fastening mechanism on a necklace, bracelet, brooch or other piece. Function and wear should be checked.
- Signed jewellery
- Jewellery bearing a maker’s signature or brand mark. The mark and the complete piece still require assessment.
- Resizing or alteration
- A change to fit, length, setting or construction. Alteration may affect hallmarks, proportions, originality and future service options.
- Natural material variation
- Expected differences in materials such as mother-of-pearl, stone, coral, leather or wood. Pattern and colour may vary between genuine examples.
Selling & Consignment
How Luxury Reborn describes seller options and market evidence
An initial assessment remains subject to receiving, inspecting and authenticating the exact item and confirming its condition and inclusions.
- Seller assessment
- An item-specific review of brand, model, condition, inclusions, relevant resale evidence and current demand used to determine the available selling option or options.
- Instant Payout
- A direct-sale option in which Luxury Reborn purchases an approved item after receipt, inspection and authentication for the stated net offer.
- Consignment
- An arrangement in which Luxury Reborn markets and sells an approved item on the owner’s behalf, with payout following a completed sale under the agreed terms.
- Net offer or payout
- The amount stated for the seller after the deductions included in that option. Always read what is and is not included in the individual assessment.
- Commission
- The agreed portion or fee retained for facilitating a consignment sale, including relevant handling, presentation and selling services.
- Consignment range
- An estimated seller outcome or target range based on the item and current evidence. It is not a guaranteed selling price or sale date.
- Comparable sale
- A relevant completed transaction used as market evidence. The closer the model, specification, condition, inclusions, date and market, the stronger the comparison.
- Current market demand
- Buyer interest at the time of assessment. It can change with supply, trends, season, price, economic conditions and the exact item.
- Seller inclusions
- Every original or replacement accessory and document supplied by the seller. These should be listed and photographed accurately.
Payments, Delivery & Returns
Terms that affect checkout and after-purchase decisions
The current checkout, Returns Policy, Shipping Policy and Terms and Conditions govern an order. These short definitions help explain the language.
- Available
- Published, visible, in stock and not currently reserved, subject to the checkout accepting the order.
- Sold
- No longer available to purchase. A sold product may remain visible for reference without showing a historical selling price.
- Sale item
- An item offered at a reduced price and not eligible under the change of mind policy. See the Terms and Conditions for the complete policy.
- Change-of-mind return
- A discretionary return for an eligible purchase when the customer follows the published timeframe and return conditions.
- Luxury Reborn Payment Plan
- Luxury Reborn’s payment arrangement using a 20% bank-transfer deposit, with the remaining balance due under the published payment-plan terms.
- Afterpay or Klarna
- Independent payment providers that make their own approval, limit and account decisions when displayed at checkout.
- Shipping cover
- Optional cover for specified transit risks under the stated terms, limits, exclusions and claims process. Free tracked shipping Australia wide is provided separately for buyer orders.
- Tracked delivery with signature request
- A delivery service that includes tracking and requests a signature. Choose a secure delivery address and follow the tracking closely.
Pre-Owned Luxury Glossary FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Does a condition grade describe every mark or flaw?
No. The grade is an overall summary. Read it with the complete condition notes, actual-item photographs and any disclosed repair or alteration.
Does missing packaging lower the condition grade?
New requires original, unopened packaging. An item that has never been used is graded Unused if its packaging has been opened or is missing. For the other grades, inclusions are recorded separately from physical condition. Missing or damaged inclusions may affect completeness, buyer confidence, marketability and value, and material damage is disclosed.
Does vintage mean an item is in poor condition?
No. Luxury Reborn generally uses Vintage for an item produced in a calendar year at least 20 years before the current calendar year. It describes age, not condition. A vintage piece may be New, Unused, Excellent, Very Good, Good or Fair depending on the individual item.
Is an authenticity card, receipt or serial number proof that an item is genuine?
No. Documents and identifiers provide context but can be separated, replaced or copied. Authentication considers the complete item and its relevant characteristics.
Does “gold hardware” mean solid gold?
Usually not. On handbags, Gold Hardware generally describes the colour or finish of metal components unless the listing specifically verifies solid precious metal.
What is the difference between Instant Payout and Consignment?
Instant Payout is a direct purchase by Luxury Reborn after approval. Consignment means Luxury Reborn markets an approved item on the owner’s behalf and payout follows a completed sale under the agreed terms.
Can luxury terms vary between resellers?
Yes. Condition scales, full-set language and selling terms can vary. The definitions on this page explain Luxury Reborn usage; always read the individual listing and governing policy.
Which information controls if a short definition and a policy differ?
The current product listing, checkout information and applicable Luxury Reborn policy or agreement control the individual transaction. Contact Luxury Reborn if anything is unclear before proceeding.
Use the Right Definition in Context
Continue from a term to the item or policy that matters
Use the glossary for orientation, then rely on the exact product listing, seller assessment or current policy for your decision.
