BOBBY CHANG

There are many fake amulets in the market nowadays and it is not unusual to hear stories that people complain about unscrupulous dealers selling fakes.  Even if one buy from the top temples you too may get a fake due to the multi billion industry. I met a story of a KMT sold in the guru temple which was also fake. I too was nearly cheated last time.

 

​Now all my amulets are appraise by judges from the thai amulet competition in thailand before I purchase. 

 

Pratical tips and advise

 

One most important methods  of which we can determine the authenticity  is to compare with a standard piece of the same type and model. Pretty much like comparing money notes with the original notes. Such reference standard models are known to be genuine as shown in reference books with photographs of real pieces.

 

Almost 90% of all fakes can easily be identified through close comparison with reference photographs. The top quality fakes are generally reserved for the most expensive amulets in the market. This highlights why good reference books are vital. It also highlights a typical fake, which is a good copy but not an exact reproduction. One can tell a fake once inspected closely, especially when you start to examine and compare minor but obvious details.

 

To have a piece of mind  should I not able to obtain the reference books,  please consult an expert or experienced collector before you commit to a purchase.

 

Use your common sense when purchasing an amulet. Remember if there a deal is to good to be true, then high chance it likely is! Lastly, always remember good things do not come cheap. So don’t expect to take an authentic amulet with a long history by a good monk with a cheap price. Authentic amulets always have a high price tag as they are usually limited in supply and one can only purchase from what I call the “resale” market. Meaning one can’t buy from the shelf anymore from the temple, but to purchase from a dealer or collector that once bought from the temple.