WARRANTY and  AUTHENTICITY

The question of the authenticity of Cantù Lace

Cantù Lace is one of the most renowned forms of bobbin lace in the world, appreciated for its beauty, delicacy and complexity. This art has been developed and elevated in Cantù, a town in Lombardy (Italy), where the lace tradition has been rooted for generations.

However, imports exist, and many pieces sold as “Cantù Lace” are in fact imported items passed off as local products under that name.

To ensure the authenticity of Pizzo di Cantù, you should buy only from reputable makers and retailers, and verify that the piece has been created using traditional techniques and appropriate materials. There are also specific hallmarks of genuine Cantù Lace – such as its intricacy, the clarity of the pattern and its unique design language – that help you recognise an authentic work.

Marelli Pizzi di Cantù is committed to protecting and promoting the authenticity of Cantù Lace through producer certification and consumer awareness.

We are particularly cautious whenever we see products labelled simply “Pizzo Cantù” without the “di”, because – as many art and textile experts have noted – this wording is often used for imported products that are not Italian-made.

The beauty lies not only in the finished piece, but in the entire process required to create it.

Note by Paolo Marelli, 1980

Even today, an increasing confusion can be observed in the use of terms related to lace-making. Words rooted in our tradition—pizzo, merletto, Cantù—are sometimes used to describe objects that have nothing to do with the origin, technique, and cultural heritage these names represent. In commercial language, designations originally meant to identify a precise school of craftsmanship risk becoming merely evocative labels.

Those who work in the field are able to recognize when an object is the result of a local tradition and when, instead, it comes from imported production. The general public, however, does not always have the tools to make this distinction. An Italian-sounding name alone is often interpreted as a sufficient guarantee, even when it is not.

This situation is not without consequences. If the value of artisanal work is gradually replaced by imitations, what is lost is not only the quality of the object, but the very continuity of the knowledge that generates it. Without a clear distinction between what is truly made here and what is merely called the same elsewhere, there is a real risk that, over time, the number of Italian artisans capable of passing on these techniques will continue to decline.

A real-life example – 08.05.2024 🎯

Have you ever received a phone call from someone proudly telling you that they bought “Cantù Lace linens” at a very low price? They speak of an incredible bargain, but you are left with doubts about what they really purchased. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

These situations are increasingly common. Very often, the real goal is to convince people to buy low-quality goods, promoted as “Cantù Lace”, “imported” and “discounted”.

How can you recognise this kind of scam or misleading offer?
The answer is simple: ask questions and request specific information about the product.

If someone claims they have purchased linens in Cantù Lace, invite them to check whether the product is truly of Italian origin. Ask them to look carefully at the invoice or certificate of purchase:

does it say “Pizzo di Cantù” or “Pizzo Cantù”?

If the wording is the second one, it is very likely an imported product.

This does not automatically mean that the product is of poor quality, but simply that it was not produced in Italy and is not part of the certified Cantù tradition.

It is important to remember that price is not the only factor to consider. Quality is just as important – often more so. Buying a low-quality piece just because it is cheap can easily become an expensive mistake over time.

When you purchase a product, it is always wise to inform yourself first and stay alert to misleading offers. There is no such thing as “the best price for the same quality” if the origin and technique are not the same. Do not be tempted by offers that seem too good to be true: instead, look for quality pieces that will last and truly justify their price.

If you have any doubts or questions about the authenticity of a piece, please feel free to contact us.
We are happy to help.

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