1. A method of authenticating an object in situ, comprising: creating an authentication colored pattern signature for the object to be authenticated; randomly distributing a plurality of three-dimensional, colored elements on a label; affixing the colored elements on the label such that outer portions of the colored elements are raised and elevated above the label; applying the label with the raised, colored elements on the object; aiming a portable, handheld, image capture device at the label on the object to capture return light from the raised, colored elements on the label; verifying that the raised, colored elements on the label are indeed three-dimensional based on the elevation of the raised, colored elements relative to the label; processing a colored image pattern of the raised, colored elements on the label; comparing the colored image pattern with the authentication colored pattern signature; and indicating that the object is authentic when the colored image pattern matches the authentication colored pattern signature.