Crocodile leather accessories are associated with special chic and style. And this is not surprising: not everyone can afford such a product. Many people prefer to spend significant sums on travel or clothes, rather than on a handbag that costs half an apartment. But true connoisseurs of quality, luxury and style will not disregard this elite leather goods. How not to make a mistake in choosing and make sure that your image is decorated with genuine crocodile leather? The following information is about this.
Why choose crocodile leather?
Products made from the skin of terrible predators have been popular since ancient times. Connoisseurs of products from it were not stopped even by the difficulty of extracting material and the high mortality among hunters of this beast. And all because crocodile skin has a number of characteristics that are indispensable for such products:
- Strength. Products from crocodile skin in ancient times were used even for armor, so dense and reliableis the material. In modern industry, this characteristic of the skin allows us to talk about the high quality of the product made from it.
- Softness. Despite the extreme strength, crocodile skin after proper dressing becomes very soft. This only increases the level of comfort and pleasure from using products from it.
- Texture. An amazing natural pattern does not require additional fittings or coloring. The pattern of crocodile skin is unique, which indicates the exclusivity of each product from it.
- Durability. Similar products can be worn for decades. Genuine crocodile skin practically does not lose its appearance and strength. Things made from it can be said to last forever.
Crocodile skin products have gained great popularity, which has led to an active hunt for predators. Due to the massacre, some species of the animal began to die out.
Today, for the manufacture of products from crocodile skin, biological material taken from animals grown on specialized farms is used. But this does not significantly affect the price. Genuine crocodile leather products are very expensive.
Products and prices: what is sold from crocodile skin?
If in ancient times armor and shields were made of crocodile skin due to its strength, then nowadays shoes and accessories from it are especially respected. For men there is a wide range of different shoes. For women, the choice is traditionally wider: you can buy boots, shoes and even sandals. In addition to shoes, popularityenjoy belts, as well as all kinds of bags. Men prefer crocodile leather business briefcases. And for the beautiful half, designers almost every year offer new models of practical and beautiful handbags.
This is just a small list of what is made from crocodile skin. Things from this material have some common features. First of all - the price. Due to the complexity of the extraction and dressing of the material, things made of crocodile skin are very expensive. The consequence of this is the next common feature of such a product - status. Not everyone can afford such accessories. And those who can treat them not as practical and durable things, but as an element of luxury, thereby emphasizing their social status.
Such different crocodiles…
When choosing products based on crocodile skin, you should know their main differences. Currently, three types of biological material are used:
- Alligator skin. Its distinguishing feature is the characteristic color in the region of the peritoneum. It is this area that is considered the highest quality and is placed by designers in a prominent place in the product. The alligator's belly is crossed by a pattern in the form of an irregular star. All scales are of various shapes, there is no clear geometric pattern. On the head of this species of crocodile there are tubercles, which are grouped in twos and form several rows.
- Crocodile skin. In this species, the area from the abdomen is also most valued. The color is somewhat different from the alligator. A clearer geometric pattern can be distinguished, the scales formuniform squares. And in the center of each of them, with a more detailed study, you can find small dots. A patch of skin on a crocodile's head has bumps. But unlike the alligator, they cluster in fours and twos.
- Caiman skin. Of all the types described, it is this skin that is considered the most inexpensive. She is rougher and tougher. It is distinguished by a large number of convex growths throughout the area. The skin of the caiman is less elegant, but if it is finished with high quality, then it will not be inferior to other types in terms of practicality and durability.
Definitely beautiful will be accessories, the basis of which is crocodile skin. Photos can clearly demonstrate this. The main thing is not to make a mistake and choose a truly natural product, not a fake.
How to distinguish a fake?
If you really decide to treat yourself to a product made of genuine crocodile leather, you should know its main distinguishing features. Please examine the item carefully before purchasing. Genuine crocodile leather has a characteristic pattern. It is always unique. It can be compared with human fingerprints. On a product made of genuine crocodile leather, all the squares will be different: none of them will be repeated in the form and nature of the lines. It is almost impossible to repeat such a pattern in industrial conditions.
Touch the product. Genuine crocodile skin, black or green, should be soft, pliable, with dense horny bumps, which are usually found on the head and tail of the animal. These bulges are the beginnings of horny tissue, so theyextremely dense. Try pressing on the bumps with your fingernail. If the crocodile skin is genuine, it will not leave a mark. You will feel as if you have pressed on a bone. Well, if you have a fake in front of you, a dent will remain on the tubercle.
Besides this, you should be wary of the price. A product made of genuine crocodile leather will cost more than a similar product made from another material. When choosing a piece of this level, it is best to go to a store that specializes in quality accessories with a good reputation.
Does color matter?
Previously, it was believed that products made from genuine crocodile skin can only have those colors that are inherent in it in nature. This is explained by the fact that the craftsmen were afraid to subject the valuable material, obtained with great difficulty, carefully and intricately, to bright colors. Therefore, the palette of products was approximately the same: black, dark brown, green.
With the development of industry, the difficulty in dyeing natural materials is gone. Now you can fearlessly give valuable crocodile skin any fashionable shade and lacquer shine. You can meet blue, red, orange, yellow and other products. Therefore, at present, the color cannot indicate the naturalness or artificiality of the material.
How to take care of a valuable item?
Any, even the most durable and durable thing, requires proper care. Products made of crocodile skin are completely non-capricious. But caring for them has its own nuances. For example, storeleather products must be in a ventilated room: in a bag made of natural fabric. Leather is a natural material and does not tolerate the absence of air movement. In case of contamination, it is best to use a soft sponge and ordinary soap, and then wipe the product dry. Do not use electric dryers, and do not try to dry the product directly near a heat source.
It is strictly forbidden to use chemical cleaners containing alcohol, ammonia or other aggressive substances. Crocodile skin can be permanently damaged, lose its softness and crack. Nowadays, you can buy specialized products for the care of exotic skin, which will extend the life of your favorite products and keep them looking great. Approach the choice of products from crocodile skin deliberately and carefully. Feel free to touch and examine the thing you like. The right accessory will not only complement your look, but also delight with its convenience and practicality for years!
