All of the above hardware can be made from a variety of metals and materials including:
– Brass and Antique Brass are alloys of zinc and copper. Brass is considered quite durable and corrosion-resistant depending on the level of elements added to the brass alloy.
– Nickel and solid nickel are also used in creating beautiful pieces of hardware, but its elements can cause an allergic reaction in some users.
– Zinc, Rose Gold, Gum Metal, as well as natural or precious gems and crystals, are additional materials appropriate for handbag hardware. Artisans will also wrap hardware in the same leather used for the bag to give a more balanced and coordinated design. Hermès is known for incorporating precious metals or stones on the individual bag’s adornments or bejeweling the bag itself ensuring that a client is carrying pure opulence on her arm.
– Many leather designers will incorporate Acrylic, Bamboo, and Wood for handles as a lovely mixture of different textures to complement the leather.