S'mom, I just received an alligator bearn wallet for Valentine's day so I'm hoping that it lasts a long time (and has no problems such as what Ranag reported...). In any case, when I first was looking into an exotic for a wallet, was told that ostrich is the most durable, but that both lizard and croc/alligator should be also fine for many years as long as they don't get wet. The reason I decided against lizard for a bearn was that I was afraid of fading around the little strap that closes the wallet....don't know if this was irrational, but know that in older lizard bags, sometimes there is color change over time depending upon light exposure.