What are Dior hardware usually made of?

[Put]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering if anybody may know what Diors hardware are made of? I tried to search around for the antique/gold hardware of the Caro and the saddle. But did not find anything more than it was just “metal”.

The reason I got curious, was because my caro bags hardware where the chain connect to the bag, was kind of cloudy. And I asked a leather artisan for advice, and he asked me whether the hardware was solid brass with plated zinc? Or zinc plated with brass? Or something different? So now I wonder what kind of metal Dior use for their bag? That could be interesting to know, so you can take better care of it thank you for looking on my thread.

 

[averagejoe]

Most brands use brass hardware, and plate it with another metal to give it an even gold or silver look. I assume Dior uses brass as well. Brass is made of copper and zinc, so the zinc is not the plating, especially if your Caro has gold hardware (zinc is silver in colour).

To prevent the hardware from tarnishing, store the bag in a cool, dry and dark closet when the bag is not in use.

 

[Put]

Most brands use brass hardware, and plate it with another metal to give it an even gold or silver look. I assume Dior uses brass as well. Brass is made of copper and zinc, so the zinc is not the plating, especially if your Caro has gold hardware (zinc is silver in colour).

To prevent the hardware from tarnishing, store the bag in a cool, dry and dark closet when the bag is not in use.

Ohh I see, thank you so much for explaining. So the Caro I bought is with the gold hardware, and there was already some tarnishing when I got it. Do you happen to know why hardware like this begin to tarnish? Is it because of moist and humidity? And do you think it can be polished? It feels like can rub some of it off with a cloth But I am afraid I will damage the plating if I do it too aggrasive.

 

[averagejoe]

Ohh I see, thank you so much for explaining. So the Caro I bought is with the gold hardware, and there was already some tarnishing when I got it. Do you happen to know why hardware like this begin to tarnish? Is it because of moist and humidity? And do you think it can be polished? It feels like can rub some of it off with a cloth But I am afraid I will damage the plating if I do it too aggrasive.

View attachment 5759713

Sometimes it is not tarnish, but just dirt. Try using a microfiber cloth (i.e. eyeglasses or sunglasses cloth) with a bit of Windex on the cloth (do not get any of it on the leather). Microfiber cloths are not abrasive and won't scratch the hardware.

 

[Put]

Sometimes it is not tarnish, but just dirt. Try using a microfiber cloth (i.e. eyeglasses or sunglasses cloth) with a bit of Windex on the cloth (do not get any of it on the leather). Microfiber cloths are not abrasive and won't scratch the hardware.

Thank you! I will definitly try, I tried to search up windex.. is it just regular glass cleansing?

 

[averagejoe]

Thank you! I will definitly try, I tried to search up windex.. is it just regular glass cleansing?

Yes, it is the blue ammonia-based cleaner.

 

[Put]

Yes, it is the blue ammonia-based cleaner.

Thank you! I actually have this question. Do you think the hardware on this saddle looks normal? I always thought the hardware on the saddle would look all smooth up close. But instead this look cloudy, like you almost can’t tell whether there are scratches or just hardware.

 

[averagejoe]

Thank you! I actually have this question. Do you think the hardware on this saddle looks normal? I always thought the hardware on the saddle would look all smooth up close. But instead this look cloudy, like you almost can’t tell whether there are scratches or just hardware.

View attachment 5762109

View attachment 5762110

View attachment 5762111

View attachment 5762112

View attachment 5762113

View attachment 5762114

View attachment 5762115

View attachment 5762116

View attachment 5762117

View attachment 5762118

View attachment 5762119

View attachment 5762120

This is completely normal. The hardware is aged gold, and these micro-"scratches" give the hardware its aged appearance.

 

[Put]

This is completely normal. The hardware is aged gold, and these micro-"scratches" give the hardware its aged appearance.

I see, now I feel silly as it does says antique gold metal finish ! I just did not thought about it that way. Like I was only thinking about gold color Thank you for helping me out !

 

[yas78]

I recieved this medium Caro bag in the mail from Dior. I noticed these scratches on the hardware. Is this normal?

 

[averagejoe]

I recieved this medium Caro bag in the mail from Dior. I noticed these scratches on the hardware. Is this normal? View attachment 5941056View attachment 5941058

Yes, these are normal. In fact, it gives the hardware a less reflective finish which I think makes it look more modern (unlike the mirror-finish hardware from the 90s).

 

[yas78]

Yes, these are normal. In fact, it gives the hardware a less reflective finish which I think makes it look more modern (unlike the mirror-finish hardware from the 90s).

You are awesome Joe! Thank you so much.

 

[Put]

I recieved this medium Caro bag in the mail from Dior. I noticed these scratches on the hardware. Is this normal? View attachment 5941056View attachment 5941058

I can see that you already got help from Joe, he is really the best! Enjoy your Caro in good health.

 

[yas78]

I can see that you already got help from Joe, he is really the best! Enjoy your Caro in good health.

Thank you!