If you are in the market for a genuine crocodile handbag, you may want to know how to tell crocodile leather from stamped or embossed leather.You might be wondering how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.You don't need to be an expert to identify crocodile leather.You can determine if the handbag is made from genuine crocodile by inspecting the leather and scales.
Step 1: An abrupt change in the size and shape of the scales can be dangerous.
Crocodiles have scales that change from large, square shapes to smaller, more rounded shapes on their sides.If the change is abrupt, if it switches more than twice in a single panel, or if there is no transition, the bag is made from stamped leather.
Step 2: Look for a pattern in the grain.
The handbag has a grain pattern.The pattern of the grain on a crocodile leather handbag will vary in shape and size.There may be some lines at the base of the scales.The grain pattern of the scales may have been stamped on.
Step 3: The bag's feel and flexibility will determine if it is crocodile.
The leather is soft and flexible and you have to pay attention to that.The bags are soft and supple.Embossed leather bags are more rigid than genuine crocodile leather.
Step 4: If the handbag is crocodile leather, look at the tag.
It's not enough for the tag to say "genuine leather" as this won't tell you what kind of leather it is, and genuine leather is the lowest quality leather.Look for a tag that says the handbag is made from crocodile.The grain of the hide has not been broken up according to the tag.
Step 5: Expect to pay a lot of money.
It can cost upwards of $50,000 to own a designer crocodile handbag.Less prestigious brands sell crocodile handbags for a minimum of $2,000-$4,000, depending on the size and style.It is almost certainly a fake if someone is trying to sell you a crocodile handbag for less than a few thousand dollars.
Step 6: The crocodile handbag must be proved to be genuine by the seller.
If you are buying a crocodile handbag from a trustworthy seller, they should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with paperwork that proves the bag was made from crocodile hide.Embossed or stamped leather bags are likely to be sold by the seller if they refuse to answer your questions or give you paperwork.
Step 7: Look for alligator and crocodile leather.
Crocodylus and alligator leather are soft and supple.Caiman leather is more rigid and rough.If you run your fingers along the leather, you can determine if it is soft or rough.
Step 8: There are cracks to identify caiman leather.
Determine the flexibility of the leather by bending it.caiman is more flexible than alligator and crocodile leather.If you see a lot of light cracks when you bend the leather, it's probably made from caiman, which is the lowest quality reptile leather.
Step 9: If the dye is uniformly absorbed into the leather, that's good.
The dye is absorbed uniformly into the leather, because alligator and crocodile hides are softer than caiman.There shouldn't be any areas that are lighter than others.The rougher texture of Caiman leather is likely to make it look blotchy.
Step 10: There is a 4-2 pattern of horned bumps.
If the leather is from the back, rather than the belly of the animal, you can determine which reptile it came from based on the number and pattern of horned bumps present.There will be a few horned bumps in the leather.Crocodiles have a pattern of bumps.There are four bumps and two bumps.Alligators and caiman have a 4-4-2 pattern of bumps, with two rows of four and one row of two.
Step 11: There is a gradual change in the size and shape of scales.
The scales of an alligator suddenly change from wide, square shapes to small, round shapes, meaning one column has large scales while the next has small scales.As the scales become smaller and more rounded, the transition is more gradual.
Step 12: There are pores to distinguish alligator leather from crocodile leather.
If there are holes in the horned scales, you should look at the back of the animal.Crocodiles have small hairs on their scales that cover their bodies.