The beauty and quality of the Hermès products is no secret to anyone, as this high-luxury brand always strives to create the most impressive accessories, with impeccable finishes and a sense of exclusivity. The French brand’s handbags are the best representation of this effort, with their soft natural leather and impressively shiny hardware.
Hermès hardware is truly a central piece of its accessories, and there are many variations that we can find throughout the Hermès handbag collection, with iconic closures like the Kelly’s, and modern beauties like the “H” shaped Constance bag clasp.
Next, we will give you a valuable guide to identify each type of Hermès hardware, so you can discover which one is your favorite. Don’t miss out!
- Gold
- Brushed Gold
- Rose Gold
- Palladium
- Brushed Palladium
- Permabrass
- Ruthenium
- PVD
- Guilloché
- Diamond
- Lacquer
- Exotic Skin
Gold
Gold hardware is a timeless and iconic choice that exudes luxury and elegance. Hermès typically uses 18-karat gold-plated brass for its gold hardware, although customized handbags crafted through special orders may feature even more opulent 24-karat gold hardware.
This classic gold hardware complements a wide range of bag colors, from neutral tones like noir, gold, and etain to bolder and brighter hues. Its warm and lustrous shine adds a touch of sophistication and glamor, making it a popular choice among Hermès enthusiasts.
However, it’s important to be aware that gold hardware is susceptible to scratching and fading over time. To ensure its longevity and preserve its shine, proper care and maintenance are crucial. This includes avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and storing the bag in a protective dust bag.
Hermès employs a special coding system to identify different types of hardware, with Gold hardware being designated by the code CC. These codes can be found on official invoices, providing detailed information about the handbag’s model, color, skin, and hardware type.
Brushed Gold
Hermès offers a contemporary and understated hardware option known as brushed gold hardware. Unlike traditional shiny gold hardware, brushed gold features an elegant matte finish achieved by deliberate surface scratching in a single direction. This satin appearance adds a modern twist to the classic gold finish.
Brushed gold hardware is still crafted from 18-karat gold plating, but its unique texture appeals to those seeking a more subtle and refined look for their Hermès handbags. Notably, this type of hardware is less susceptible to visible scratches, making it an excellent choice for those who regularly use their Hermès bags.
Its versatility makes brushed gold hardware a suitable complement to various colors and materials, ensuring that it pairs well with any Hermès handbag. If you’re interested in this hardware type, look for the Hermès code CM, which is the official code for brushed gold hardware.
Rose Gold
Hermès offers an exquisite option in the form of rose gold hardware. Unlike traditional gold, rose gold achieves its captivating pink-toned finish through a blend of genuine gold, copper, and sometimes silver. This unique combination results in a luxurious appearance that pairs exceptionally well with neutral-toned Hermès bags, elevating their aesthetic.
The inclusion of copper in the alloy not only contributes to the distinctive color but also enhances the hardware’s durability, making it more resistant to scratches compared to classic yellow gold. Although introduced more recently, rose gold hardware has rapidly gained popularity among Hermès enthusiasts, often serving as a statement piece that exudes elegance and sophistication.
When identifying this hardware type, look for the Hermès code CD, which designates Rose Gold hardware.
Palladium
Palladium hardware stands as a favored choice among Hermès handbag enthusiasts, appreciated for its modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Comprising palladium-plated brass, this hardware type boasts a silver-toned appearance that exudes a sleek and contemporary vibe. What further enhances its appeal is its robustness and resistance to unsightly scratches, rendering it an ideal selection for everyday use.
One of the most coveted hardware options in Hermès handbags, palladium hardware introduces an element of luxury with its unique luminous quality. Derived from the platinum group of metals, palladium offers a distinct brilliance, bestowing a pristine allure upon any Hermès handbag. Unlike silver, palladium exhibits a whiter and brighter hue, which imparts an immaculate look that appeals to connoisseurs.
The durability of palladium hardware surpasses that of gold hardware, and its resistance to scratching makes it an excellent choice for those who intend to make regular use of their Hermès handbags. Additionally, the cool-toned palladium creates striking visual contrasts when paired with handbags in vibrant colors like pink or blue, adding to its popularity among collectors.
To identify this hardware type, simply look for the Hermès code CK, which designates Palladium hardware.
Brushed Palladium
Brushed Palladium hardware represents a unique type of Hermès hardware that undergoes a special brushing technique, resulting in a matte finish. This distinctive process imparts a more subdued and unassuming appearance to the hardware, appealing to those who favor an understated look.
What sets brushed palladium hardware apart is its enhanced resistance to scratches when compared to regular palladium hardware, making it a notably durable option. This hardware complements neutral-toned bags seamlessly and introduces a touch of contemporary flair to any Hermès handbag. The brushed finish also adds an extra layer of texture, elevating the hardware’s visual appeal.
To identify brushed palladium hardware, you can look for the Hermès code CB, which designates this hardware type.
Permabrass
Hermès Permabrass hardware represents a unique fusion of gold and palladium, resulting in a distinctive champagne-toned metal with a captivating, luminous gleam.
Permabrass hardware is often elegantly paired with deep blues and greens, creating a stunning contrast that infuses a sense of refinement into any Hermès handbag. It appeals to those seeking a distinctive yet understated hardware option.
Moreover, the permabrass finish exhibits impressive durability, maintaining its lustrous appearance over time and resisting tarnishing or wear, making it a reliable and enduring choice for luxury handbags.
To identify permabrass hardware, look for the Hermès code CP, which indicates this hardware type.
Ruthenium
Hermès Ruthenium hardware is a distinctive choice characterized by its dark and edgy appearance. This rare transition metal belongs to the platinum group of elements and provides a unique alternative to classic silver-toned hardware.
Ruthenium hardware is often selected for Hermès handbags crafted from darker leathers like noir or navy blue. Renowned for its robustness and resistance to tarnishing, it appeals to those seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance hardware option. Ruthenium hardware has also made appearances in limited edition collections, contributing an air of exclusivity to Hermès bags.
To confirm the presence of Ruthenium hardware, look for the Hermès code CY as an indicator.
PVD
Hermès, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and timeless aesthetics, occasionally embraces innovation in design. One such instance led to the creation of PVD hardware, initially popularized by Jean Paul Gaultier during his avant-garde So Black collection. This gunmetal-toned material offers a distinct and edgier alternative to the classic palladium hardware.
PVD, or physical vapor deposition, involves depositing a thin layer of material onto a surface using a vacuum. In the context of Hermès hardware, this process darkens ruthenium metal to an almost black hue. PVD hardware has been exclusively used in the Hermès So Black collection, a line of handbags and accessories featuring black leather and PVD-coated hardware.
The PVD coating not only lends the hardware a unique and edgy appearance but also enhances its durability and resistance to scratches. Consequently, the So Black collection has garnered significant attention and holds a coveted status among Hermès aficionados and luxury collectors.
Diamond
Hermès diamond hardware represents the epitome of opulence and allure. This exceedingly rare hardware choice boasts 18-karat white, yellow, or rose gold plating, adorned with genuine diamonds. The meticulous diamond detailing showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship inherent in every Hermès handbag.
Reserved for the most exquisite and distinctive Hermès pieces, including the highly coveted Himalaya Birkin, diamond hardware is exceptionally scarce and ranks among the most sought-after and costly bags worldwide. The inclusion of diamond hardware transforms any Hermès bag into an art masterpiece, solidifying its place as a must-have for discerning collectors of luxury items.
The Hermès code that represents the diamond hardware is CG.
Guilloché
Guilloché is a specialized engraving technique employed by Hermès to craft intricate diamond patterns on their hardware. This meticulous and time-intensive process yields a distinctive texture, elevating the appearance and durability of the hardware.
Hermès Guilloché hardware is most commonly found on palladium finishes and harmonizes seamlessly with smooth leathers like Box Calf Leather. This hardware choice appeals to those seeking understated elegance and sophistication in their Hermès handbag.
Lacquer
Hermès Lacquer hardware serves as a distinctive enhancement for Constance bags, particularly on the iconic “H” clasp. This specialized hardware boasts an enamel lacquer finish, introducing vibrant color and lustrous shine. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the lacquer coating bolsters the hardware’s durability, rendering it more resistant to scratches.
The availability of various lacquer colors allows for personalization of the Constance bag, providing an additional layer of uniqueness. The harmonious blend of enamel lacquer and palladium hardware creates a captivating and one-of-a-kind visual effect, setting the Constance bag apart within the Hermès collection. Hermès Lacquer hardware is a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature that enhances the allure and value of the Constance bag.
Exotic Skin
Hermès exotic skin hardware represents the epitome of opulence, offering a luxurious choice for those seeking a bold fashion statement. Crafted with meticulously selected materials like crocodile, alligator, and lizard, this hardware not only boasts exceptional durability but also radiates a lavish aesthetic synonymous with the Hermès brand.
The intricate process involves skillfully inlaying these exotic skins onto a palladium hardware base, resulting in a truly distinctive and captivating effect. A prime example of this exquisite craftsmanship is the tri-color Crocodile Constance, showcasing the artistry behind exotic skin hardware. The precision and attention to detail during the inlaying process ensure a seamless and breathtaking finish.
It’s important to highlight that even if the handbag itself isn’t made from exotic skins but features exotic skin hardware, it is marked with a special symbol print denoting the type of exotic skin used. This symbol can be found alongside the “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” print, serving as a distinguishing mark of luxury and authenticity.
To learn more about Hermès special symbols and their meaning, follow this link.
So, what do you think of the great variety of Hermès hardware options?
Now you can surely pick your favorite one and look for your ideal Hermès handbag. If you want to buy a brand new in box Hermès bag without leaving the comfort of your home, we offer you a wide collection of authentic options bought directly at the official store.
Browse our online store at The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House and find the Hermès handbag you have been looking for.
