How To Tell The Difference Between Crocodile And Alligator Handbags

By: vikram kumar Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Many people are confused about the difference between alligator and crocodile skin. If you are buying a bag, you will find that alligator handbags can be significantly more expensive than comparable crocodile bags. Alligator skin was difficult to acquire for many years because they are only native to North America and were declared an endangered species. Alligators have made a comeback and with good conservation practices their skins are available in the marketplace again.

American alligator skin is thicker, softer and more durable than most crocodile skin. The scales are more even and the texture tends to be more pronounced. Alligator scales are more likely to have a square- shaped appearance. Crocodiles have pits in their scales, alligators don't. One way to tell alligator skin from crocodile skin is to look for small dimples in the scales. These dimples are found only in crocodile skin.

The quality of crocodile skin can vary widely since there are many species of crocodile found all around the world. Alligator tends to be more predictable since they are not as diverse. If you are purchasing alligator handbags, it is best to be able to tell the difference in skins since alligator handbags are almost always more expensive than crocodile bags.

Price aside, both crocodile and alligator handbags are highly desirable fashion accessories and have been for well over a hundred years. The durability of the skins makes it possible to find a vintage alligator or crocodile handbag from the 1930's or before. With proper care, alligator handbags will last for years and continue to look wonderful. Although some exotic leathers can be delicate, alligator and crocodile are usually quite tough.

The finishes on alligator handbags are the same as those for crocodile. Both skins can use a combination of the classic and natural finish to get greater durability while still having a bright shine. A crocodile bag with a natural or combination finish may be more expensive than one with a classic finish, since the skin stretches less during processing. The classic finish uses high pressure to polish a natural protein, usually egg white or albumen, into the skin.

Whether you are looking for a crocodile handbag or for alligator, you will find a wide selection of colors and styles. Generally, you will not find oversize handbags in natural reptile skin. A small crocodile handbag is a great fashion accessory for any look from casual to formal, whether natural or classic finish, these handbags have lots of class.

Always beware of synthetic imitations. One way to spot fake crocodile is that synthetics usually don't have the dimples that would be found on real skin. Since a crocodile handbag can cost well over a thousand dollars, you want to know you are getting the genuine article.

It isn't wise to buy fine leather goods from mall kiosks, street venders or Internet auctions since if you buy a fake, you're usually stuck with it. These dealers disappear as soon as they have your money. If buying online, look for customer reviews on the quality of the products and the customer service of the dealer.

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About The Author: Buy your genuine crocodile bag from Bag Choice to be assured of authenticity and quality. Bag choice has a large selection of crocodile and alligator handbags. Visit their website today.