HERMES 101: GUIDE TO HERMES HARDWARE

Hermes is known for its use of high-quality materials and attention to detail. This dedication to craftsmanship extends to the hardware used in their designs. Hermes hardware comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and uses. In this blog, we will explore the types of Hermes hardware.

1. Palladium Hardware

Palladium hardware is the most popular type of hardware used by Hermes. Belonging to the platinum group of metals, Palladium (PHW) is a lustrous and luxurious metal that shines brighter and whiter than silver. Its value is higher than that of gold. Palladium hardware is known for its durability, and it is resistant to corrosion and scratches. This hardware type is often used on Hermes bags, belts, and jewelry. Palladium hardware is so prized that most limited edition Birkins and Kellys feature only this hardware, adding to the exclusivity and allure of these coveted Hermes pieces.

2. Gold Hardware

Gold hardware is another popular type of hardware used by Hermes. It is made of yellow or rose gold and is often used on the brand's more exclusive and expensive pieces. Gold hardware is known for its elegance and luxury and is a popular choice for special occasions.

3. Brushed Gold Hardware

Brushed gold hardware is a variation of gold hardware that has a matte finish. Brushed Gold features 18-karat gold plating, “brushing” micro-fine scratches into the finish in a single direction. This gives brushed gold that signature matte appearance, and renders it less prone to scratches. This hardware type is often used on Hermes bags and belts and is known for its understated elegance.

4. Ruthenium Hardware

Ruthenium hardware is a dark-colored metal that is often used on Hermes bags and belts. It has a gunmetal gray finish that gives it a unique and edgy look. It is offered primarily on lizard Hermès bags. Ruthenium hardware is also known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.

5. Permabrass Hardware

Permabrass hardware is a gold-colored metal that has a matte finish. It is often used on Hermes bags and belts and is known for its understated elegance. Permabrass hardware is also resistant to scratches and is a durable option for everyday wear.

6. Brushed Palladium

Brushed Palladium is palladium treated using the same surface brushing as Brushed Gold. The brushing finish tones down the shine of the hardware, giving the Palladium a matte look.

7. Rose Gold

Rose Gold hardware contains gold mixed with copper to achieve a pink-toned gold effect. The copper renders the Rose Gold hardware more durable and more resistant to scratches than classic yellow gold. Rose Gold hardware looks particularly striking when paired with neutral or cream shade leathers.

8. PVD

Hermes's So Black collection is one of the most collectible editions of the Birkin and Kelly. These So Black bags exclusively sport the unique PVD coated hardware, which is a coating that darkens metal to a nearly black finish. PVD hardware, which tends to scratch irreparably, has only been used in exclusive runs of small non-Birkin/Kelly bags, most recently on the exceedingly coveted Midnight Faubourg Birkin.

9. Lacquer

Enamel lacquer is mainly utilised on Hermes Constance bags to shield the recognisable "H" clasp while enhancing colour, toughness, and shine.

10. Diamond

The diamond hardware is 18-karat white gold-plated hardware encrusted with diamonds, thus being the most exceptional of all Hermès hardware. Diamond Birkin bag hardware tends to appear on the finest exotic skin bags that are exceedingly rare and highly valuable. The Diamond hardware that is used for a 35cm Birkin is crafted with nearly 10 carats of VVS F diamonds and nearly 80 grammes of 18 karat gold. Most are set in white gold, nevertheless there are a few examples in yellow gold.

11. Guilloche

Guilloche serves as one of Hermes' rarest hardwares for Birkins and Kellys. Created with a diamond pattern, Guilloche has a distinct texture that pays homage to fine metal smithing techniques. The hardware was first used around 2003-2005 on Kellys – this was the only time when Gold Guilloche Hardware was used by the brand. From 2012 to 2014, Hermes bags with Guilloche hardware were produced in limited quantities and only in Palladium.

In conclusion, Hermes hardware comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and uses. From the popular palladium and gold hardware to the edgy ruthenium hardware and the classic Palladium hardware, Hermes has something for everyone. No matter what type of hardware you choose, you can be sure that it will be of the highest quality and add a touch of luxury and style to your outfit.

When it comes to selecting hardware for our bags, we are often guided by a variety of factors that are unique to our personal tastes and preferences. Some of us may consider which hardware complements specific colors or materials, while others may be influenced by cultural traditions or the desire to match their accessories with their jewelry. Still, others may have adopted a "tried and tested" attitude, where they stick with a particular hardware choice that they have found to work best for them. How do you choose which hardware to go for?