Zinc
A material we use frequently for our buckles as it is especially good for three dimensional forms. It is very hard wearing but it is a rigid metal so if dropped on a hard floor or banged on a hard surface it can break and is unfortunately irreparable.
It is composed of 97% Zinc with trace elements of Aluminium & Copper
All of our buckles are Nickel Free however for those with acute skin allergies even this does not guarantee you will be free from a reaction. I would suggest a Brass buckle as a starting point.
Brass
Used for a lot of our more classic buckles Brass has a lovely weighty feel and is extremely durable. In spite of this care should still be taken not to drop or bang your buckle excessively.
For allergy sufferers Brass is normally our first recommendation – in 99% of cases our customers do not seem to suffer any reaction. The finishes put onto the brass are always Nickel Free and the brass itself does not seem to be a base metal that poses problems.
Bronze
Used for some of our more unique pieces and cast in the same type of foundries where statues and the like are made. It has wonderful textural and three dimensional properties and as it ages will take on varying patinas. This is all part of the charm of the material.
No problem for allergy sufferers as Bronze does not contain any Nickel
Alpacca/German Metal
This is a base metal we use for a few specialist buckles and is produced in the same way as Bronze. Equally hard wearing and with a sort of mixed silvery gold patina that has its own special charm and will age beautifully taking on a variety of patinas.
Made from 60% Copper, 20% Nickel and 20% Zinc – best avoided by allergy sufferers.
Stainless steel
Currently used principally for our Bullet Buckle collection Stainless Steel as you will well know is unbelievably hard and tarnish resistant.
Ideal for Allergy sufferers.
Sterling Silver
It is always a joy to work in Sterling Silver – the properties of this precious metal are timeless and its style eternal – this is one buckle that will never lose its value. All of our buckles in Sterling Silver are hallmarked by the Goldsmiths Company Assay Office.
For allergy sufferers this is a guaranteed allergy free option.
Gold
Durable, timeless and an investment piece if ever there was one. We don’t make many gold buckles but when we do they are true works of art.
Perfect for allergy sufferers.