Antique silver

Surface finish

Antique silver replicates a naturally aged silver surface. Chemical ageing creates a patina with uneven character. Browse vintage silver hardware variants.

Products: Antique silver

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How antique silver is made

Hardware gets a silver layer that is then chemically aged: a matte surface with darker recesses, like old silver.

What it gives the product

A muted, matte vintage tone, quieter than polished nickel, lighter than the black finishes.

When to choose it and when not to

Women's belts, small leather goods, rustic products. The finish contains no nickel and has passed nickel-release testing, so the risk of an allergic reaction is significantly lower (though it can never be ruled out entirely for sensitive individuals). For permanent damp, choose stainless steel instead.

How it ages

The patina deepens with wear; edges may lighten.

What it pairs with

Grey and black leather, antique brass for two-tone combinations.

  • Look

    Vintage / patina

    Artificially aged surface with uneven tone and visible patina. Creates the impression of a historical or hand-crafted piece. Each part looks slightly different. That is by design, not a defect.

  • Abrasion resistance

    Low

    Thin decorative coating that gradually wears through with regular wear and friction. Wear appears first where a buckle or snap contacts the strap, ring or fur.

  • Corrosion protection

    Dry conditions

    Provides a temporary barrier against moisture. Works well in dry environments, but protection weakens over time with regular contact with water or sweat.

  • Nickel

    No

    The finish contains no nickel in any layer. When making products for sensitive skin, also check the base material and every other component that touches the wearer.

    Nickel release test (abrasion method PN 93 0021, AZL Otrokovice testing laboratory): pass, within the limit of 0.5 µg/cm² per week used by EU regulation. test report (PDF, in Czech)

Damp conditions Occasional rain Tolerates occasional contact with rain, wet grass or damp hands. Regular soaking accelerates visible wear, so dry the surface after it becomes wet.
Aging Wear at contact points At points of regular friction (typically the buckle edge, snap contact point or strap) the finish gradually wears through and the base material shows beneath.
Process Galvanic Metal layer applied by electric current in a bath. An even, thin and well-adhered coating: the most widespread method for surface finishing of metal parts.