Gold tone

Surface finish

Gold tone gives hardware a warm, festive tone that stands out on brown and dark leather. You can build a whole set, from buckle to snap hook, in one shade.

Products: Gold tone

Prices include 21% VAT. More about VAT and customs fees.

How the gold finish is made

On steel and zinc alloy hardware it is a three-layer electroplate: bright copper, a thick layer of bright nickel and, on top, a thin gold-coloured layer of a copper, zinc and tin alloy. The nickel protects against corrosion and gives the finish its shine; the alloy gives it its colour. There is no gold in it; the name describes the shade. A protective layer seals the surface at the end and keeps it from oxidising and changing colour.

What it gives the product

A warm gold tone on zinc alloy, steel or brass hardware. On brown and dark leather it looks festive and sets the product apart from standard silver hardware. You can put together the whole set, from buckle to snap hook, in one shade.

When to choose it and when not to

Show collars and leads, belts and bags where the hardware is on display and handled gently. It is not for an everyday leash used in rain, mud or by the sea: damp and sweat reach the base metal through the thin layer and through worn spots. Worn spots expose the nickel, so the finish is not suitable if you have a nickel allergy. For an everyday golden look, solid brass is more practical, as its colour goes all the way through, although it darkens over time.

How it ages

The protective layer wears first, after which the alloy can darken from air and sweat. Where a buckle, ring or snap hook rubs, the silvery nickel shows through. Once that wears through as well, steel can rust at that spot.

What it pairs with

Brown and dark leather, webbing in warm colours. The fashion alternative is rose gold.

  • Look

    Gold

    Warm golden tone, from pale yellow to deep gold. Pairs particularly well with brown leather and straps in warm colours.

  • Abrasion resistance

    Medium

    Suitable for normal everyday use. Traces of wear may gradually appear at exposed points with regular friction or contact with other metal parts.

  • 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

    Yes, in interlayer

    Nickel is present in an intermediate layer rather than at the surface. If the top layer wears through, nickel may become exposed and come into contact with skin.

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.