Chanel is a brand that has been synonymous with luxury and sophistication for decades. With its iconic double C logo and trademark quilted pattern, Chanel bags have become a status symbol for fashion-conscious women all over the world.
One of the features that made these bags so desirable was the use of gold-plated hardware. However, in recent years, there has been some confusion among Chanel fans about when the brand stopped using this material. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail.
What is Gold-Plated Hardware
Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal such as brass or nickel. This technique has been used in jewelry making for centuries to create beautiful, high-end pieces that mimic the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
Chanel began using gold-plated hardware on their handbags in the 1980s as it was an affordable way to give their products a luxurious finish without driving up costs too much.
When did Chanel stop using Gold-Plated Hardware
In 2008, Chanel made the decision to stop using gold-plated hardware on their handbags and started using ruthenium instead. Ruthenium is a rare metal from the platinum family that has a dark grey finish with hints of shine. It is highly durable and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent choice for handbag hardware.
The switch to ruthenium was not sudden – it was a gradual process that took place over several years. In fact, some older models of Chanel bags still feature gold-plated hardware even though they were produced after 2008.
Why did Chanel make this change
There are several reasons why Chanel decided to stop using gold-plated hardware:
1. Durability: While gold plating looks beautiful, it is not as durable as other materials.
Over time, the gold can wear away, leaving the base metal exposed. This can cause the hardware to tarnish and lose its shine.
2. Cost: Gold plating is a costly process that requires large amounts of gold to create a thin layer on the metal surface. As gold prices have risen over the years, it has become more expensive for Chanel to continue using this material.
3. Sustainability: Chanel is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials. Using ruthenium instead of gold means that they are using a rare metal that is mined in a responsible way.
What are the benefits of using Ruthenium
Ruthenium has several benefits over gold-plated hardware:
- Durability: As mentioned earlier, ruthenium is highly durable and scratch-resistant. It can withstand daily wear and tear without losing its shine or color.
- Aesthetics: While not as flashy as gold plating, ruthenium has a unique look that complements the classic Chanel style. It gives the bags a sleek, modern finish.
- Sustainability: As already discussed, ruthenium is a more sustainable choice than gold plating.
Conclusion
Chanel’s decision to stop using gold-plated hardware was driven by practical considerations such as durability and cost, as well as ethical concerns around sustainability. While some Chanel fans may miss the look of gold-plated hardware on their bags, there’s no denying that ruthenium offers many advantages over this material. Ultimately, what matters most is that Chanel continues to produce high-quality handbags that are both stylish and functional – regardless of what type of hardware they use!