How To Tell The Difference Between Crocodile And Alligator Handbags
Many people are confused about the difference between alligator and crocodile skin. If you are buying a bag, you will find that alligator handbags can be significantly more expensive than comparable crocodile bags. Alligator skin was difficult to acquire for many years because they are only native to North America and were declared an endangered species. Alligators have made a comeback and with good conservation practices their skins are available in the marketplace again.
American alligator skin is thicker, softer and more durable than most crocodile skin. The scales are more even and the texture tends to be more pronounced. Alligator scales are more likely to have a square- shaped appearance. Crocodiles have pits in their scales, alligators don't. One way to tell alligator skin from crocodile skin is to look for small dimples in the scales. These dimples are found only in crocodile skin.
The quality of crocodile skin can vary widely since there are many species of crocodile found all around the world. Alligator tends to be more predictable since they are not as diverse. If you are purchasing alligator handbags, it is best to be able to tell the difference in skins since alligator handbags are almost always more expensive than crocodile bags.
Price aside, both crocodile and alligator handbags are highly desirable fashion accessories and have been for well over a hundred years. The durability of the skins makes it possible to find a vintage alligator or crocodile handbag from the 1930's or before. With proper care, alligator handbags will last for years and continue to look wonderful. Although some exotic leathers can be delicate, alligator and crocodile are usually quite tough.
The finishes on alligator handbags are the same as those for crocodile. Both skins can use a combination of the classic and natural finish to get greater durability while still having a bright shine. A crocodile bag with a natural or combination finish may be more expensive than one with a classic finish, since the skin stretches less during processing. The classic finish uses high pressure to polish a natural protein, usually egg white or albumen, into the skin.
Whether you are looking for a crocodile handbag or for alligator, you will find a wide selection of colors and styles. Generally, you will not find oversize handbags in natural reptile skin. A small crocodile handbag is a great fashion accessory for any look from casual to formal, whether natural or classic finish, these handbags have lots of class.
Always beware of synthetic imitations. One way to spot fake crocodile is that synthetics usually don't have the dimples that would be found on real skin. Since a crocodile handbag can cost well over a thousand dollars, you want to know you are getting the genuine article.
It isn't wise to buy fine leather goods from mall kiosks, street venders or Internet auctions since if you buy a fake, you're usually stuck with it. These dealers disappear as soon as they have your money. If buying online, look for customer reviews on the quality of the products and the customer service of the dealer.
Crocodile Skin Bags Tips | CROCODILE SKIN BAGS Guide
 |
Brand New JB1015 Enamel Jewelry Box Length 3.3 in. Free US Shipping | US $24.00 | 25m |
 |
BEAUTIFUL GENUINE COW LEATHER BIFOLD WITH HAND PAINT | US $11.99 | 34m |
 |
CROCODILE PATTERN IS MADE FROM COWHIDE FIT FOR 33-40 | US $9.99 | 35m |
 |
VERY NICE GENUINE ELLEPHANT PATTERN LEATHER WALLET. (MADE FROM COWHIDE) | US $8.99 | 36m |
 |
BIKER & TRUCKER LOVELY GENUINE COW LEATHER BEAUTIFUL BIFOLD FOR YOU | US $13.99 | 38m |
 |
NICE ONE!! Genuine CowHide Lady Wallet Purse | US $13.99 | 38m |
 |
BIKER / TRUCKER CLUTCH WALLET GENUINE COW LEATHER BEAUTIFUL BIFOLD FOR YOU | US $13.99 | 40m |
 |
SEA SNAKE LEATHER SKIN BIFILD WALLET FOR LADY.., | US $22.99 | 42m |
 |
MaxxNewYork Animal Print Barrel Bag Patchwrk w/ Croc&SnakeSkin & Leopard FauxFur | US $9.99 | 43m |
 |
Brand New PILGRIM SKANDERBORG, DENMARK 5.1 CTW Amethyst Earrings Weight 6.5g. | US $23.00 | 47m |
 |
WHITE CROCODILE LEATHER FLIP CASE COVER SKIN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S2 SII I9100 | US $10.04 | 1h 1m |
 |
BEAUTIFUL GENUINE COW LEATHER BIFOLD WITH HAND PAINT | US $11.99 | 1h 6m |
 |
Genuine Crocodile Pattern Leather BiFold Men 'sWallet. BLACK | US $13.99 | 1h 7m |
 |
LOVELY GENUINE COW LEATHER BEAUTIFUL BIFOLD FOR YOU... | US $22.99 | 1h 8m |
 |
New 0.5 CTW Peridot Sterling Silver Ring Size 6.5 Weight 2.8g. Free US Shipping | US $19.00 | 1h 11m |
 |
New HELLO KITTY CT7104L/03 Leather Ladies Watch Length 34 in. Free US Shipping | US $68.00 | 1h 11m |
 |
RARE HERMES KELLY CUT CLUTCH BAG BOUGAINVILLIER CROC | US $25,000.00 | 1h 13m |
 |
RARE HERMES KELLY POCHETTE CLUTCH BAG CROC MATT PELOUSE | US $18,000.00 | 1h 13m |
 |
RARE HERMES KELLY BAG 32CM RARE MATTE MIEL CROC POROSUS | US $28,500.00 | 1h 13m |
 |
RARE HERMES BIRKIN BAG 35CM BLUE INDIGO CROC POROSUS NW | US $64,999.00 | 1h 14m |
 |
Brand New JB1049 Enamel Jewelry Box Free US Shipping | US $24.00 | 1h 17m |
 |
Brand New 3 CTW Chalcedony Sterling Silver Earrings Length 36.5 mm. Weight 7.5g. | US $25.00 | 1h 26m |
 |
Brand New JB1065 Enamel Jewelry Box Length 2.3 in. Free US Shipping | US $24.00 | 1h 35m |
 |
VINTAGE GENUINE BLACK CROCODILE HANDBAG DATES 40'S / 50'S GORGEOUS!!! | US $84.13 | 1h 47m |
 |
VINTAGE Italian Brown CROCODILE SKIN SHOULDER BAG Handbag TOTE Purse | US $220.00 | 1h 57m |
 |
RARE! LEDERER DE PARIS TAN/KHAKI CROCODILE TRAVEL CASE HANDBAG COLLECTORS ITEM! | US $1,999.99 | 1h 58m |
 |
Brand New JB1110 Enamel Jewelry Box Length 2.9 in. Free US Shipping | US $24.00 | 2h 5m |
 |
Stauer 1779 Skeleton Watch New With Tags | US $89.99 | 2h 12m |
 |
CROTON CR307991BSSK Stainless Steel Men's Watch Free US Shipping | US $51.00 | 2h 19m |
 |
Real 6 inch South African Nile Crocodile Skull Head alligator taxidermy # T-441 | US $29.00 | 2h 21m |
 |
Brand New JB1001 Enamel Jewelry Box Length 2.3 in. Free US Shipping | US $24.00 | 2h 25m |
 |
Ladies RALPH LAUREN Alligator Crocodile Snake Skin Print Stretch Pants 4 NWOT | US $9.99 | 2h 53m |
 |
Vintage Burgundy Genuine CROCODILE SKIN 60s Handbag Purse Bag with Rigid Closure | US $160.00 | 3h 1m |
 |
VINTAGE Italian Tan CROCODILE SKIN Shoulder Bag MESSENGER Purse Signed IMPERIALE | US $120.00 | 3h 2m |
 |
BLACK CROCODILE HARD LEATHER Case Skin Pouch Accessory For iPhone 4 4G 4S 4GS 4G | US $6.81 | 3h 10m |
 |
WHITE CROCODILE LEATHER FLIP CASE COVER SKIN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S2 SII I9100 | US $10.04 | 3h 11m |
 |
GUCCI Italian VINTAGE Brown CROCODILE SKIN Messenger SHOULDER BAG Handbag PURSE | US $650.00 | 3h 19m |
 |
Crocodile PU Leather Case Cover For iPhone 4 4G Brown | US $.99 | 3h 23m |
 |
Purple Crocodile Skin PU Leather Case Cover Stand For Apple iPad 2 | US $.99 | 4h 37m |
 |
BLACK CROCODILE HARD LEATHER Case Skin Pouch Accessory For iPhone 4 4G 4S 4GS 4G | US $6.81 | 4h 57m |
 |
20mm Crocodile Leather Black Watch Strap Band s1372 | US $10.50 | 5h 1m |
 |
20mm.Crocodile Leather L.Brown Watch Strap Band s1373 | US $16.50 | 5h 5m |
 |
Real 17-3/4 inch Alligator skull from a 10 foot Gator head bone reptile # A-390 | US $48.08 | 5h 9m |
 |
Dried crocodile blood 100 Capsules Brand : WANI THAI | US $79.99 | 5h 11m |
 |
Croc BLACK Bonded Leather Belt Gold-Tone Buckle sz 44 | US $19.95 | 5h 14m |
 |
Pink Crocodile Biker Wallet w/chain Made in Texas | US $39.45 | 5h 51m |
 |
Crocodile Skin Key Chain Handmade in TX | US $9.95 | 5h 51m |
 |
35mm Purple Crocodile Skin Pattern Fashion Brand Bangle | US $1.57 | 5h 54m |
 |
Purple Crocodile Skin PU Leather Case Cover Stand For Apple iPad 2 | US $.99 | 6h 4m |
 |
TOP QUALITY LEATHER AUTOMATIC DOUBLE WATCH WINDER BOX PI-E eyu-f | US $69.98 | 6h 19m |
 |
14 PC MIXED LOT JP LIZZY DIAPER BAG CARTERS JACKET COAT 3 6 9 MOS ~ GREAT GIFTS | US $49.95 | 6h 23m |
 |
6 PC MIXED LOT JP LIZZY DIAPER BAG DISNEY POOH 3 6 MOS ~~ GREAT GIFT | US $44.95 | 6h 27m |
 |
NEW DESIGNER ALLIGATOR PURSE WITH TAGS, shoulder bag, Small, Liz Claiborne | US $17.99 | 6h 42m |
 |
BLACK CROCODILE HARD LEATHER Case Skin Pouch Accessory For iPhone 4 4G 4S 4GS 4G | US $6.81 | 6h 46m |
 |
Lucille de Paris, Tegu Lizard Handbag, Creamy White, Vintage 60's | US $400.00 | 6h 49m |
 |
BLACK CROCODILE HARD LEATHER Case Skin Pouch Accessory For iPhone 4 4G 4S 4GS 4G | US $6.81 | 6h 50m |
 |
MILLENNIUM SUPER CD+G KARAOKE VOL.1 & 2 1815 Songs "THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION" | US $99.99 | 7h 4m |
 |
WHITE CROCODILE LEATHER FLIP CASE COVER SKIN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S2 SII I9100 | US $10.04 | 7h 14m |
 |
Purple Crocodile Skin PU Leather Case Cover Stand For Apple iPad 2 | US $.99 | 7h 17m |
 |
CROCODILE ALLIGATOR STITCH BROWN PASSPORT HOLDER WALLET | US $89.00 | 7h 21m |