Whether you are buying your first ever Chanel or are expanding your collection, it is always an exciting time. Chanel has a number of classic colorways that are repeated season after season, as well as limited-edition hues that may only be produced for a short period of time.
As well as colorways, there is the hardware to take into consideration. Although this could seem like an afterthought, it is equally as important in order to be satisfied with your purchase.
Whether you are looking to buy a Chanel Classic Flap or a Boy Bag, keep reading to know what your options are.
Chanel Hardware Options
The material, color, and hardware options change from season to season. It's hard to predict if Chanel will make a specific combination, but there are definitely some patterns when it comes to hardware usage.
For example, the Chanel Boy Bags generally have a more industrial feel, so the hardware of choice is often antique gold or ruthenium. However, for many of the other styles, it simply depends on what each season brings.
As well as the below hardware colors, we have also created a guide to Chanel fastenings & closures. Here, you'll find out about the different types of fastenings such as the Mademoiselle Lock, the CC emblem, and more.
1. Pale Gold
Chanel’s pale gold hardware is a softer, lighter take on the classic shiny gold hardware. You will often find it on the maison’s cream or metallic accessories.
2. Antique Gold
While you will also see shiny hardware on Chanel Boy Bags, the classic hardware is generally the antique gold or ruthenium genre.
3. Shiny Gold
The shiny gold hardware is a popular choice on a black Classic Flap. It is one of the best-known finishes and prior to 2008, the shiny gold hardware on the Classic Flap was made with 24-karat gold plating. This hardware has a super rich golden tone and is highly covetable among vintage Chanel lovers.
4. Brushed Gold
A more toned-down gold color, the brushed gold metal is often seen in combination with Chanel’s pastel-hued bags.
5. Shiny Silver
If you prefer silver to gold, luckily there is a shiny silver hardware option. The high-shine hardware is typically paired with rich jewel-toned bags.
6. Ruthenium
Ruthenium is silver’s answer to antique gold, with a slightly gunmetal effect. Just like antique gold, ruthenium is usually the hardware of choice on Boy Bags.
7. So Black
If you prefer an all-black look, Chanel’s So Black handbags are made with black ruthenium hardware to match the jet-black leather.
8. Enamel/Plexiglass
For a tonal look, Chanel uses enamel and/or plexiglass to create colorful hardware .
9. Iridescent
Chanel released iridescent Boy Bags in 2016, which featured oil slick-effect hardware. This hardware has been featured on not only Boy Bags but Classic Flaps as well, particularly on colorful and metallic styles.
Has Chanel Changed Its Gold Hardware?
You may have heard that at some point in recent history Chanel changed its gold hardware. The maison used to use 24k gold hardware, but this was discontinued in the later half of 2008.
From the 1950s into the 1990s, Chanel predominantly used solid gold hardware. This started to get fazed out and the brand has used gold-plating as an alternative ever since.
How To Know Chanel Hardware Is Real?
If you are ever doubting the legitimacy of your Chanel handbag, pay close attention to the hardware. The hardware should feel heavy and sturdy, if it is too light that could be a sign to get your Chanel handbag checked for authenticity.
If you bought your Chanel bag from the resale market, check that the hardware isn’t peeling. Chanel hardware is not bulletproof, and it can certainly get scratched, but if it looks as though there is a top layer peeling then that should set off some alarm bells.
Where To Buy Authenticated Chanel Bags?
For authenticated luxury, including Chanel bags, myGemma is the go-to for pre-owned designer accessories. Boasting a wide selection of bags, jewelry, watches, and accessories, there is something to suit different needs and budgets.
Thanks to myGemma’s in-house team of expert authenticators, each and every item is assessed and deemed authentic before becoming available on the website or app. We guarantee authenticity or your money back.
As one of the top-tier luxury brands, Chanel experiences frequent price hikes, making the resale market more appealing than ever. It is also the sustainable choice, giving items a new lease on life.
Want to visit myGemma IRL? Make an appointment to visit our NYC showroom.
How To Sell Chanel Bags Online?
Is your Chanel bag gathering dust? Consider making a sale, making space in your collection for the things you really love and putting money in your wallet.
The selling journey is created to be as seamless as possible. All you have to do to get started is fill out the online and a member of the team will be in touch with a quote. From price to payment it can take as little as 24 hours.
There are no hidden fees and no middleman involved. The price you are offered is the amount you receive.
