Skin Category: Crocodilian Species - Alligator, Crocodile & Caiman

The crocodilian species is by far the most ancient of the reptiles. Crocodyloformes (the group encompassing crocodilians and other similar but extinct reptiles) evolved during the Triassic Period, about 245 million years ago. Crocodilians (a group which includes alligators, crocodiles, gharials or gavials, and caiman) appeared during the Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago, towards the end of the Mesozoic Era, the Age of Reptiles. The Crocodilian species currently encompasses 23 species.

ALL alligator products produced today come from the American Alligator (no longer endangered since the conservation initiatives from 1967 to 1987 when they were removed from the list), found only in the Southeastern United States. The only other alligator species within the Crocodilian species is the Chinese Alligator, which is critically endangered.

The most coveted crocodilian skins come from the largest of all living reptiles - Crocodile Porosus (Saltwater Crocodiles or "Salties"), found throughout Southeast Asia and Australia. The commercial value of Crocodile Porosus hide is very high (the most valuable of any crocodile species), due to the size and shape of the belly scales, and the lack of ventral osteoderms which otherwise make tanning difficult - osteoderms are restricted to the back and a small nuchal cluster on the neck. Many of the top brand designers (e.g., Hermes) use this gorgeous and expensive skin.

There are a number of dealers that will call any crocodile skin Porosus to purposefully charge higher prices. You can determine genuine porosus crocodile by understanding that Porosus Crocodile scales on the flanks (sides) are more oval in shape than other species, although belly scales are rectangular, even, tight, and relatively small. For the best example of this skin, simply look at an Hermes Crocodile Birkin bag - all are done in Crocodile Porosus.

Alligator and crocodile products are also designed with a variety of skin types and finishes. We have developed this visual guide below from some of the skins within our collection to help you with your buying decisions, so that you can understand the difference within the species, as well as how they are tanned/finished. To understand the differences between alligator and crocodiles, be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.

One of the most common misperceptions is that alligator/crocodile skin is a "delicate" exotic leather, when, In fact, it is one of the most durable leathers available.

Skin Category: Snake

Snakes are the most modern of reptiles, first appearing in the fossil record during the time of the dinosaurs. It is thought that they evolved from ground dwelling or burrowing lizards that exploited the survival advantages to be found in a cylindrical, legless body. They gave up external ears and developed clear scales to shield their ever-open eyes from dust and damage. They evolved elongated internal organs, specialized muscles and resilient, scaled skins of varied pattern and color that provided camouflage and some limited protection from predators and the elements. Snakes - prominent figures in the religions, customs and folklore of people throughout the world for centuries - are incredibly successful, unique and remarkable animals, well deserving of our respect and admiration.

There are various types of snakes within this species, however, the most common snake skins used in handbags and accessories include cobra, karung, and python. For visual reference, we have included below examples of some of the skin types from our collection.

Skin Category: Lizard

Tegu Lizard - Natural	Tegu Lizard - Dyed Green	Lizard
Crocodile Skink Lizard	Lizard - Dyed Red	Monitor (Ring) Lizard

Skin Category: Other Exotic Skins & Hides

Frog/Toad	Ocelot	Ostrich Leg
Anteater	Zebra	Turtle
Jaguar	Elephant	Ostrich - Full Quill

These are just a few examples of the variety of skins and hides available in our collection. We developed this overview to provide you with some general visual insight into the types of skins available. It is important to remember that exotic skins/hides, will vary in textures, patterns, and markings, depending on the individual hide, as well as the area of the hide that was used in the manufacture of the item.