Precautions Before Purchase

Returns or Exchanges Are Not Available for Natural Leather Color Variations

We occasionally hear that an Etoupe shade looks different from one seen in a boutique or from a piece already in a customer’s collection.

Leather color can vary slightly from one piece to another.

For anyone unfamiliar with this, here is why.

Even within the same Gold or Etoupe color, each hide can show subtle differences.

Leather is dyed in large drums,

and natural differences in position, absorption and hide condition can result in slightly different tones.

Some hides appear lighter or deeper, while others may show more or less warmth in the undertone.

Color also presents differently depending on the type of leather.

Please keep these natural variations in mind.

Epsom and Swift tend to show relatively little variation from hide to hide,

while Togo and Negonda can show more noticeable differences in grain and texture.

(All reference photos show authentic Hermès pieces.)

Larger grain with a more pronounced surface texture

Smaller grain with a smoother appearance

Smaller grain with a slightly more textured surface

A hide with clearly defined grain

A smoother hide with very subtle grain

A hide where the surface grain appears softer or less pronounced

Even, consistent grain with relatively low volume

Even, consistent grain with moderate volume

Hermès bags are not uniform, mass-produced plastic goods;

They are handcrafted leather goods.

Just as no two people have identical skin,

every hide has its own natural characteristics.

A more textured or smoother surface is not, by itself, a reliable indicator of authenticity or quality.

Please keep in mind that natural leather does not follow a single uniform grain standard.

Even when the same stamping die is used,

the result can vary slightly depending on the condition of the leather

and the pressure applied during stamping.

All of the reference examples are authentic, and you can see that the stamping varies from piece to piece.

Our stamping dies are produced to precise dimensions and applied using the same process each time.

Small differences between individual examples are therefore normal.

Please enjoy your piece without concern over these natural variations.