Ostrich Leather Handbags

!±8± Ostrich Leather Handbags

Ostrich leather handbags are some of the softest, most refined and exquisite accessories in the world. Originally used to make ostrich leather boots, designers have adapted this beautiful textile for purses, wallets, belts and countless other apparel. Owning ostrich leather handbags carries with it a certain responsibility to maintain its quality and appearance, ensuring it stays gorgeous for years, if not generations to come. Understanding ostrich leather is essential to knowing how to care for it, as well as being able to recognize authentic and premium products when shopping.

The premium strain ostrich leather is called African Black, which originates from South Africa. The ostrich is indigenous to the savannahs of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, although recent efforts to transplant ostrich farms to the United States have been successful. It was in its natural habitat that the first ostrich ranches were started, supplying a steady demand for the animal's feathers for use in well-to-do ladies' hats during the early 1900's. Supply was dramatically restricted through trade sanctions against South Africa during the Apartheid era, increasing the value of the animal's hide and feathers.

Processing starts with the careful skinning and fleshing of the ostrich hide.
Once the skin and fats have been removed, a thorough cleaning is completed to remove bacteria and blood from the surface.
Next, the skin is soaked in a highly saline salt brine that is intended to preserve and protect it from rotting during shipment to the tanneries.
The tanning of ostrich skins is a rare and highly specialized skill that, to date, is carried out exclusively by long-established tanneries in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As a result, the quality of premium ostrich leather on the market is quite high. But due to the highly skilled labor invested in the processing stage, the cost matches the quality.
There are, however, low-grade and even imitation ostrich leathers on the market, so watch out for the following features when shopping for authentic ostrich leather handbags.
Full quill is the most desirable type of ostrich leather. This is when the bag is completely covered in the bird's quills, both front and back. It's acceptable for full quill ostrich leather handbags to have smooth leather on the trim and handles, so don't be alarmed if your bag doesn't have them in these parts.
A half quill purse is when the quill pattern is located only on the front of the bag and not on the back. Although the purse is still made with high quality ostrich leather, even from the same bird perhaps, the cost and value of the product will not be as high as a full quill. This is a good opportunity to buy a high quality handbag at a lower price than what the full quill would fetch.
The quill comes from a part of the ostrich known as the crown. This a raised area located on the back of the bird where the neck meets the body. It's characterized by its distinct quill pattern. Quills are feather follicles that held the giant bird's feathers in place.
On both sides of the crown, there's a very smooth section that is also used in the assembly of ostrich handbags. The quill, or crown, only accounts for approximately 30% of the total area of a single skin.
Since the crown is the most desirable part of the skin, and because there is so little of it available, it makes the quill leather that much more valuable.
The cost of full quill ostrich leather handbags starts in the thousands. Therefore, the first sign of authentic ostrich leather is price.
There are other things to consider when evaluating the quality of ostrich leather handbags. There are blemishes and imperfections that can reduce the purity, therefore the value, of an ostrich purse. These blemishes do not indicate authenticity. They're natural imperfections that were incurred during the bird's life.
Scratching and scarring can occur. Don't forget we're dealing with ostriches here. Large, flightless birds that are known for reaching extremely high rates of speed when running.
Tick bites are also common, as the animals live out on free range ranches.
Skin thickness and softness depend on the maturity of the bird during harvest. Older birds have a thicker skin, but a denser quill, while younger ones have a softer texture with a more dispersed quill pattern.
Discolorations in the leather are usually a reflection of the bird's nutrition during life. A healthy ostrich will have an even tone, full of natural oils and pliability.
If you're in the market for a high quality ostrich leather handbag, be sure to take a close look at the quill pattern. Watch for quill density, texture and discolorations. Also look for scarring or unusual spotting.
Remember the difference between full quill and half quill. Do the retailer's prices reflect the difference in value?
You're making a large financial investment. Take your time when shopping. Buy your ostrich leather handbags from reputable dealers who guarantee their products with open communication and risk-free shipping and return policies.