Ruffle Handbag

• Alligator Caiman Crocodylus Chiapasius skin leather
• Flap closure
• Two Interior side pocket
• Fine textile lining with patch zipper pocket
• 40″ shoulder drop chain
• Smooth leather lining
• Available Black and Brown (shwon)
• 11 3/4 ” x 7 1/2″ x 2 “
• Made in Granada
• SALE PRICE $395.00

Caimans belong to the same family as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis); they’re more distantly related to crocodiles, which belong to a separate family under the order Crocodylia.

The spectacled caiman is found throughout Central and South America, while the American alligator is confined to the southeastern portion of the United States. The other most noticeable difference is size, as male caimans rarely exceed 7 feet in length; alligators, by contrast, regularly grow to double that size. Other distinctions are more subtle, such as the caiman’s slightly pointier head and shorter tail.

The easiest way for laypersons to differentiate caimans and alligators from crocodiles is to examine snout shape.

Crocodiles tend to have V-shaped noses, while those of caimans and alligators are more rounded and resemble U’s. Also, the upper and lower jaws on crocodiles are of approximately equal length, so the razor-sharp fourth tooth on the lower jaw usually juts out menacingly. The upper jaws on caimans and alligators are oversized, so their bottom teeth get covered up when their mouths are closed.

Alligators have valves in their ears and nostrils to keep water out. Because their mouths lack lips and thus do not shut completely, two flaps cover the gullet and windpipe during dives. Its rear legs are longer than its front legs and each foot has four toes ending in claws.

In the United States, alligators grow larger than crocodiles. Adults usually range from 6-12 feet in length, but the maximum is more than 19 feet. A full grown male may weigh up to 1200 pounds, while the female is slightly smaller. Caiman can live between 35 and 40 years in captivity. They also grow about a foot per year until reaching maturity between the ages of 4 to 7.

Once considered an endangered species, the American alligator, under state and federal protection, has made a comeback. Alligators were hunted extensively for their hides and meat before they were protected.

Never use household chemicals, alcohol, or other solvents to clean your alligator leather. Remember that the burnished classic finish on alligator is very fragile in reference to solvents, cleaners and conditioners commonly used for some other types of leather. These harsh conditioning products may destroy the finish on alligator.

Alligator leather is one of the most beautiful and durable of the luxurious exotic leathers and with a little care should last several years. Without proper care, the flexibility durability and overall appearance of alligator leather will diminish drastically with time. While neutral shoe polish will enhance the shine, with normal use, some of the oils that tanners put into the leather will disappear. These oils and compounds must be replaced periodically, in order to maintain a like new quality leather product. Search the exotic leather shops and department stores in your area for a leather conditioner that is recommended for alligator and replenishes these oils and adds water resistant and stain resistant qualities. Belts should be treated on both sides at least two times a year. Wallets and other products that are compressed should have a monthly application. If the compartments tend to stick together, try to lightly sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the offending parts. A little baby powder sprinkled on the inside of a purse or other leather products that stay closed and are dry, can do wonders for the aroma.

Application

Always test anything that you apply to the leather on a hidden or inconspicuous surface before treating the entire product . Pay particular attention to the color, as some conditioners tend to make finishes less glossy or darker in color. Apply the conditioner following the manufacturers instructions.

We want you to use and enjoy our products for several years and the above information should help.