Materials Guide - KORTONS

Material Standards

At KORTONS®, material selection is governed by performance, integrity, and longevity. Precious metals are chosen not for appearance alone, but for their structural reliability, wear resistance, and ability to maintain finish over time and use.
Each metal used by the house is evaluated according to measurable standards, including density, hardness, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with precision forming. Specifications are maintained to ensure consistency across production and to support long-term functionality in footwear applications.
This page outlines the material standards that guide every component produced by KORTONS®.
Precious Metal Eyelets & Aglets
Platinum represents the highest metal standard offered by KORTONS for its exclusive three-dimensional eyelets. Formulated with 95% platinum and 5% ruthenium, this alloy delivers exceptional durability, refined strength, and a naturally luminous finish, embodying elevated distinction and enduring class.
Gold is presented as a premium standard within the KORTONS metal collection and is available in rose, yellow, and white variations. Offered in 14-karat and 18-karat grades, gold serves as a distinguished alternative within our highest-quality metal series, crafted to professional luxury specifications.
Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver, alloyed for enhanced durability and finished with a range of refined surface treatments. This metal offers a polished, professional aesthetic while maintaining timeless versatility.

Application Guidelines

Materials selected by KORTONS® are intended for precise footwear applications and should be installed and handled with appropriate care. Proper tooling, correct sizing, and controlled installation are essential to maintaining structural integrity and finish.
The house recommends that components be applied by experienced shoemakers, ateliers, or professionals familiar with metal hardware in footwear construction. Improper installation or alteration may compromise performance over time.
These guidelines exist to ensure that material standards are upheld from production through use.

The Principles of Precious-Metal Footwear Jewelry

Precious-metal eyelets and aglets represent a specialized intersection of fine jewelry and functional footwear construction. Eyelets protect and reinforce lace openings, requiring careful consideration of barrel length, opening dimensions, footwear material, and installation methods. Aglets finish and protect shoelace ends, with their proportions, internal openings, and attachment methods influencing compatibility and function. When crafted from platinum, gold, or sterling silver, these components introduce additional considerations involving alloy composition, hardness, weight, surface finish, and preservation. Understanding these principles establishes the foundation for appreciating precious-metal eyelets and aglets not merely as decorative accessories, but as carefully considered elements of fine footwear.

Understanding Precious-Metal Performance

Precious-metal performance is determined by more than purity alone. Alloy composition, component geometry, wall thickness, surface finishing, and manufacturing methods influence how jewelry responds to wear and mechanical stress. Platinum 950 contains 95% platinum, while 18-karat and 14-karat gold contain approximately 75% and 58.5% gold respectively. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. Each alloy presents distinct working characteristics, and no metal is entirely immune to scratching or surface changes. The suitability of a precious metal for footwear jewelry therefore depends upon both its composition and the engineering of the finished component.