Where Does cork come from?
The best cork is harvested in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, primarily Portugal.

Harvested?
Cork grows much like a bark on trees. It must be pealed off the trees in sheets by skilled workers.

Does harvesting the cork damage the trees?
When the cork is mature it begins a "natural release." In other words it begins to naturally separate from the tree. In a centuries old process, workers assist in the release by harvesting the cork and leaving behind a healthy tree which will begin the process all over again. In order to insure that the trees are healthy, the first, initial harvesting of the cork does not occur until the tree is 25 to 35 years of age depending on climate conditions.

Is the cork harvested each year?
No. The cork is only harvested every 7 to 10 years as it matures. Early harvesting tends to be a lower quality cork suitable for bottle stoppers or wall cork boards. Only the most mature, higher quality cork can be used in the fashion industry. The cork used in fashions is, in fact, the top 1% of the cork quality. After harvesting, cork is sliced into sheets similar to leather hides. Unlike cheaper lower quality, less mature, early harvest cork, this fashion cork is highly flexible thereby making it easy to sew and fabricate into fashion accessories.

How do I care for my cork accessory?
Unlike its natural cousin, leather, cork does not need to be conditioned. It is easily cleaned by simply taking the accessory to the sink and, using a clean cloth, gently rubbing a little liquid soap and water on a dirty spot and then remove any excess soap with a damp cloth. Next, allow the item to dry naturally.

Something we bet you didn't know...
Cork is three dimensionally layered. Underneath the light color seen on the surface is a darker, brown or black, tar-like layer. Gradually, over a long period of time as the item is used, more of the inner tar becomes visible and the accessory changes its color appearance. Itıs a fashion chameleon.

But it can't be durable, can it?

Why not? While perhaps not as durable as cowhide, it is easily on par with eelskin, snakeskin and yes even lambskin as well as other medium durable leathers. Donıt sell cork accessories short on durability. Remember, you slowly expose the under layers in much the same way you wear through any leather or other non leather product.