01Four product families, one principle
Accessories are assembled from components, and components have grades.
Sunglasses are a lens and a frame. Jewellery is a metal and a finish. Belts are a leather and a buckle. Scarves are a fibre and a weave. In each case the component has a specification that can be named, and in each case the budget version of that component fails in a predictable way.
Because these are small, light items, they are also some of the cheapest things to ship — which makes them a sensible first order for anyone learning the flow, as noted in the agent guide.
02Sunglasses
| Specification | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| UV rating | UV400 | Blocks up to 400nm, covering UVA and UVB. Dark lenses without it are worse than nothing |
| Polarisation | Polarised or not, stated separately | Cuts reflected glare. Independent of UV protection, not a substitute for it |
| Frame material | Acetate, TR90, injected plastic, metal | Acetate is dense and holds adjustments; injected frames are lighter and cheaper |
| Lens material | CR-39, polycarbonate, glass | Polycarbonate is impact resistant; glass is optically cleanest and heaviest |
| Spring hinges | Present or not | The first part to fail on a cheap pair |
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03Jewellery
| Base metal | Properties | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 925 silver | 92.5% silver, alloyed for hardness | Tarnishes over time and can be polished; the standard for fine silver |
| Stainless steel | Does not tarnish, harder | Best value for everyday wear; cannot be resized easily |
| Titanium | Light, hypoallergenic | Hard to work, so finishes are plainer and prices higher |
| Brass / alloy | Cheap base for plating | Only as good as the plating; reacts with skin when plating wears |
Plating is measured in microns. Under one micron wears through quickly on a ring or bracelet, which is why so many plated pieces turn the finger green within months. One to three microns is reasonable for occasional wear. Ask for the number.
Stones. Crystal and cubic zirconia are glass-like and inexpensive; moissanite is a harder synthetic with more sparkle; lab-grown stones sit near natural ones in price. These are all legitimate products, and each is a different price bracket. Ask which one, rather than accepting a photograph.
04Belts, scarves and small leather goods
- Belt leather. The same grades apply as with bags: full-grain is what you want, top-grain is acceptable, bonded leather cracks at the fold points. A belt made of bonded leather usually fails around the buckle within a year.
- Belt construction. Ask whether the leather layer is stitched or glued to the backing, and whether the buckle is stitched or riveted through. A stitched-through buckle can be replaced; a riveted one cannot.
- Scarves and textiles. Ask for the fibre composition and the weight in grams per square metre, exactly as you would for a t-shirt. Cashmere content is one of the most commonly overstated figures in the category.
- Hardware finishes. Electroplated buckles and clasps discolour with use. Solid brass or stainless is the honest alternative.
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05Spec sheet and QC
Send the seller: the named specification from the tables above, the exact dimensions in millimetres or centimetres, and the finish or colour described by reference to a photo rather than a word.
In the QC photos:
- Sunglasses: lenses against a light source, hinge detail, and the frame from the front
- Jewellery: the clasp or closure, the hallmark or stamp, and a close-up of the finish
- Belts: the buckle attachment, the cut edge of the leather, and the belt next to a tape
- Textiles: the fibre content label and the weave in close-up
06Questions people actually ask
What does UV400 mean?
That the lens blocks wavelengths up to 400 nanometres, which covers essentially all UVA and UVB. Dark lenses without UV protection are worse than no sunglasses, because the dilated pupil admits more ultraviolet light.
Is polarised the same as UV protection?
No. Polarisation reduces glare from water, snow and roads; UV protection is about ultraviolet wavelengths. A lens can be polarised and still under-protect, so ask for both figures.
What is 925 silver?
92.5 percent silver alloyed with copper for hardness, the standard for fine silver jewellery. Stainless steel is the tarnish-free and cheaper alternative; titanium is lighter and hypoallergenic.
How long does gold plating last?
It depends on thickness in microns. Under one micron wears through quickly; one to three is reasonable for light wear. Ask for the number rather than the phrase gold plated.
Are accessories worth ordering as a first purchase?
Yes. They are light and small, so shipping stays predictable, and the specification questions are simple. It is a low-risk way to learn how the process works before ordering anything heavy.
See what is actually available. Accessories sit in the catalogue alongside bags, watches and footwear.
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