Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our leather, your personalization, and getting your order to your door. If your question isn't answered here, write to us at info@koesse.com — we read every message.

THE LEATHER

What is koesse leather, exactly?

Genuine calfskin, sourced from premium US tanneries. Not bonded leather, not coated microfiber, not vegan alternatives. Every case and keychain is cut, shaped, and finished by hand in our atelier, drawing on more than twenty years of leatherworking practice.

Why does that matter?

Real calfskin ages. It takes on the shape of your hand, deepens in color where it is touched most, and develops a patina no synthetic can imitate. A piece you carry daily will look better in two years than it did on the day it arrived.

Will the color change over time?

Yes, and that is the point. Lighter shades — Gold, Pink, Orange — show their character soonest. Black and Navy shift more slowly and more subtly. None of this is a defect; it is what distinguishes leather from plastic.

Which colors do you make?

Maroon, Brown, Red, Navy, Pink, Black, Orange, and Gold, across both iPhone cases and keychains. Individual colors occasionally run out while we cut a new hide — if the shade you want is unavailable, email us, and we will tell you when it returns.

PERSONALIZATION

What does "free personalization" include?

Your choice of initials, a zodiac symbol, or a decorative charm, applied at no additional cost. Most brands treat monogramming as an upsell. We consider it part of the piece.

How many letters can I add?

Up to three letters or symbols are included at no cost — initials, a zodiac sign, a charm, or any combination. Beyond three, each additional letter or symbol is $5 and can be added to your cart on the product page.

What are the letters and symbols made from?

Aluminum, cut and finished for each piece. It is light enough that it adds no meaningful weight to your phone, and unlike plated hardware, there is no coating to chip away and reveal a different metal underneath. Aluminum does not rust or tarnish, so the finish you receive is the finish you keep. Still, avoid perfume, alcohol-based products, hand cream, and household cleaners — these can mark the surface unevenly.

Are the letters permanent, or can I rearrange them?

Removable. Every letter, symbol, and charm can be taken off and repositioned as often as you like — change the arrangement, swap initials, or move a charm to a different corner. One case, as many configurations as you want.

Can I order a gift without knowing the recipient's initials?

Yes — leave the personalization blank at checkout, and we will send the piece unmarked. Every order arrives in koesse gift packaging, and you can add a handwritten gift note at checkout at no charge. Tell us what to write, and we will do the rest.

Can I see a preview before you make it?

Not currently, but our product photography shows every letter placement at full size. If you would like reassurance before we cut, email your requested initials to info@koesse.com, and we will confirm the layout.

IPHONE FIT

Which models do you make cases for?

Every iPhone from the 11 through the 17 series, including Pro, Pro Max, Plus, and Air variants — twenty-five models in all. Select yours from the Model menu on any case listing.

How precise is the fit?

Each case is cut to a single model's dimensions. An iPhone 15 Pro case will not fit an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Please confirm your model before ordering — you will find it in Settings › General › About.

Are your cases MagSafe compatible?

No. Genuine calfskin at the thickness we use sits too far from the phone for magnetic accessories to align reliably, and we would rather build the case from proper leather than thin it down to accommodate a magnet. Standard wireless charging pads work normally — set the phone on the pad as usual.

Do the cases cover the screen?

No. These are back-and-side cases, shaped to protect the body of the phone while leaving the display and all buttons and ports fully accessible.

MAKING & SHIPPING

When will my order ship?

Personalized pieces are made to order, and we work fast — your piece leaves the atelier within one business day. Transit within the United States takes a further 3–5 days, so most orders arrive within a week of being placed.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship worldwide. Delivery times outside the United States vary by destination and are shown at checkout, along with the cost. Any customs duties or import taxes charged by your country are the recipient's responsibility — these are set by your local authorities, and we have no way to calculate or collect them in advance.

What does shipping cost?

Shipping is free on all United States orders, with no minimum. International rates are calculated at checkout based on your destination.

How do I track my order?

A tracking number reaches you by email the moment your parcel leaves us — usually within one business day of ordering. If nothing has arrived within two business days, check your spam folder and then write to us.

I entered the wrong address. Can you fix it?

If we have not yet shipped, yes — email us immediately with your order number. Once a parcel is with the carrier, we cannot redirect it.

RETURNS

What is your return policy?

Unworn, unused pieces may be returned within 30 days of delivery, in original condition and packaging.

Can personalized items be returned?

Yes — and this is unusual, so it is worth stating plainly. Because our letters and symbols detach, personalization does not permanently alter the case. Remove the letters, return the piece unworn within 30 days, and it is treated like any other return. Most personalized leather goods are final sale. Ours are not.

Do you offer exchanges?

Return the original piece and place a new order — that way your replacement enters production immediately rather than waiting for your return to reach us.

Who pays return shipping?

Return shipping is the customer's responsibility, unless the piece arrived damaged or we sent the wrong item — in those cases we cover it. We recommend a tracked service, as we can only refund returns that reach us.

How long do refunds take?

Once your return arrives and passes inspection, we process the refund within one business day and email you confirmation. Your bank may take several more days to display it.

My piece arrived damaged, or it isn't what I ordered.

Email us within 7 days of delivery with photographs and your order number. We will make it right — a replacement, a repair, or a full refund, whichever you prefer.

CARE

How do I look after my leather?

Wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Keep it out of standing water and away from prolonged direct sun. Do not use household cleaners, alcohol wipes, or leather products containing solvents. Scuffs on calfskin can often be worked out with a fingertip and a little warmth.

Can I repair a piece I've had for years?

Write to us. We made it, and we would rather restore it than see it discarded.