Ever wonder what exactly is the Deltana Crown Lifetime Finish?
Here's a layman explanation that may help. 
The industry name for this type of plating process is PVD.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Physical vapor deposition methods are clean, dry vacuum deposition methods in which the coating is deposited over the entire object simultaneously, rather than in localized areas. All reactive PVD hard coating processes combine:
            * A method for depositing the metal
            * Combination with an active gas, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or methane
            * Plasma bombardment of the substrate to ensure a dense, hard coating.

PVD methods differ in the means for producing the metal vapor and the details of plasma creation. The primary PVD methods are ion plating, ion implantation, sputtering, and laser surface alloying.

Deltana hinges are ion plated which means that the finish is embedded into the plating on a molecular level with a titanium allow substrate.  Deltana Crown Lifetime Finish has been tested successfully even in the most severe conditions. (We submerged a hinge in saltwater for three months without any oxidation!)  The only way to kill it would be to saw through the plating to the core metal, but that would be cruel and unusual ;-)

Please also note that our Lifetime finials, and screws are also PVD processed and our hinge pin inside the barrel is made of quality stainless steel.  This makes it virtually impossible to tarnish or rust.  Of course the Deltana Crown Lifetime finish is featured exclusively on our solid brass products in polished brass tone and is premium alternative to the traditional US3 bright brass finish.