What does the "vintage-finish plating" mentioned in the description mean?

MARGESHERWOOD's hardware notice is divided into two parts. One is that individual items already vary when purchased, and the other is that they change during use.

The former is where the expression "vintage finish" is attached. Products featuring this plating treatment—such as RIBBON POCHETTE LARGE's mauve pull-up or HEART CHARM's milk brown suede—can have slightly different plating from piece to piece, and the brand does not consider this a defect^[1][2]. Generally, plating is a process of applying a thin layer of another metal onto a metal surface; with a vintage finish, the surface is intentionally finished non-uniformly, making variations in how the color sets likely to occur.

The latter is a matter of time. Hardware finished with plating, including studs, may lose its gloss, get scratched, or discolor over time; this is likewise not considered a defect, and repair service is not available^[3][4][5]. Plating layers are thin, so it is common for them to wear down or react from friction, sweat, or perfume and cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, wiping the surface once with a soft dry cloth after use, keeping it away from humid places, and storing it without colliding with other metals will help slow down such changes.

hmmm, even with the same phrase "not a defect," the weight of the two notices differs — the former means not to be surprised upon receipt, while the latter is closer to a forewarning that it cannot be restored even if it changes later.