As much as I possibly can, I use solid brass hardware. Specifically, all belts, key chains, and camera straps have solid hardware.
Inexpensive hardware tends to be made out of aluminum and zinc. Solid brass (and stainless steel) are both heavier and more durable materials. Solid brass also has a natural wear and patina process, unlike stainless steel.
Solid brass is also more malleable, so it will tend to bend, rather than break. This is ideal, specifically in my camera straps, where the brass Chicago screws secure the camera. You would much rather have an easily replaceable screw top bend out of shape than snap in two potentially causing a disaster.