As the old joke goes, if you need to ask, “How much does a Hermes Birkin bag cost?” you probably can’t afford one. However, that’s nothing to be ashamed of because they are some of the most expensive bags in the world.
The average Hermes bag price varies wildly depending on factors like the model, size, material, and condition. The most popular bags go for around $10,000 to $20,000. However, the most expensive Hermes bags in the world ever sold have fetched six and seven figure sums.
Listen to our podcast episode on the priciest Hermes pieces sold worldwide (to date):
So, let’s take a look at the most expensive Hermes bags sold at auction
20. Crocodile Exotic Skin Kelly Handbag – $50,000
This expensive Hermes handbag flaunts genuine Alligator skin. It is 12 inches long with a shimmering black colour with beautiful yellow hardware made of gold decorating it.
The skin of the bag features the unmistakable patterned alligator scales which combined with the prominent umbilical scar and square symbol near the embossed Hermes logo, gives the one yielding it a great sense of authenticity.
To include this classy handbag in your catalogue, you will be required to part with at least $ 50,000.
Image credit : Pinterest
19. BETON MATTE POROSUS CROCODILE BIRKIN 30 GOLD HARDWARE – $70,000
The Beton Matte Porosus Crocodile Birkin 30 Gold Hardware is a masterpiece. The Beton color, which is gray with a beige hue that is slightly similar to concrete, is chic and versatile. A very slightly worn version of this bag appeared at Sotheby’s in 2022 and went for $70,000.
Released in 2018, and with stunningly complimentary gold hardware, this Birkin became an instant classic. Its rarity and Porosus Crocodile skin mean it is very prized by collectors, with the patterns of the skin particularly noteworthy.
It’s one of the most expensive Hermes bags in the world ever sold, and collectors suggest that it could continue to climb in price, especially in perfect condition. The interior is made from tonal chèvre leather which enhances the overall plushness and durability of the bag.
16. Hermes Graphite Crocodile Bag – $85, 000
This design masterpiece features a graphite back which easily goes with any other colour you chose to wear.
The Porosus crocodile skin, complete with palladium hardware and the signature Hermes lock and key, highlights the expensive and exquisite look of the bag.
Just to emphasize how valuable it is, people wait in line for years to have this handbag model made for them, making it a truly valuable Hermes bag for collectors.
That Graphite Crocodile is characterized by its lush depth of color and luxurious feel. The stitching is impeccable, and the gold hardware takes the entire production to the next level.
To get yourself one of these, you will be required to part ways with not less than $85,000. There are shops on the secondary market offering the item for closer to $100,000, but you can also find a used version of the bag for $45,000, which could represent a real bargain.
17. THE OMBRE BIRKIN – $137,500
The Ombre Birkin is a rare collector’s item for many enthusiasts due to its lizard skin composition. Because of the smaller skin, this handbag typically comes in 25 centimeters.
A unique touch has lizard skin covering the lock and clochette for a mesmerizing symmetrical pattern display.
It went for an impressive $137,500 at Sotheby’s in 2022, comfortably beating the guide price of around $110,000. However, the good news for collectors is that you can get the bag for a lot less in today’s market. New, they come at around $80,000, but an older version with a bit of wear is a bargain $40,000, as much as any Hermes Birkin bag price can be considered a bargain.
16. THE METALLIC SILVER AND BRONZE CHEVRE BIRKIN 25 BIRKIN – $139,000
The Hermes Metallic Birkin was released in 2005. It comes available in two metal colors, silver and bronze. While it’s not clear how many of these bags were made, it’s estimated that the number is no more than a few hundred. What’s more, there is no waitlist for the bag; it’s only available to VIP customers. So, it’s rare, exclusive, and it looks really striking. All three of these quantities combine to make the Metallic Birkin one of the most expensive Hermes bags in the world ever sold.
A Metallic Birkin 25 from 2005 went on sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2022. The upper estimate of the predicted sale price was around $75,000. However, after some frantic bidding, this ultra-rare bag sold for around $139,000.
There are a few interesting pieces of information about this bag. Firstly, the 25 cm version sells for more than its 30 cm equivalent. Secondly, producing the metal pigmentation requires adding a huge amount of dye to the leather, which in turn
15. SHINY BLEU ROI POROSUS CROCODILE HERMES BIRKIN HANDBAG – $150,000
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The Blue Crocodile Hermes Birkin is another iconic piece that is easily one of the most expensive bags in the world. In 2018, at Christie’s London, the bag reached bids of what was then around $150,000. Interestingly, this occurred during the first dedicated handbag event at the famous auctioneers.
Part of the reason the bag went for so much is that it has 18-karat diamonds and white gold hardware. Released in 2006, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most expensive Hermes bags sold at auction.
14. Hermes Matte Birkin Crocodile – $175,000
This super expensive Birkin handbag boasts 40 cm of Black Porosus crocodile skin and a Chevre interior.
The bag’s hardware is made of yellow gold, giving it a striking contrast to matte black. The exotic skin of the bag is made by using agate to polish the spots of the ‘saltwater crocodiles’ skin to a ‘Lisse Finish’.
The clasp of the bag is 11 inches in length, adorned with 10 carats of white diamonds which leaves no question as to why this Birkin bag is so highly-priced.
Birkins in this exclusive line has sold for as much as $175,000.
13. SO BLACK BIRKIN – $208,000
In 2019, a limited edition So Black Birkin went to auction in Hong Kong. The pre-sale estimate was just over $50,000, but the bag went for $208,000 thanks to a bidding war involving buyers from 20 different countries over four continents. We’re not sure why the presale estimate was so low, considering a 2010 Hermès Matt black Niloticus crocodile So Black Birkin 30 was sold for around $176,000 in May the previous year.
The So Black Birkin was designed by French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, who was the Hermes creative director between 2003 and 2010. The bags were released in 2010, but the hardware was made from a PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating.
However, Hermes pulled the bag from distribution over concerns that the material was too delicate, which could affect the long-term wear and tear of the bag. The consequence of the recall meant the So Black Birkin was elevated to instantly collectible, pushing up the price on the limited bags that remained on the market.
12. Fuchsia Diamond-Studded Hermes Birkin – $222,000
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Back in 2015, a Fuchsia Diamond-Studded Hermes Birkin was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong for an incredible $222,000. Coming with 18ct gold hardware and sparkling diamonds, the bag was purchased over the phone. The Hermes Birkin bag price was so high that it smashed a 2011 record that was set by a red Birkin at New York’s Heritage Auctions.
The Fuchsia Diamond-Studded Birkin was made in 2011 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Birkin bag. It has fuchsia Niloticus crocodile leather and over 1,000 diamonds, which make it a must-have for any Hermès collector.
11. Faubourg Birkin – The Most Popular Limited-Edition Birkin Bag : $305 100
Another limited edition bag was sold at auction in November 2021.
A White Faubourg Sellier was sold for $305,100, making it one of the most expensive Hermes bags in the world. Very few of these bags were created, making them extremely hard to come by.
Though the Faubourg Birkin has been around for 35 years, Hermes made a few limited edition handbags that were 20cm and had a few new details that had never been seen. Only 50 of these extremely limited ( and expensive ) edition Hermes Birkin bags were created, causing their value to increase rapidly.
10. THE GRIS CENDRE DIAMOND DIAMOND HIMALAYA BIRKIN – $320,000
Christie’s auction house in Hong Kong was the scene of a 2020 sale of an ultra-rare Matte Gris Cendré Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 30 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware.
The Himalaya bag is are very rare already, but this particular version is even harder to find. The Gris Cendré is different to the white toned Himalaya bags in that it has a stunning gray skin. The addition of white gold and diamond hardware makes the 2013 produced bag a real collectors item, which was reflected in its final price at auction of $320,000.
Estimates for the auction suggested the bag would go for around $200,000. However, the rarity of the piece attracted investors, ensuring the bag went for considerably more, securing its place as one of the most expensive Hermes bags in the world ever sold.
9. Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin – $379,000
This Birkin features palladium hardware and has tonal stitching. The interior is lined with Gris Perle chevre and has one zip pocket with a Hermes engraved zipper pull and an open pocket. It fetched a price of $379,000 in its last sale.
There is a lot to love about this bag. Perhaps the most exclusive aspect is that it is made from Niloticus crocodile, which is considered to be the finest crocodile skin in the world. The particular version of the bag, which sold for $379,000, has 240 diamonds on its 18-karat-gold hardware, which partly explains why it sold for the price of a modest home.
Some owners of this style of Birkin include Victoria Beckham, various Kardashians, and Singaporean influencer Jamie Chua.
8. SNOW FAUBOURG BIRKIN – THE MOST POPULAR LIMITED-EDITION BIRKIN BAG – $400,000
The Faubourg Birkin is a limited edition bag from 2019. It is named after the brand’s iconic store in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. However, in 2021, two new versions of the bag were released. One of these, the Snow Faubourg Berkin, was sold in private for about $400,000.
The Faubourg Birkin is notable for its use of Togo leather and Matte Alligator. The design is innovative and fresh, and it depicts a storefront in reference to the brand’s store. Considered a real trophy piece by bag enthusiasts all over the world, it was no surprise that these models went for excessive sums.
Interestingly, $400,000 seems to have been about the peak price for this bag. As more Snow Faubourg’s have come on the secondary market, the prices seem to have dropped. However, prices are still north of $350,000 and may even increase as the years roll by.
7. Hermès Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30: $450,000
Sotheby’s notes that “Diamond Hermès Birkins have long been the exception to the rule that all Birkin bags increase in value on the secondary market.” However, that expectation has been smashed in recent years, with Diamond Hermès Birkin Himalaya going for an average of $325,000 at auction, a full $75,000 above retail.
In 2022, a Diamond Hermès Birkin Himalaya 30 made in 2021 sold at auction for an incredible $450,000 via private sale, comfortably beating the $380,000 received for a similar bag at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2016.
6 HIMALAYA BIRKIN 25 – $500,000
Once known as the most expensive Hermes bag, the Himalaya Birkin was sold to David Oancea in 2019 for a reported $ 500,000.
What is most remarkable about the sale is that the transaction happened largely online. Oancea posted on Twitter that he was looking for the world’s most expensive bag. Sure enough, a woman replied that she had a rare Himalaya Diamond Birkin 25. Oancea offered her $500,000 for the bag and the rest was history.
However, according to the seller, Privé Porter CEO Jeff Berk, Oancea overpaid for the bag significantly. Berk says that Oancea knew full well that the bag was worth around $350,000, but that, “He knew he was overpaying for it. He wanted to break the record.
Oancea is a controversial figure known as Vegas Dave. He earned his fortune selling betting picks; however, he has also run afoul of the law from time to time for using other people’s social security numbers to make wagers. He also became famous for selling the most expensive trading card ever sold when he took home $3.9 million for a signed Mike Trout rookie card.
5. HIMALAYA NILOTICUS CROCODILE DIAMOND RETOURNÉ KELLY 28: $510,000
At a Christie’s Hong Kong auction in 2021, a Crocodile Kelly became one of the most expensive Hermes bags sold at auction when it sold for an incredible $510,000. Officially described as a Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28 with 18K white gold and diamond hardware, this stunning handmade bag contains over 200 diamonds with a total of 9.2 carats.
The condition of this particular piece was immaculate, and it came with all of the original items, such as a dustbag, box, and diamond certificate. However, because it is made from the skin of an endangered species, there are restrictions on importing it to various countries.
The bag was released in 2021. However, the design harks back to the Haut a Courroies (HAC) bag of the early 20th century. The Hermes Kelly is considered by many to be the most iconic design and was originally intended to hold saddles for equestrians.
Later, the design transformed into the Sac a Depeches, and was favored by the American actress Grace Kelly, who is remembered for movies like The Country Girl and Hitchcock’s Rear Window. In the 1950s, Kelly married Prince Rainier III. When she fell pregnant and wanted to hide her news from the press, she used the Sac a Depeches Hermes bag to hide her bump. The photo became very famous, and in the 1970s, Hermes changed the name to commemorate this interesting story.
Since then, the Kelly has become one of the most beloved Hermes bags. Special editions, such as the diamond-encrusted crocodile version, are among the most expensive Hermes bags sold at auction. And it’s no wonder, considering their popularity, workmanship, and expensive materials.
4. Ginza Tanaka crafted Hermes Birkin – $1.9 mil
One of the most expensive Birkin bags, this limited-edition Hermes Birkin is handcrafted by none other than the renowned Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka.
The body of the bag is completely platinum, with 2,000 shimmering diamonds artistically encrusted into it. This gives it the appearance of water droplets littering its side, only that in this case the droplets are diamonds!
The strap of the bag is an 8-carat glittering diamond that is pear-shaped. It is detachable and can be worn separately as either a necklace or a bracelet, in which case the bag turns into a clutch.
Therefore, if you have $1.9 million to spend on an expensive Hermes Birkin bag, why not get yourself this artwork made of diamond and platinum?
Photo credit : Pinterest
3. Rose gold Hermes Kelly – $2 million
This bag was designed by Hermes in collaboration with the shoe designer and jeweller Pierre Hardy.
Just as its name suggests, it is made out of solid rose gold, adorned with 1160 dotting diamonds. The design of the rose gold is made to look like crocodile leather with flaps that actually work, justifying the 2-year manufacturing time that was taken to make this bag.
Photo credit: Purseblog
There are only 12 of these spectacular bags in existence, with three versions of four different styles. Another thing to note is that the bag is very small and wouldn’t even fit a pair of sunglasses. The idea here is that you can hold it by your fingers or wear it on your arm like a bangle.
With solid gold and diamonds on it, who could complain when asked to part with $2 million for this expensive yet exclusive Hermes Kelly piece? However, finding the money to meet the asking price is just one barrier to owning a Rose Gold Kelly. The other problem is that they aren’t available through traditional outlets and have only been sold privately through Hermes.
2. The Hermes Chaine d’ancre
Another masterpiece by Pierre Hardy, this highly valuable Hermes bag features elaborate and intricate styling which took the artist two years to make.
The bag is adorned or rather made of 1,160 diamonds adding up to 33.94 carats. This bag is part of Hermes Haute Bijouterie collection with only three pieces made, making it a very valuable collectable.
To make this artwork part of your collection, you will be required to also part with over $2 million (only three of these models were ever made), making it second to the top on our list of the most expensive Hermes bags in the world.
With several carats of gold and diamond splashed into genuine exotic skin with breathtakingly creative designs, it is no wonder these Hermes bags go at such high prices.
Photo Credit: INCPak
Just like the Sac Bijou Birkin below, the Chaine d’Ancre is as much a piece of jewelry as it is a bag. The scope of Hardy’s 2012 project was to take iconic Birkin bags and transform them into something even more desirable by making them from rare and precious metals.
The bag itself is small and, at best, could be used as a coin purse. But these pieces were not made with practicality in mind. This luxury item was priced at around $2 million and only available through private sale.
1. The Sac Bijou Birkin $2 million
Only three Diamond Sac Bijou Birkins exist, making this Hermes handbag a rare commodity. This stunning piece comes from the Haute Bijouterie Collection and wows any collector. It uses rose gold inlaid with a total of 2,712 diamonds, and the miniature Birkin is fully functional, allowing it to be worn as a bracelet.
Image source: Hermes Haute Bijouterie
The stunning 89.22-carat piece was created in 2012 by Pierre Hardy, the creative director of Hermès jewelry. That detail is not insignificant because the bag is actually a detailed miniature jewelry version of a real bag. It opens and closes, but there is not much room for anything. That’s not really the point.
These glorious bags took about two years to create and are the product of between 1,200 and 1,600 hours of labor each. It is believed that there are only three of these bags in existence. What’s more, none of these items have been sold through Hermes’ typical retail channels. Instead, they are rumored to have been purchased privately for a price of $2 million.
How the War in Ukraine Affected Hermes Investments
The war in Ukraine has taken a sizable toll on the market value of luxury goods like watches, and this isn’t just exclusive to Hermes. Companies like Prada, Moncler, LVMH, Kering, Richemont, and Chanel have all taken a hit from this conflict as they closed their stores in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctions imposed by the United States also supported the decisions made by these companies. Any luxury goods worth more than $1,000 per product are banned from shipment to Russia. The measure targets Russian oligarchs (the primary supporters of Putin’s regime) who frequent these high-end brands.
Now, suppliers are schematizing proxy companies to get around this issue which has only driven the price of these illegal goods through the roof. Even for Russian elites, the prices are far too much to bother with now.
One would expect the world market value of these luxury brands to plummet given these events, but the effects have been rather mundane. To understand the cause, we must recognize that the proportion of yearly revenue between these market giants is drastically different.
Luxury sales in Russia only generate about $9 billion in annual revenue, which pales to the revenue generated in other nations. The United States pulls in around $64 billion in revenue annually, with China topping at over $150 billion in annual revenue.
Therefore, luxury brands like Hermes could only lose around 5% of their annual revenue if they pull out of Russian markets. Knowing this, they took their chances and decided to suspend the sale of their goods to Russian buyers. This action would prompt a whole slew of other high-end brands to act on the matter – more on that later.
Hermes, the first among these brands to voluntarily pull out of Russia after the invasion on March 4th, made this statement –
“Deeply concerned by the situation in Europe at this time, it is with regret that we have decided to temporarily close our stores in Russia and pause all our commercial activities from the evening of March 4th.”
Hermes had three stores in Moscow that are now temporarily closed. This only accounts for less than 1% of their 311 stores worldwide – a mere dent in their overall network of franchises.
Other luxury brands quickly observed and followed this move by Hermes. A few hours after Hermes had pulled from Russian markets, Chanel made an identical move closing their 17 stores in Russia and donating €2 million to Ukraine’s relief organizations.
Image source: Sothebys
Groups like LMVH went a step further and closed all 124 of their stores in Russia and donated $5.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Some brands gained market value in Russia after the first few days of the invasion. These gains were likely because of significant buyouts in Russia following the threats of sanctions. As companies withdrew, the shelves emptied within hours.
It is common for some markets to increase in value following a tragedy or world event. Their response to world events prompts increased attention to their brand and identity, amplifying their advertising effectiveness and increasing sales.
Western and Asian markets saw similar trends. Multiple luxury item brands saw a spike in their market value following their responses to the invasion of Ukraine. It is doubtful that this will last long, however. As the conflict persists and nations are strained economically from rising oil prices, this will affect high-end labels much more than the average brand.
The reason supporting the short-lived trend is that many high-end products are, by default, imported. The materials used to make these products (namely leather) are also becoming increasingly costly, making the average price of high-end bags steadily increase as time goes on.
The history of Hermes
We cannot complete a discussion about the most expensive Birkin bag (which is also the most expensive Hermes bag overall) without a good understanding of the brand’s history and heritage.
Hermes is a French high-end fashion luxury goods designer and manufacturer which was founded in 1837. This highly respected brand specializes in luxury goods and accessories, perfume products, leather, and ready-to-wear products, and most importantly, the most expensive handbags in the world.
The company is arguably most famous for its most expensive Birkin bags, a handbag brand that is most commonly sported by celebrities and which was named after actress/singer Jane Birkin.
Combining their reputation and class, sublime designs, and the high-end materials used in making the handbags, some of these Hermes Birkin handbags have been able to attain very high prices and return on investment.
The story behind the iconic Hermes brand is not the story one might imagine. Old and August the fashion house may undoubtedly be, but its beginnings are steeped not in the glamour and glitz of high society, but in the humble story of a harness maker.
Family-owned for five generations, Hermes today represents one of the most valuable brands of luxury and expensive handbags, yet two centuries ago, Thierry Hermes began his professional life as a leather maker. Renowned for producing high-quality equestrian goods, he was the seemingly unremarkable son of a French immigrant father and a German mother, with nothing exceptional expected of him.
Beginnings
The history of Hermes starts with Thierry Hermes who was born in 1801, in the town of Krefeld. Fittingly for a man who would go on to become the father of a fashion empire, it was a place famed for its exquisite textiles, which earned Krefeld the rather romantic epithet of the ‘city of velvet and silk’.
Aged 27, Thierry and his family relocated to be close to another fashion capital. Setting up shop in Pont Audemer, a little north of Paris, the head of the Hermes’ family took up leather making and harness crafting, with his beautiful pieces soon sought after by the great and the good.
Establishing the House of Hermes in Paris nine years later, Thierry opened a workshop on the Grand Boulevard, with noblemen from across the continent coming to him for the exquisite harnesses and bridles he was reputed to produce.
An equestrian outfitter par excellence
By the time Thierry died in 1878, the House of Hermes was an equestrian outfitter par excellence. Decorated over and over, they boasted a distinguished and devoted clientele, providing opportunities previously undreamt of for his son and heir Charles-Emile to capitalize on.
And capitalize he did.
Moving his father’s famed enterprise to 24 Rue du Fauborg Saint-Honore, where it remains to this very day, Charles-Emile continued to act as an artisan saddler, extending Hermes’ fame across the globe, through Europe into Russia, North Africa, Asia, and eventually the Americas.
It was in 1900 that the first Hermes’ bag was produced – the product that would go on to become the fashion line’s most beloved staple. Designed to transport saddles, the Haut a Courroies joined the talents of Charles-Emile with his sons Adolphe and Emile-Maurice, who would take over two years later upon his retirement.
Branching out
In 1914, Emile-Maurice managed to secure the custom of the Russian czar, who used Hermes saddles exclusively. By this point employing 80 specialist saddle makers to keep up with demand, the company became the first in France to use zippers, which they gained exclusive rights to.
Capitalising on their invention, they introduced a line of leather golf jackets in 1918, which had been specially crafted for the English heir to the throne, Edward, Prince of Wales, with the zipper incorporated into its design becoming known throughout France as the ‘Hermes fastener’.
By 1919, sales of horse harnesses and equestrian equipment were in decline. The family knew it needed to refocus its efforts elsewhere, so three years later, they introduced the first of their leather Hermes handbags in response.
The idea was inspired by Julie Hermes, who was married to Emile-Maurice. After she repeatedly complained of not being able to find a bag to her liking, her husband decided to produce a scaled-down version of the Haut a Courroies, which he personally took the time to design.
This change in tactics was an unequivocal success, and two years later the company was able to establish premises in the United States, as well as open two new stores in their French homeland. Within another five, they were unveiling their first women’s couture collection, which was previewed in Paris.
Becoming a true fashion icon
1935 saw the debut of one of Hermes’ most iconic bags of all time: the Sac a Depeches, later known as the Kelly bag. Another staple was introduced two years later in the form of their famed silk scarf. A whole host of Hermes classics followed, with the company’s designers drawing inspiration from an ever-widening array of books, paintings, and objets d’art.
By the 1950s, the brand had expanded still further. Boasting a new perfume division as well as a multitude of famous fans including Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, Hermes status as a style staple was assured.
From this point forward, it would go from strength to strength, its name forever synonymous with high style and haute couture pieces. Expanding its reach around the world, Hermes became a favorite of celebrities, royalty, and the richest and most revered names around.
Through it all, the company remained in the hands of its founders, the exceptionally talented Hermes family.
The final and perhaps most evocative testament to the enduring quality and allure of their products arguably came in 2016, when a study showed that their iconic most expensive Birkin bag had proven a better investment over the preceding 35 years than either stocks or gold.
It continues to be so to this day, as do the many other famous examples of Hermes’ design brilliance that are in existence.
How Hermes Continues to Succeed
Hermes is an expensive luxury bag brand that has had continued success from the beginning of the pandemic. While other luxury brands rapidly raised prices on some of their most popular handbags, the Finance Chief of Hermes had a different strategy. Hermes went on to gradually increase prices on all handbags, with the exception of the Birkin bag price.
Hermes also collaborated with other top brands, such as Apple, to keep themselves in the eyes and minds of wealthy handbag connoisseurs.
The experts at New Bond Street Pawnbrokers say a normal Birkin bag is an expensive, yet worthwhile investment, whilst a limited edition bag such as this will only continue to increase in value.
“Studies have continued to indicate the Birkin bags are an extremely solid investment with their value increasing over 500 % in the past 35 years,” said David Sonnenthal, founder of New Bond Street Pawnbrokers.
“Research earlier this year suggested that a Birkin bag offers a better return on investment than gold and shares on the American stock market. Also, unlike new cars or jewellery, they appreciate in value the moment you buy them.”
WHY ARE HERMES THE MOST EXPENSIVE BAGS IN THE WORLD?
If you’ve ever looked at a Hermes Birkin bag price and wondered what the big deal was, you’re not alone. Many people are stunned by the amount that these luxury goods fetch at auction. However, there is a strong case for Hermes bags to be priced as they are. Let’s explore some of the reasons why Hermes are the most expensive bags in the world.
1. Craftsmanship
One of the things that makes Hermes bags stand out from the crowd is their impeccable craftsmanship. They use the finest materials and the most advanced techniques, alongside having some of the most skilled manufacturers in fashion. These bags are all hand stitched with care by true artisans, and it tells in the bag’s finish, durability, and overall look.
2. Timelessness
While other bags flit in and out of fashion, Hermes bags are designed to be timeless. Instead of following trends, Hermes bags are completely evergreen thanks to their sophisticated and elegant minimalist design principles. The bags work in both formal and casual settings, and their sleek silhouettes and clean lines never go out of fashion.
3. Exclusivity
Another common factor behind the most expensive Hermes bags sold at auction is their rarity. Hermes bags are not mass-produced, which means that the demand outstrips the supply. This is particularly notable in rare and limited versions that fetch six figures at auction.
The exclusivity of a Hermes bag means that people are more than happy to pay a premium to get their hands on something that can really stand out.
4. Status symbol
A Hermes Kelly or Birkin is far more than just a bag. They are also a powerful status symbol that denotes not just wealth but also great taste. Their popularity over the years has grown because they have been worn by various celebrities. What’s more, these luxury items have appeared in countless films and TV shows, which has only served to grow the legend.
5. Investment pieces
Finally, the Hermes brand’s reputation for quality workmanship means that many of the bags are excellent investment pieces. Due to the rarity of some of the bags, supply far exceeds demand, meaning that people are prepared to fork out considerable sums of money for these luxury goods.
So, even if you don’t wear a bag, buying a Hermes Kelly or Birkin can make sense from an investment standpoint. In essence, the brand is so strong and perennial that its product either holds or increases in value each year. Which is precisely the sort of thing you want from an investment.
Finally, as a sum up of the top 5 most expensive Hermes bags in the world, you can also view our video below:
Fine assets are always in big demand as prices at auctions around the world continue to grow every year. We have written comprehensive articles on the most expensive items ever sold at auction for assets like fine wine collections, expensive jewellery, classic cars, prestigious watches, diamonds, or fine art.
New Bond Street Pawnbrokers is the leading pawn shop in London, providing loans against Hermes bags. Get in touch today for a free valuation!
