Originally established in 1837 by Thierry Hermés, a harness workshop dedicated to serving European noblemen, Hermés International S.A. has become one of the world’s most renowned high-fashion luxury goods manufacturers. Headquartered in Paris, France, the luxury fashion house specializes in leather, lifestyle accessories, perfumery, luxury goods, and ready-to-wear. The company’s collection of goods has expanded to include over 30,000 pieces, including scarves, cravats, leather luggage and handbags, silk and twill ties, crystal lighting and glass, bracelets, and even soap. Under the direction of Hermés’ artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas–the son of former CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and the great-great-great grandson of Thierry Hermés–Hermés has witnessed its largest growth in decades. With a market cap of $24.98 billion and a total revenue of $4.72 billion last year, Hermés is one of the world’s largest fashion houses. Famous for its leather handbags, below is a list of the most expensive Hermés bags ever sold–some even cost more than a luxury New York City condo. Find out which ones below.
5. Hermés Diamond Himalayan Birkin – $185,000
Reportedly “the rarest handbag in the world,” this Hermés Extraordinary Collection 30cm Diamond Matte Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag brought in a six-figure sum–the second highest auction price ever for a purse–at last month’s Heritage Auction in Beverly Hills, California. The handbag, made of crocodile leather, features 18-caret white gold hardware and 242 diamonds with a total weight of 9.84 carets.
4. Hermés Diamond Crocodile Birkin – $203,150
In December of 2011, this red Hermés Crocodile Diamond Birkin handbag set a world record for the most expensive purse ever sold at auction. Officially named the “Hermés Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30 cm Birkin Bag,” this quality handbag is made of red crocodile leather and features diamond-encrusted 18-caret white gold hardware.
3. Hermés Rose and White Gold Diamond Birkin – $1.9 million
This Birkin handbag–along with the next two handbags on this list–was part of Hermés’ 2012 “Haute Bijouterie” collection that combined Hermés’ legendary bags with fine jewels. Designed by Pierre Hardy, these miniature fully-functional handbags are actually designed to be worn as a bracelet. The Hermés Diamond Birkin is made of rose and white gold and features 2,712 diamonds totaling 89.22 carets. It’s $1.9 million price tag even makes it more expensive than this luxury New York City condo.
2. Hermés Rose Gold Kelly – $1.9 million
With a crocodile scale effect made completely of rose gold, the Hermés Rose Gold Kelly handbag–once again designed by Pierre Hardy for Hermés’ “Haute Bijouterie” collection–is the epitome of pure luxury. The glittering bracelet/handbag hybrid features 1,160 diamonds at a total weight of 33.94 carets. It’s definitely the most luxurious way to store your gum or loose change.
1. Hermés Chaine d’Ancre – $1.9 million
By far the most complex and compelling “Haute Bijouterie” Hermés handbag, the Chaine d’Ancre is crafted in white gold and covered with 11,303 dazzling diamonds at a weight of 86.24 carets. Comprised of numerous interlocking diamond-covered Chaine d’Ancre bracelets, the Chaine d’Ancre handbag drips with elegance and demands to be seen. For $1.9 million, these Pierre Hardy-designed 2012 “Haute Bijouterie” handbags would look great on display in this 1,150-square foot luxury New York City condo–which happens to be $1,000 cheaper than these Hermés bags.
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