How to buy an Hermès handbag
Whether it’s through auction or private sale, discover how you can add an Hermès icon to your collection
Few luxury accessories command the same reverence as a handbag by Hermès. While procuring an Hermès piece may sometimes prove an elusive prospect, Christie’s offers a direct route to acquire these sought-after designs. We hold handbag auctions throughout the year, with immediate purchase of Hermès bags also available through private sales.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or seasoned collector, this guide sets out how to purchase an Hermès bag, from choosing your preferred design to placing a bid.
A rare & exceptional, Shiny Vert Céladon Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 with Palladium Hardware, Hermès, 2008. 25 w x 19 h x 14 d cm. Sold for HK$1,575,000 on 28 Oct 2024 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
Decide which Hermès handbag is right for you
Style
Among the most recognisable designs by Hermès are the Birkin, Kelly and Constance. The Birkin offers a spacious, structured silhouette suited to everyday use, while the Kelly presents a more formal, trapezoidal shape with a single top handle, swivelling ‘touret’ and detachable shoulder strap. Both these designs are available in a Sellier or Retourne style — the external stitching of a Sellier offers a more structured look, while the internal stitching of a Retourne creates a softer silhouette.
With its clean lines and signature ‘H’ clasp, the Constance lends itself to both crossbody and shoulder wear, presenting a more contemporary aesthetic. Alongside this ‘holy trinity’ of bags, Hermès offers a wide range of designs — from the Evelyne to the Lindy — ensuring the perfect match to every aesthetic.
Size
Hermès produces its bags in a range of dimensions, from compact evening formats to larger day bags. Across the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, popular sizes include 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm and 40cm, while the Constance typically appears in a mini 18cm, 24cm and an elan iteration.
Larger models, such as the Birkin Haut à Courroies (HAC) 50, are favoured for travel, while the Birkin 25 is a particularly coveted smaller edition.
Elegant clutches are another cornerstone of Hermès designs, with the Kelly Pochette being one of the most sought-after. Introduced in 2004, this model was part of Jean Paul Gaultier’s first collection for the house. A further versatile and stylish day-to-night clutch option is the Kelly Cut.
Material
Equally significant is the material you choose, with each leather or exotic bringing its own unique character to an Hermès bag. Togo, Clemence or Epsom leathers are ideal if you are looking for a durable bag for everyday use, while also offering a more textured look.
For a more elevated style, exotic materials embody Hermès’ craftsmanship. Porosus Crocodile and Niloticus Crocodile are often considered the most desirable, with the former recognised by the caret (^) next to the Hermès logo on the bag, and the latter by two dots (••).
Explore our comprehensive guide on Hermès leather and skins.
A Rose Confetti Epsom Leather Birkin 30 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2020. 30 w x 22 h x 15 d cm. Sold for HK$212,500 on 26 May 2021 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
Colour
Hermès is renowned for its vast kaleidoscope of colours. Timeless shades, including Black, Gold, Rouge H and Etoupe anchor the brand’s legacy, while bold tones such as Rose Confetti and Vert Criquet bring vibrancy to the designs.
Along with rare, seasonal hues, Hermès’ ever-expanding colour palette means there is something for every collector.
Hardware
From the iconic Kelly swiveling ‘touret’ to the ‘H’ clasp on the Constance, these versatile hardware pieces are an Hermès signature.
The house offers a range of finishes, allowing you to choose hardware that complements your personal style. Many collectors even match the metal to their signature jewellery — selecting gold or palladium for everyday wear, or opting for limited-edition rose gold or diamond-set hardware for an elevated evening look.
Alongside these options, the hardware of a custom-made or limited-edition Hermès bag could be produced in brushed gold, brushed palladium or Guilloche — one of the rarest hardwares, where the palladium is engraved with an intricate, repeated pattern.
Hermès bag price
At Hermès boutiques, prices for a Kelly or Birkin bag typically begin in the five-figure range, increasing significantly for larger sizes, exotics or diamond hardware.
Prices can vary further within the secondary market, depending on model, size, material and condition. At Christie’s, estimates for Kelly and Birkin bags in standard leather often start from around US$7,000–10,000. Rare materials and popular colours can achieve higher results, reflecting their scarcity and enduring appeal.
Limited editions also offer higher investment potential, with the possibility of prices rising to six figures — in 2025, a rare Rainy Days Faubourg Birkin 20 sold for $215,900 at Christie’s. We hold numerous world record prices for handbags sold at auction, including for the most valuable Himalaya Birkin and Kelly sold.
Authentication process at Christie’s
Before an Hermès bag is put up for auction, it is typically reviewed by in-house experts as part of an authentication process. Our handbag specialists may assess a bag’s condition, colour, size, material, hardware, age and rarity to determine value.
With our extensive knowledge and market research, Christie’s strives to offer a trusted platform for buying luxury handbags, with the authentication process supporting clients to bid and buy with confidence.
How to buy
Whether you are looking to buy a Birkin, Kelly or other Hermès handbag, buying through Christie’s is a smooth and effortless process.
Browse and visit
Explore upcoming auctions happening online or in-person at Christie’s salerooms.
Pre-sale views are typically held ahead of an auction, which enable buyers to have a first-hand look at the handbags.
Register
To participate in a live auction, register at least 24 hours in advance. For in-person and telephone bidding, register via Client Services. For absentee and Christie’s LIVE™ bidding, sign in to your online account and register on the auction page. For online auctions, you can register at any point during the sale.
Bid or buy
When buying an Hermès bag from Christie’s, there are two options to consider: auction or private sale.
Christie’s regularly holds online and live auctions in Hong Kong, London, New York and Paris, and bidding can take place in the saleroom, online, by telephone or via absentee bid.
For those seeking a more immediate acquisition, private sales offer the opportunity to purchase at a fixed price, outside the competitive auction environment. Browse available handbags, or if you have a particular model or colour in mind, our specialists can source it especially for you.
A rare, Fauve Barénia Leather & Bog Oak Kellywood 22 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2020. 22 w x 19 h x 8.5 d cm. Sold for HK$2,000,000 on 21 May 2021 at Christie’s in Hong Kong
Christie's expertise in selling Hermès bags
Christie’s plays a defining role in the secondary market for Hermès handbags, with dedicated sales that attract a global audience of collectors. The largest single-owner collection of the brand ever offered at auction, titled ‘Inside the Orange Box’, was sold by Christie’s.
Over the years, exceptional examples have achieved notable results — in November 2025, a Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware sold for HK$3.6 million at Christie’s, making it the most expensive Himalaya Birkin bag sold at auction.
Christie’s also holds the record price for the most valuable Kelly bag sold at auction, with a Himalaya Kelly 28 with 18k white gold & diamond hardware achieving HK$4 million in 2021.
Bags crafted with unusual leathers and hardware continue to be highly sought-after, with a rare, Fauve Barénia Leather & Bog Oak Kellywood 22 with palladium hardware selling for HK$2 million in 2021.
These sales highlight both the enduring appeal of Hermès, and the house’s unique position at the intersection of fashion, art and investment.
Whether you are looking to purchase an Hermès bag through auction or private sale, Christie’s specialist knowledge and global reach will help support you in buying the perfect handbag for your collection.
Contact us
Max Brownawell
VP, Head of Department, Specialist
New York
Lucile Andreani
Head of Department, EMEA
London, Paris
Winsy Tsang
SVP, Head of Department, Asia Pacific
Hong Kong