It began with a flight and a conversation. When actress Jane Birkin mentioned to Hermès executive Louis Dumas that she needed a bag both stylish and spacious enough for a young mother, the Birkin was born. Since its creation in 1984, it has stood as a timeless emblem of luxury—reflected in both its coveted status and commanding price.
The original bag, which Jane Birkin received as a gift in 1985, was the start of a developing icon. Its distinctive features—rolled handles, flap top, touret lock, clochette, and clou “feet”—continue to define its timeless appeal even though the design has undergone numerous redesigns over the years.
Decades after its introduction, the Birkin’s allure has not diminished. The rarest and most sought-after versions of this iconic status symbol are sought after by collectors worldwide.
10. The Matte Alligator Birkin – $115,570
This mint green matte alligator Birkin 20 with gold hardware sold for an astounding $115,570 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2023, earning it a place on this list. Being the first of its kind to be offered at auction, it demonstrates how size and colour rarity can increase value even on par with more conventionally pricey crocodile skins.
Key Features: gold-plated hardware, a sought-after 20cm size, and matte Alligator Mississippiensis in mint green, a rare Vert Criquet.
Why It’s So Expensive: It is the first of its kind at auction, combining a rare colour, premium exotic skin, and a popular small size, making it extremely sought-after by collectors.
9. The Ombré Lizard Birkin – Secondary Market Price: ~$137,500+
Although crocodiles are frequently the centre of attention, the Ombré Birkin, which debuted in 2019, has skin from the rare Varanus Niloticus lizard that has a captivating, symmetrical Rorschach-like pattern. Usually made in a smaller 25cm size to accentuate its delicate scales, this bag sells for between $40,000 and $80,000 at retail but almost doubles in value when it is up for auction. Sotheby’s sold one for $137,500 in 2020.
Key Features: The skin of the extremely rare Varanus Niloticus lizard exhibits a naturally symmetrical “Ombré” pattern resembling Rorschach.
Why It’s So Expensive: It is extremely valuable due to the skin’s extraordinary rarity and the difficulty in locating bags with flawless pattern symmetry.
8. The Metallic Birkin – $140,000
This limited edition Birkin, which comes in silver and bronze, is a 2005 highlight. It shines with a metallic coating. The leather has a glossy, shell-like sheen due to its distinctive pigmentation. This bag’s limited availability makes it a genuine collector’s item, and it was inspired by the captivating window displays at Hermès’s Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Key Features: Limited edition; metallic-treated Chèvre leather in silver or bronze.
Why It’s So Expensive: Limited availability and exclusive finish make it a prized find for discerning collectors.
7. The “So Black” Birkin – $200,000+
One of Hermès’s most elusive collectibles is the So Black Birkin, which was first released under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier. It defied convention with its monochromatic design and matching black PVD-coated hardware. It is regarded as a unique relic of contemporary Hermès history and is currently discontinued. This rare matte Niloticus crocodile sold for just over $200,000 at a Christie’s auction in 2019.
Key Features: All-black design, black PVD hardware, often seen in Box calf or matte exotic leathers.
Why It’s So Expensive: Its rarity and vulnerability to wear—especially the fragile PVD finish—make mint-condition examples incredibly hard to find and highly valuable.
6. The Fuchsia Diamond-Encrusted Birkin – $222,000 (Christie’s, 2015)
This eye-catching bag was the most costly bag before the Himalaya took the top spot. Its gorgeous hardware is what really makes it luxurious, as it is made from glossy fuchsia Porosus crocodile. The famous lock, touret, and pontets are all made of 18-karat white gold with pavé diamond accents, just like the Diamond Himalaya. The striking pink colour and glittering diamonds combine to make a striking and memorable statement piece.
Key Features: Shiny fuchsia Porosus crocodile, 18k white gold and diamond hardware
Why It’s So Expensive: A rare exotic leather in a vivid color, combined with precious diamond-encrusted fittings.
5. The Matte White Himalaya Birkin (Non-Diamond)
The Himalaya Birkin has earned its legendary status even without diamond embellishments. As the pinnacle of Hermès’s leatherworking prowess, it is renowned for its subtle elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, frequently fetching prices of up to $250,000.
Key Features: Niloticus crocodile with a white-to-grey gradient; palladium or gold-plated hardware.
Why It’s So Expensive: Rare materials, expert dyeing, and limited production by Hermès’s top artisans make it one of the most exclusive handbags in the world.
4. The Faubourg Birkin – $400,000
The rarest and most sought-after iteration of this already iconic Hermès design is the “Neige” Faubourg Birkin, which is a collector’s paradise. The all-white design, which features fine architectural details and is made from matte alligator leather, was inspired by the brand’s Paris headquarters. It made news in 2022 when it sold for more than HKD 3 million (about USD 400,000), making it one of the priciest non-diamond Birkins ever.
Key Features: Matte white alligator, signature Faubourg storefront design
Why It’s So Expensive: Its extreme rarity and craftsmanship make it a landmark in luxury handbag history.
It broke records in 2022:
The highest-ever public sale was at Christie’s Hong Kong, where it sold for HKD 3,024,000 (about USD 385,000).
Silently sold for “almost $400,000” at Sotheby’s Private Sale, demonstrating its exceptional value in the resale market.
3. The Diamond Himalaya Birkin – $450,000 USD
Touted as the “Holy Grail” of handbags, the Diamond Himalaya is the most expensive production Hermès Birkin sold at auction. Made from Niloticus crocodile, it showcases a rare white-to-grey gradient reminiscent of Himalayan snow, paired with 18k white gold hardware set with hundreds of diamonds. This surpassed the previous public auction record (around $380,000 set in 2017) and set a new benchmark for this “Holy Grail” bag.
Key Features: Niloticus crocodile, unique gradient dye, pavé diamond white gold hardware
Why It’s So Expensive: Difficult craftsmanship and limited availability, enhanced by diamond accents, place it in a league of its own.
2. The Hermès Ginza Tanaka Platinum & Diamond Birkin (2008) – $1.9 Million
Designed by celebrated Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka, this one-of-a-kind creation redefines luxury. The bag is made from solid platinum and set with more than 2,000 dazzling diamonds. Ingeniously designed, the diamond-studded strap transforms into a necklace or bracelet, while the 8-carat pear-shaped diamond centerpiece detaches to become a brooch. Every element is both wearable and exquisite.
Key Features: Solid platinum, over 2,000 diamonds, multifunctional jewelry
Why It’s So Expensive: A rare collaboration and a masterclass in convertible haute joaillerie.
1. The Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin by Pierre Hardy (2012) – $2 Million
Not your typical handbag, this creation is a dazzling piece of haute joaillerie modeled after the Birkin. Conceived by Pierre Hardy, Hermès’s jewelry director, the miniature bag is crafted entirely from rose gold and set with 2,712 diamonds. Though functional in form, it was designed to be worn as a bracelet, making it a wearable sculpture and a true collector’s item. Sotheby’s reports that only three Sac Bijou Birkins exist worldwide.
Key Features: Solid rose gold, pavé-set diamonds
Why It’s So Expensive: A rare artistic fusion of luxury fashion and fine jewelry.
Honorable Mention: Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin – €8.6 million ($10.1 million)
Jane Birkin’s very first Birkin bag, which ignited a global fashion phenomenon, is returning to auction for the first time in a quarter-century. The sale will take place at Fashion Icons Including The Original Birkin in Paris on June 26, 2025. For collectors, this is a rare chance to own a legendary artifact tied to the iconic actress.
Crafted in 1985, this one-of-a-kind bag is a fusion of the Birkin 35 and 40, featuring gilded brass hardware and closed metal rings. It carries Jane’s initials on the flap and still holds her nail clipper, as well as stickers from Médecins du Monde and UNICEF—testaments to her enduring legacy.
*UPDATE: The legendary Hermès Birkin handbag, custom-crafted for actress, singer, and style icon Jane Birkin, has just sold at auction for an astonishing €8.6 million ($10.1 million), setting a new record as the most expensive Birkin ever sold.
Which of these multi-million dollar masterpieces is your ultimate “grail” bag? Share your choice in the comments below.
