The Hermès Birkin and Kelly reign supreme as two of the most illustrious handbags ever created. Within the Exceptional Collection, these icons ascend to an entirely new echelon, crafted not only from exotic skins but adorned with precious metals and flawless diamonds. It is here, where the savoir-faire of Hermès’ leather ateliers meets the virtuosity of its high-jewelry workshops, that the most coveted handbags in existence are born.

The Exceptional Collection epitomizes the apex of luxury. These rare creations are embellished with white gold clasps, diamond-set tourets, and jewel-encrusted cadenas, harmoniously blending two of Hermès’ most prestigious métiers. For connoisseurs who collect both haute joaillerie and Hermès’ leather masterpieces, the Diamond Birkins and Kellys stand as the ultimate objects of desire—sought worldwide, relentlessly pursued at auction, and consistently shattering records.

The Union of Exotics & High Jewelry

What distinguishes the Exceptional Collection is not only rarity but the level of artisanal integration. Each bag’s hardware is recast in 18k white gold, chosen for its luminous contrast against the natural gradations of Himalayan crocodile skin or other ultra-rare exotics. Master jewelers then hand-select and set each diamond, ensuring only stones of D–G color and VVS clarity or better are used. The result is a handbag that transcends accessory status, becoming both wearable jewelry and functional art.

Production & Exclusivity

Every Diamond Birkin or Kelly requires months of painstaking work, with multiple ateliers collaborating in secrecy. Quantities are vanishingly small, often reserved for Hermès’ top-tier clients. Because of their scarcity and craftsmanship, these bags rarely appear on the open market, and when they do, they command prices exceeding $250,000 to $400,000+ depending on size, condition, and configuration.

Diamond Hardware Variations

• Diamond Kelly Lock: The iconic padlock pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
• Diamond Touret: Turn-lock clasp encircled by hand-set stones, dazzling with every movement.
• Diamond Plaques & Clasps: In some iterations, all metal components—including feet, plates, and tourets—are recast in white gold and paved with diamonds.

Investment Significance

At auction, Exceptional Collection bags are blue-chip assets in the world of luxury. They consistently outperform traditional investments, rivaling fine art and jewelry. In fact, Diamond Himalayans remain the record holders for the highest price achieved by any handbag, eclipsing even other Hermès rarities. Their combination of scarcity, brand heritage, and gemstone value makes them the quintessential investment-grade handbag.

For Hermès enthusiasts, these bags are more than status symbols—they are cultural artifacts that embody the zenith of the maison’s creative and technical achievement.

Explore the Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Himalayan with Diamonds