Rare Hermès · Curated by Jane
Hermès Constance 18 Bourgogne Shiny Alligator & Pink Lizard Gold Hardware
The Hermès Constance 18 in Bourgogne Shiny Alligator features a sophisticated "Marquetry" execution where two distinct exotic skins are combined.
The object record
- Condition
- 1 – Pristine
- Material
- Shiny Alligator & Lizard (Buckle Inlay)
- Made in
- France
- Color
- Bourgogne (Body) and Pink (Buckle)
- Metallic finish
- Gold
- Strap drop
- 20" (Single)
- Model
- Constance 18 (Mini)
- Dimensions
- L 18 × H 15 × D 5 cm | L 7.1" × H 5.9" × D 2"
- Care
- Alligator Lisse: Exotic skin is not interchangeable with other leathers for treatment: a product intended for one may be unsuitable for another. Protect from humidity, prolonged light and extreme heat, and seek an appropriate assessment before treatment. Care Guide
The story behind the Constance
In 1967, Jean-Louis Dumas asked a designer to create a bag for Hermès; she named it after her newborn daughter, Constance. A structured shoulder bag defined by its H clasp, which opens on a spring mechanism hidden at each side of the bar and serves as both closure and signature. Produced in Mini (18 cm), standard (24 cm) and Élan (approximately 25 cm); a Micro at approximately 14 cm has appeared in limited production runs.
Discover Hermès Constance BagsThe body is crafted from *Alligator mississippiensis*, identified by its symmetrical, square scales and the absence of pores. The color, Bourgogne, is a deep, saturated burgundy that serves as a classic neutral. The leather is finished in "Lisse" (shiny), achieved by agate stone buffing, which gives the deep red pigment a glass-like depth.
The defining feature of this piece is the "H" clasp, which features Gold hardware inlaid with contrasting Pink Lizard skin (likely Rose Scheherazade). This rare hardware configuration;often referred to as a "Touch" or "Marquetry" buckle;adds a vibrant pop of color against the somber elegance of the burgundy body. The 18cm "Mini" size features a single compartment and a versatile sliding strap for shoulder or crossbody wear.
Collector's Insight:
Constance bags with exotic inlaid buckles are produced in significantly lower numbers than standard metal-hardware versions. The pairing of Bourgogne (a heritage color) with a neon-adjacent Pink Lizard buckle is a specific design choice that bridges classic luxury with modern pop-art aesthetics. These "Mixed Exotic" pieces are highly coveted for their technical complexity.
Resale Insight:
The Constance 18 remains the most desirable size in the current market due to the trend toward smaller, crossbody-compatible bags. Exotic versions with special hardware details (like Lizard or Enamel inlays) command a premium over standard full-metal hardware exotics because they represent a higher tier of craftsmanship and scarcity.
Condition, defined +
Every piece is graded on the JANEFINDS five-tier scale: 1 Pristine, 2 Excellent, 3 Very Good, 4 Good, 5 Vintage, Well-Loved. Each tier is defined in writing in The Condition Guide.
The JANEFINDS standard +
Every piece is authenticated in-house and individually inspected, and ships with a JANEFINDS Certificate of Authenticity.
Delivery and payment +
Domestic: FedEx Direct Signature, no additional fee unless noted. International: FedEx International Priority; duties and taxes may apply at destination. We do not ship to P.O. boxes. Orders ship within two business days of inventory and payment confirmation; contact us for expedited service.
Payment: Credit-card acceptance and payment arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact JANEFINDS to confirm the payment arrangements for your purchase. Billing details must match the card exactly.
Returns +
This piece is final sale and is not eligible for return or refund. Full details in our Returns and Exchanges policy.
Complete the piece
Carried with.
Chains, straps and cases selected to work with this piece.
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Why JANEFINDS
How JANEFINDS authenticates-
30+
Years of Hermès scholarship, collection, and authentication.
About Jane -
$2.8M+
The highest authenticated Hermès resale on record, a private transaction placed by Jane.
About JANEFINDS -
One review
Every piece on this site has passed Jane's hands. No exceptions.
How we authenticate -
Five tiers
Every piece is graded on the published JANEFINDS Standard, each tier defined in writing.
The Condition Guide
