Why It’s An Investment: The Hermes Birkin is the most coveted handbag, as well as the hardest to acquire in the world. It was created in 1984 and named after the celebrity Jane Birkin, whom Hermes Chief Executive Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to on a flight from Paris to London in 1981. Birkin handbags are said to be a better investment than stocks and shares. As opposed to a new car or piece of jewelry, they appreciate in value the moment you buy them. The only problem is have to get hold of one.

Characteristics: The Birkin is immediately recognizable by its shape, its thin straps with metal plates on the end of each strap (one engraved “Hermes”) that meet on a center toggle, its double rolled handles and its bell shaped key fob (clochette) and matching lock. It is an outstanding piece of workmanship. Each bag takes at least 48 hours to produce and each is hand sewn, buffed, painted and polished by an Hermes skilled craftsman in Hermes' factories. The leathers come from a variety of tanneries and individual artisans produce each bag, so each is likely to have its own unique details.  Every Birkin features a date stamp which is a letter that signifies the year of production and a craftsman's stamp, which are a series of letters, numbers and/or symbols designating the specific person(s) who hand produced the bag.

•  Style: Birkin 30
•  Condition: New, Pristine
•  Color: Black
•  Material: Taurillon Novello leather
•  Measurements: 11.75" width x 9.5" height x 6" depth; 4.25" handle drop

• Accompanied by: Hermes box, Hermes dustbag, clochette, lock, two keys, clochette dustbag, carebook and felt