Matt Rubinger, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage Auctions,
talks Hermès, high-end handbags and the auction business with Pimm Foxx on
Bloomberg Television's "Taking Stock with Pimm Fox on March 16, 2012.

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212-486-3660

An Hermes Diamond Birkin, with Diamond and White Gold hardware sold for $203,150 on Dec. 6 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, setting a world record price realized for a handbag sold at public auction. The price includes a 19.5% Buyer's Premium.

It was sold to a collector who wished to remain anonymous, and was part of Heritage's Luxury Accessories auction.

"This is an extraordinary example of one of the world's most exceptional handbags," said Matt Rubinger, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage Auctions, "and this was certainly an exceptional price, exceeding our highest expectations at every corner."

The handbag's official name is the Herms Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30cm Birkin Bag with Solid 18K White Gold & Diamond Hardware. Birkins in particular have a proven track record of bringing significant prices at auction.

"Just a year ago another Birkin, without the jewels and in lesser condition than this one, sold for the equivalent of $77,000 at auction in England," said Rubinger. "Everything about this bag measures up much better than that one, which was the auction record until this: the color, the diamonds, the condition — it all combines to make this a singular bag and an extraordinary opportunity for a high-end collector."