Hermès Birkin Himalaya Niloticus Breaks Record at Auction

A rare Hermès Birkin Himalaya Niloticus has become the most expensive bag ever sold at auction in Europe.

With two Himalaya’s released every year, this 2008 edition features 18k white gold and diamond-encrusted hardware and was estimated to sell for £100,000 – £150,000. However, the final sale exceeded Christie’s London expectation with the piece going for £162,500.

The 10-year-old crocodile bag measures at 30cm wide and is named Himalaya due to the colour gradient that said to resemble the snow-capped hills of the Himalayas. Only three of such designs ever made it to auction with Christie’s saying in a statement:

“The diamond pieces created by Hermes are exceptional, but none are nearly as iconic as the Himalaya. It is believed that only one or two of the Diamond Himalayas are produced each year, globally, making it one of the lowest production runs for handbags.”

With a Hermès Birkin considered a better investment than gold or the stock market, someone just made a very wise purchase.