Top 10 most expensive handbags in the world

Gone are the days when handbags were merely considered as carrying pouches. Today, the high-end handbags cost thousands of dollars and are used by their owners as a medium of flaunting wealth and social status.

Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive handbags that cost no less than a fortune.

1. Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse Usd 3.8 Million

Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is currently the most expensive handbag in the world and holds the position in Guinness World Records since 2011. The handcrafted bag is made up of 18-karat gold and features 105 yellow diamonds, 56 pink diamonds, and 4,356 colorless diamonds. It took artisans 8,800 hours to create this masterpiece, which was sold in 2018 at Christie's auction preview in Hong Kong. Yellow, pink, and colorless stones total 381.92 carats.

2. Hermes Kelly Rose Gold Usd 2 Million

The luxury brand of Hermes collaborated with jeweller Pierce Hardy, in order to create this unique handbag. It has been crafted to resemble crocodile leather and is made up of solid rose gold. The small, luxurious and stunning bag features 1,160 diamonds. Only 12 of such bags were ever created, which adds up to its worth. The bag can be carried conventionally or worn with handles around the wrist as a sort of bangle.

3. Hermes Birkin Bag By Ginza Tanaka Usd 1.4 Million

Hermes Birkin Bag has been designed by the Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka and comes with detachable parts that can also be worn by one to accessorise herself. It is made up of platinum and features 2000 diamonds on its outer shell along with a pear-shaped 8-karat stone as a centerpiece, that can be detached and used as a brooch. The sling can also be detached to form a necklace.

4. Hermes Chaine'd Ancre Bag Usd 1.4 Million

Featuring a prison-like design, the Hermes Chaine d' Ancre Bag has anchor-shaped chain links encrusted with 1,160 pieces of diamonds. What makes it even more expensive is the fact that it is a Pierre Hardy-designed collectible and only 3 of such bags were ever created. It was launched in 2014.

5. Lana Marks' Cleopatra Clutch Usd 400,000

The Cleopatra Clutch by Lana Marks costs between USD 100,000 and 400,000 and is a favourite among high-profile celebrities. What adds up to its worth is the fact that only a single piece of this bag is produced each year that come with new color and design. The most expensive clutch of the series is owned by the Chinese actress and singer Li Bingbing. The bag that the celebrity owns features 1,600 white diamonds that amount to 40 karats, to match her gown. The clutch bag was personalised with her name in pink diamonds and pink gold.

6. Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin Usd 379,000

Himalaya Birkin bags are made out of Niloticus crocodiles and its dyeing process takes very long which is done to lighten the hue of the material. The handbag's design evokes images of the Himalayan mountains, featuring the rich brown colours that portray the mountains and white colors, portraying the clouds and snow-capped tops. The most recent Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin handbag was sold during an auction at Christies in Hong Kong, where it fetched 379,000 dollars. It featured over 240 diamonds that were encrusted on its 18-karat gold shell. It's current listing price is at US$500,000. 

Crafted from exquisite 18k white gold, this Himalayan handbag boasts a dazzling display of luxury with its diamond-encrusted hardware, totaling 145 sparkling diamonds that weigh a stunning 5.5 carats. The attention to detail is evident in the tonal stitching that complements the front flap, two straps, and center toggle closure, providing both style and functionality. The bag comes complete with a clochette, lock, and two keys, all adorned with the same opulent 18k white gold accents. Its beauty is not just skin deep; the interior is lined with Gris Perle chevre, elevating the bag's allure to new heights. On one side, you'll find a zip pocket featuring an elegant Hermes engraved zipper pull, adding a touch of sophistication to the design. On the opposite side, an open pocket awaits, offering convenient storage for your belongings. With its impeccable craftsmanship and exquisite details, this Himalayan handbag stands as a true testament to the artistry of luxury fashion, making it a coveted accessory for those with a discerning taste for opulence.

7. Chanel "Diamond Forever" Handbag Usd 261,000

This handbag by none other than Chanel is made of fine crocodile leather and features 334 diamonds that weighs 3.56 carats in white gold. The bag looks simple and elegant which comes with an 18-karat gold chain, that can be used as a strap and is detachable. What adds up to its value is the fact that only 13 pieces of this handbag were ever created. A reworked version of one of these bags was sold at the renowned AMFAR dinner auction in 2008, an annual event held at the picturesque Moulin de Mougins. In a stunning collaboration, Karl Lagerfeld and Madonna joined forces to create a truly extraordinary handbag that fetched a jaw-dropping price of 300,000 euros 

8. Fuchsia Diamond Studded Hermes Birkin Usd 222,000

As the name suggests, this handbag comes in Fuchsia colour and features eye-catching 18-carat white gold and diamonds. It was sold during an auction of Christie’s in Hong Kong in 2015 for 1.72 million Hong Kong dollars.

9. Hermes Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30 Cm Birkin Bag Usd 203,150

One of the priciest handbags in the world, the Hermes Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30 cm Birkin Bag features 18-karat White Gold and Diamond Hardware. It was sold as the most expensive handbag, several years ago at a public auction in Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, U.S., where an anonymous collector won the bidding.

10. Blue Crocodile Hermes Birkin Handbag Usd 150,000

The blue crocodile Hermes Birkin handbag was sold at the first-ever Christie's Auction that was dedicated for handbags at Mayfair, London. It was bought by an anonymous buyer. The handbag features white gold and 18-karat diamonds. 

The allure of this Birkin handbag lies not only in its mesmerizing blue crocodile exterior but also in the lavish embellishments it boasts. The inclusion of white gold and 18-karat diamonds adds an unparalleled level of opulence and sophistication, further enhancing its desirability among fashion enthusiasts and collectors. As the bidding took place, thousands of eager online bidders vied to claim this exceptional Birkin handbag, eager to possess a piece of luxury history. Eventually, an anonymous buyer emerged victorious, securing this prized possession as a testament to its extraordinary beauty and rarity. The saga of the Hermes Birkin handbags continues, captivating hearts and desires of millions around the globe, who seek to own a symbol of timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury. With each new creation, Hermes perpetuates its legacy as a true emblem of refined craftsmanship and sophistication, enthralling the world with every exquisite piece.