The Complete Guide to Hermès Lizard Bags
Uncover everything you need to know about Hermès lizard bags, from their unique features and luxurious appeal to buying tips.
History of Hermès Lizard Bags
Hermès lizard bags date back to the origins of the Kelly style itself. Over the decades, many of these bags have remained in remarkable condition despite their delicate nature. While water and moisture are not ideal for lizard skin, the dense and small scales ensure durability. However, lighter-colored lizard bags are susceptible to sun exposure, which can lead to darkened handles from regular hand use.
Hermès produces lizard bags in two finishes: Shiny (Lisse) and Matte. Shiny lizard bags are polished with an agate stone, a process similar to the treatment of shiny crocodile and alligator skins. This technique ensures the bags maintain their shine for decades without the risk of flaking or wearing away. In contrast, the matte finish provides a more understated and sophisticated look.
Among the six exotic skins Hermès uses—American alligator, ostrich, porosus saltwater crocodile, Nile crocodile, Nile monitor lizards, and Asian water monitors (Salvator lizards)—lizard bags are the rarest. Hermès maintains strict standards for skin quality, and since each bag is crafted from a single skin, most lizard bags are produced in smaller sizes, typically 25 centimeters or less.
Hermès Lizard Kelly Bags
Hermès Lizard Kelly bags are predominantly made in the sellier style, featuring sharp, structured edges that enhance their elegant silhouette. The retourne construction, with its softer and more relaxed shape, is exceedingly rare in lizard, often produced in darker colors with a matte finish. Auction records highlight the exclusivity of these bags, with fewer than five Retourne Lizard Kelly 25 bags sold to date, averaging around $29,500.
Mini Kelly bags in lizard come in various rare iterations, each commanding significant attention and value. The Mini Twilly Kelly Charm averages around $6,500 at auction, while the ultra-rare Mini Candy Kelly 15 has not appeared in auctions for nearly seven years. Vintage Sellier Kelly bags, such as the Kelly 15 and Kelly 20, continue to rise in value, with auction prices reaching $30,000 or more, and in some cases, doubling that amount.
Modern designs like the Kelly Pochette, technically referred to by Hermès as the Mini Kelly, have seen their prices soar in recent years, with Ombre examples setting record-breaking highs. Sellier Kelly 25 bags crafted in lizard are equally rare and highly sought after, with annual auction appearances numbering fewer than five. Before 2017, these bags averaged around $20,000, but recent years have seen prices climb significantly, with some examples fetching over $52,000. The enduring appeal and rarity of Hermès Lizard Kelly bags ensure their status as timeless icons in the world of luxury fashion.
Hermès Lizard Birkin Bags
Hermès introduced lizard Birkin bags in 2004 under the creative direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. The debut of the Birkin 25 made it possible to use lizard skins, which were difficult to source in sizes suitable for larger bags. While lizard Birkin 30 bags do exist, they remain exceptionally rare, with only two examples sold at auction for approximately $70,000 each.
Many early lizard Birkins featured the now-discontinued Ruthenium hardware, known for its gunmetal finish. Lizard Birkin 25 bags have been more widely available than their Kelly counterparts, with steady auction averages of $30,000. Store-fresh lizard Birkins with recent date stamps can fetch up to $40,000.
Hermès Ombre Lizard Bags
First introduced in 2007, Hermès Ombre Lizard bags are a true testament to the brand’s artistry. Most feature palladium hardware, though rare examples with gold hardware also exist. Over the years, Ombre lizard styles have expanded to include Constances, Pochettes, and more recently, Verrou and Mosaïque bags.
Often compared to the iconic Himalayan design, Ombre lizard bags are distinguished by their natural white rings on a gray background that fades into white arches. Over time, the white areas may yellow, creating stark contrasts between newer and vintage examples. Hermès has since introduced a “Desert Ombre” variation with a warmer yellow tone that is less likely to change over time. These are primarily seen in non-Birkin and Kelly styles.
Auction results for Ombre Lizard Birkins and Kellys can vary by up to $100,000. In 2020, Sotheby’s set a record for an Ombre Lizard bag with a Birkin 25 Ombre Lizard selling for $137,500. The average for Ombre Lizard Birkins and Kellys in 2021 was nearly $85,000. Prior to 2015 Ombre Lizard bags averaged under $40,000.
Hermès lizard bags embody the perfect balance of rarity, craftsmanship, and investment value. From the intricate finishes of Shiny and Matte to the iconic Kelly and Birkin styles, these bags are masterpieces in the world of luxury fashion.As the demand for Hermès lizard bags continues to rise, understanding their history, styles, and market trends is essential for both enthusiasts and investors. Whether you’re drawn to their artistry or their exclusivity, owning a Hermès lizard bag is a testament to refined taste and a love for unparalleled luxury.
Advantages to Buying Hermès on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell Hermès Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
