Rating and value of your Kelly handbags from Hermès

If you own a Kelly bag and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your bag, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, if you want to sell your bag, we'll point you in the right direction to get the best possible price. The price of a Kelly can vary according to the year, leather, edition (limited or not), stones and metals used.

Kelly rating and value

The Kelly is a Hermès staple, along with the Birkin. The two bags look alike, but don't serve the same purpose. The price at which it sells on the art and auction markets ranges from €5,000 to €330,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to your Kellys.

In 2022, Kelly 25 Himalaya Retourne sold for €352,800, more than three times the high estimate achieved by Sotheby's.

Estimating the value of a Kelly from the simplest to the most prized

Reasons to sell a Kelly

The Kelly is a timeless bag, always in demand on the auction market. Buyers are prepared to pay unprecedented sums, as the house has made the it bag a rare item that is almost impossible to obtain new.

At Hermès, you'll have to wait at least three to five years to hope one day to own this much sought-after bag, which is the rarest to obtain along with the Birkin.

The most famous of princess bags

The story of Hermès Kelly begins, like that of Birkin, with an influential woman whose outfits and accessories are copied. Not just an actress this time, but also a princess: Grace Kelly.

Thierry Hermès first designed this bag, named "Haut à Courroies". Hermès being a saddlery house, their first items were made for equestrian use. The Kelly was therefore originally a rather large bag, designed to carry equestrian equipment.

In the 1930s, Robert Dumas wanted to transform it, and redesigned it to reduce its size and make it a bag that women could wear every day. The smaller model was then called the "sac à dépêches".

It was in 1958 that it got its current name, when Grace Kelly stepped off a plane and used her Hermès bag to conceal her pregnancy. The company decided to rename the bag "Kelly", and sales soared.

The history of this bag and the Lady Dior are similar, yet the Kelly remains more in demand on the auction market and has a much higher price tag on the luxury and auction markets.

Find out more about the incredible story of the Kelly

The buzz around the Kelly

If the Kelly is such a popular bag today, it's because it's timeless, practical and elegant. Wearing a Kelly is an experience.

What's more, it's highly prized by buyers willing to put a lot of money into it, as it's a luxury bag but without a large visible inscription or logo that could make the name of the house recognizable.

It's also a bag that lasts over time, thanks to the quality of the leather and metals used in its manufacture. This may seem obvious, but other houses don't take such care in the manufacture of their leather goods and in their choice of leathers.

Depending on the model, it is often smaller than a Birkin, but can also fetch very high prices at auction, and is prized by buyers from all over the world.

Obviously, the Kelly dresses up and transforms any outfit, and can be worn in all circumstances, thanks to its straight curves and practicality. It is one of Hermès' most prized bags.

The reputation of Kelly bags on the auction market

Selling a Hermès Kelly bag at auction offers several advantages, not least the possibility of reaching an international audience of collectors and luxury enthusiasts ready to invest in these iconic pieces.

The second-hand market for Hermès bags, particularly the Kelly models, is enjoying resounding success around the world. These bags, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and rarity, often see their value increase over time.

At auction, some Kellys sell for much more than their original selling price, especially when they are in rare colors or leathers.

This phenomenon is fuelled by the growing demand for second-hand luxury goods, which are seen not only as fashion accessories, but also as investments.

The prestige associated with Hermès and the universal recognition of the Kelly's design have made it a coveted item, attracting bidders from the four corners of the globe, reinforcing the notoriety and value of this legendary bag on the resale market.

The advantages of Auctie's

Entrusting a Hermès bag to our auction house rather than selling it online offers several significant advantages.

Our auction house has unrivalled expertise in the appraisal and presentation of luxury items, ensuring that your bag will be optimally displayed.

They also attract an audience of discerning collectors and fashion enthusiasts, often willing to pay a high price for rare, authentic pieces.

What's more, auctions offer greater transparency and security, with rigorous verification processes that protect both seller and buyer, reducing the risk of fraud or disputes common on online platforms.

Last but not least, auctions can generate real competition between bidders, which can lead to a final sale price that is much higher than you could get on a conventional resale market.

In short, entrusting a bag to an auction house maximizes not only its visibility, but also its potential value.

Recognizing an original Kelly

The counterfeit market is increasingly strong, manufacturing a variety of bags and passing them off as luxury items. On online platforms, the resale of these items continues to increase, and many customers are being tricked.

That's why, even if there are techniques for recognizing a genuine Kelly, such as looking at the seams, or the serial number inside, it's essential if you think you own a Kelly to have it appraised.

Knowing the value of the bag

If you happen to own a Kelly bag, or are thinking of buying one, don't hesitate to request a free evaluation using the form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your bag, as well as any relevant information about it.

If you want to sell your bag, our specialists will also help you find alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.