The pieces that appreciate — and the ones that do not

Classic configurations hold value exceptionally well and frequently exceed original retail. A Birkin 30 in Togo leather, in a neutral colour with palladium or gold hardware, in excellent condition with its full set, typically resells at or above what it cost at the boutique — a function of Hermès restricting supply so tightly that the primary market effectively cannot be accessed on demand. Exotic-leather pieces in rare colours can be worth several multiples of retail. Unusual colourways, heavily worn examples and less popular sizes perform less strongly, and we grade honestly on all three.

Yes, reliably. Counterfeit quality has risen sharply and the better fakes will pass a casual look, but they fail consistently on details that are expensive to replicate: the precise stitch angle and thread tension of Hermès saddle stitching, the weight and plating depth of hardware, the exact font and depth of blind stamps, and interior construction that is invisible in photographs. We inspect physically, never from images alone, and we will decline any piece we cannot authenticate with complete confidence.

Yes. Corner wear, handle patina and light interior marks are normal for a used bag and are simply priced in. What we cannot work with is structural damage, water staining, heavy odour or previous non-specialist repair. For desirable pieces, Hermès spa refurbishment can sometimes recover more than it costs — we will tell you when that maths works in your favour.

Because crocodile, alligator, ostrich and lizard are covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and moving such a piece across a border without valid documentation is a customs offence in most jurisdictions, including the UAE. If you hold the original CITES permit, keep it safe — it is part of the asset. If it has been lost, we can advise on replacement, but we will not move an exotic piece internationally without it.