Is Gold or Palladium Hardware More Valuable on a Hermès Quota Bag?

photo courtesy @thehermesclub

Dear Pursebop:

Does the Birkin or Kelly have different value or demand when it comes to their hardware? Does the gold hardware perform better as an investment?

Dear Hermès Hardware Value:

It is generally believed that Hermès gold hardware is more popular and desirable than its counterpart, palladium hardware. However, palladium hardware is becoming increasingly more popular. This may be reflected on the resale market for many bags. The difference in value on the secondary market is nominal at best assuming both are in the same excellent condition. 

We recommend requesting and purchasing the color hardware you prefer and not what is “more valuable.” Hermès designs their bags with the hardware they believe best accentuates the color of the bag, and they are usually correct.

With the classic neutral colors such as noir, gold, gray (such as etain, etoupe, gris perle), trench, chai, gris tourterelle, etc. request the hardware you prefer from your SA because these colors usually are produced with gold and palladium hardware. Certain colors such as pink, are most often produced with palladium hardware and occasionally with rose gold hardware. If offered the opportunity to create a special order bag, you may specify the hardware you prefer. You also have additional choices such as brushed gold, brushed palladium, and permabrass hardware.

It is best to let your SA know your preference with respect to hardware color and leather color if you have one. 

Good luck and Happy Shopping

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