DALLAS, TX.- An exceptional Hermès Diamond Birkin, with Diamond and White Gold hardware sold for $203,150 on Dec. 6 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, setting a world record price realized for a handbag sold at public auction. The price includes a 19.5% Buyer’s Premium. It was sold to a collector who wished to remain anonymous, and was part of Heritage’s Luxury Accessories auction. Luxury handbags have emerged in recent years as a sought-after investment-grade collectible, bringing prices that rival certain kinds of art, comic books, coins and sports memorabilia. That a buyer was willing to come forward and bid this much on this particular piece is no surprise. “This is an extraordinary example of one of the world’s most exceptional handbags,” said Matt Rubinger, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage Auctions, “and this was certainly an exceptional price, exceeding our highest expectations at every corner.”