Hermès Sterling Silver and Gold Compact with Bezel and Baguette Sapphires
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Weight:201 g
- Dimensions:Height: 2.58 in (65.54 mm)Width: 3.25 in (82.55 mm)Depth: 0.44 in (11.18 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1930
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU164918745191
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness. As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key. Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings. Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Edwardian Emerald Cut Sapphire Yellow and White Gold RingLocated in New York, NYEdwardian Emerald Cut Burmese Sapphire Diamond Yellow and White Gold Ring. Size 4 1/2,easily sized by your jeweler or us Materials: 18K yel...Category
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Modern Runway Black Enamel Diamond Gemstones Sterling Gold RingLocated in New York, NYModern Runway black enamel ring in sterling with gold overlay. 137 full cut diamonds @ 2.0 carats tw as well as emeralds, sapphires, citrine rounds. Oval center ruby @ 3.0 carats....Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
- Pear Moonstone Sapphire Yellow Gold RingLocated in New York, NYThis ring showcases a beautiful 11 carat natural Pear Moonstone, surrounded by old mine cut sapphires and set in 14k Yellow Gold. It is unmarked but has been tested. Materials: 14k...Category
20th Century Unknown Retro Fashion Rings
MaterialsMoonstone, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
- Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Unisex RingLocated in New York, NYDiamond sapphire yellow gold unisex ring. The emerald cut sapphire is approximately 2.40 carats. There are 8 full and 12 single cut diamonds totaling 2.1...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings
MaterialsSapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Pair of Ebony Sapphire Ruby Tourmaline Emerald Citrine Diamond Silver BraceletsLocated in New York, NYPair of ebony, diamond, sapphire, ruby, tourmaline, emerald and citrine bracelets. Oxidized silver, 146 grams, with 310 single cut diamonds at 1.5 carats. 7 1/2 inches long by 1 5/8...Category
20th Century Retro Retro Bracelets
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Silver
- Micro Pearl Tanzanite Welo Opal Diamond Gold and Silver Choker BraceletLocated in New York, NYMicro Pearl Tanzanite Welo Opal Diamond Gold and Silver Choker Bracelet. Bracelet is beautifully adorned with four pear shaped Ethiopian Welo opals, a tanzan...Category
20th Century Beaded Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Opal, Pearl, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Silver
- Vintage Sterling Silver and Gold Powder CompactLocated in beverly hills, CAThis charming and beautifully detailed vintage sterling silver and gold powder compact features intricate hand engraving to create a delightful and...Category
20th Century Vanity Items
MaterialsGold, Sterling Silver
- Vintage Retro 1940s Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 14K Gold Sapphire CompactLocated in Santa Monica, CAVintage Retro 1940s Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 14K Gold Sapphire Compact 129.2 gram 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch 1/2 inch thick Lock is little easy to open, may need adjustments, so de...Category
Vintage 1940s American Modernist Boxes and Cases
MaterialsSapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
- Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with LipstickLocated in GBWimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Vanity Items
MaterialsSterling Silver, Enamel
- Vintage Retro 1940s Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 14K Gold Ruby CompactLocated in Santa Monica, CAVintage Retro 1940s Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 14K Gold Ruby Compact 2.25 inch by 2.25 inch 3/8 inch thick 82.1 gram No evidence of repair, good used condition, see picturesCategory
Vintage 1940s American Modern Boxes and Cases
MaterialsRuby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
- Sapphire Diamond Gold Compact BoxLocated in Miami, FLThis 1930s authentic compact box with a lipstick holder, a powder compartment and a vanity mirror underneath the flap is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, ...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Boxes and Cases
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Fabulous Compact Sterling & EnamelLocated in New York, NYUnique square-shaped hinged compact. Black enamel with a striking purple, orange and yellow enamel orchid. Gold leaf tracery, creating a 2 1/8" x 2 1/8." Beveled border which c...Category
Vintage 1920s Unknown Boxes and Cases
MaterialsSterling Silver
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.