Hermes AlphaKelly Lock Necklace Stirling Silver NEW
About the Item
- Creator:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:21st Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU44920932662
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 PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Mini Handbag Necklace Chunky Choker New With TagsBy ChanelLocated in New York, NY100% AUTHENTIC Chanel mini handbag necklace Original receipt with personal info covered will be sent upon request . Gold tone metal hardware with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
- Chanel Resin Pink/Black ChokerBy ChanelLocated in New York, NY100% authentic guaranteed Chanel Pink/Black Resin Choker Please research about fit before purchase since there are no returns. In our opinion this choker would fit smaller neck. Ne...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Choker Necklaces
- Hermes Kelly Ring Small Model 18K Rose Gold Size 058 NEWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Kelly Ring Small Model 18K Rose Gold Size 058 NEW in box.please know your sizing ,this ring is FINAL SALECategory
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
- Rare 22" Costume Vintage Huge Lobster Decor Display Brooch Museum PieceLocated in New York, NYNever seen a huge brooch like this, so unique and stunning in person I was told that this brooch was custom made for designer on the runway but we don't have any names or photographs...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
- CHANEL 2019 Strass Logo Letters Brooch Set NEW With TagsBy ChanelLocated in New York, NY100% guaranteed authentic CHANEL 2019 Strasse Logo Letters Brooch Set NEW with tags.Original receipt available upon request. Approx. Measurements: Length 1.5-1.75“, Width 1.5“-1.75...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
- Chanel Large Vintage Clip EarringsBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel large size clip earrings Vintage Some glue showing on the back of the earring. Please see picture Condition:Good Final saleCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
- Peridot & Diamond Railway Choker in 18k Yellow GoldBy Karma El KhalilLocated in New York, NYPeridot & Diamond Railway Line Choker features emerald cut green peridot stones linked by 2 parallel rows of white diamond bars. Includes a lobster clasp closure with extender chain ...Category
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Peridot, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
- Australian Pearl NecklaceLocated in Palermo, ITgray and dark australian pearls necklace with 18kt gold clasp and 0.07 ct diamondsCategory
2010s Australian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsPearl
- Vintage Salmon Coral Bead Double Strand Necklace, 14 Karat Yellow Gold ClaspLocated in Milford, DEAn elegant vintage salmon coral bead necklace. Features two strands of coral beads, fastened with a luxurious 14K yellow gold clasp, with a ...Category
20th Century American Retro Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Genuine Salmon Coral Bead and Diamond Knotted String Double-Strand Gold NecklaceLocated in Milford, DEA luxurious necklace, featuring two strands of genuine salmon coral beads, accented with white gold and diamond spacers & accents, and secured with ...Category
20th Century American Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
- 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Grand Leaf NecklaceBy Evangeline LondonLocated in London, GBTotal carat weight approx. 7.654ct, 11 Marquise diamonds approx. 2.80ct total & 3 Pear shaped diamonds approx. 0.20ct each. Diamonds in G-H colour, VS clarity Other stones are availa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
- Sardinian Red Coral Bead Long Necklace 18 Karat Gold ClaspBy AngelettiLocated in Roma, ITSardinian Red Coral Bead Long Necklace 18kt Gold Clasp. The Coral is from the Mediteranean Sea, its Intense Red is definetely Rare in the area. High quality Coral Beads are Graduated...Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsCoral, Gold, 18k Gold
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.