Most Expensive Women's Handbags Nos. 1 – 3

We know that women love handbags but just why they love their handbags so much is more difficult to fathom. It can't be genetic, as handbags have only been around for about 150 years. The handbag the fashion only really started in the late nineteenth century but it was not until around 1920 that handbags became an essential item of a woman's wardrobe.

1. The Hermes Birkin created by Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka - $1.9 million

This Hermes bags was apparently sold in 2008 for around $1.9 million. It is made of platinum and has over 2,000 diamonds. It is also versatile, so that in addition to being a handbag you can also use the diamond strap as a necklace or bracelet by removing it from the bag. The bag itself has an 8-carat pear shaped shimmering diamond that can also be used separately.

2. The Chanel "Diamond Forever" Classic - $261,000

The "Diamond Forever" classic handbag boasts 334 diamonds for a total of 3.56 carats, in 18-carat white gold. The shoulder straps are also made from white gold. There are only 13 available worldwide, with five of them being in the USA.

3. Lana Marks Cleopatra Bag - $250,000

Lana Marks produces one Cleopatra clutch for retail each year. The one in the picture is made of metallic silver alligator skin and a clasp with 1,500 black and white diamonds in 18-carat white gold. Helen Mirren wore the $250,000 Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch at the 2007 Academy Awards. Lana only allows one star per year to carry her handmade diamond studded designs down the crimson carpet. How snooty is that ?