The Hermès Birkin bag is a handbag by Hermes, handmade in leather and named after actress and singer Jane Birkin. The bag is a symbol of wealth due to its high price and exclusivity. The bags are handmade in France by expert artisans. The company's signature saddle stitching, developed in the 1800s, is another distinctive feature. Each bag is hand-sewn, buffed, painted, and polished, taking several days to finish. An average bag is created in 48 hours. Leathers are obtained from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures. Because of the individual craftsmanship, other details of the bags may not all match. The Hermes Birkin is known for the meticulous craftsmanship and scarcity. These vintage bags show some wear from being lovingly used.