Mouawad’s purse creates Guinness record as most expensive handbag

By Peter Townson

Record-breaking $3.8mn handbag "The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse” at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition yesterday

The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition witnessed the establishment of a world record yesterday, as ‘The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse’ received certification from Guinness World Records as the world’s most expensive handbag, valued at $3.8mn.
Co-guardians of the House of Mouawad, Fred and Pascal Mouawad unveiled the handbag at the exhibition, where it will be displayed until Sunday.
A spokesperson explained that the purse is inspired by the epic tale of romance, intrigue and incorporates 18kt gold, 4,517 diamonds -- 105 yellow, 56 pink and 4,356 colourless -- and weighs 381.92 carats.
The piece was designed by Robert Mouawad and handcrafted by 10 artisans over a period of 8,800 hours.
Pascal Mouawad, said: "Just as the tales of Scheherazade have captivated readers with their intricately woven plots of uninhibited passion and daring,  ‘The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse’ is designed to mesmerise with its lavish attention to detail and elaborate workmanship incorporating thousands of diamonds.”
"This breathtaking creation is a unique masterpiece,” said Fred Mouawad, adding "not only is it one of a kind but it is also the world’s most valuable, intensifying its power to enchant those who have the privilege of wearing it.”
The handbag is the second record-breaking attempt from the House of Mouawad, which was founded in 1890.
In 2003, Guinness World Records certified, ‘The Very Sexy Fantasy Bra,’ which was produced in collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, as the most expensive bra ever made with a value of $11mn."The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse” will be on display at the stand over the coming days, before being taken to Saudi Arabia and the UAE next week.