Two breeds of crocodiles are competing for this extreme luxury on which the CITES exercise their scrupulous vigilance. The Poro (porosus) is Australian and Nilo (niloticus) is African as its name refers.
Their artistic use is different. The Poro offers several dimensions of scales allowing irregular patterns. The Nilo, more regular, supports exquisite dyeing shades that match perfectly with the white precious metals of the plaques and locks. The presence or absence of dots in the center of the scale also guides the designer in optimizing the use of this material.
Only the result of the craft is important, and none of these two variants is dominant over the other.
On December 6, 2011, Heritage sold for $ 203K including premium a shiny red 30cm Poro equipped in white gold and diamonds. I also discussed in that sale a bag of the same size in "Himalayan crocodile", sold for $ 80K including premium.
There are obviously no crocodiles in the Himalayas. This wording applies to a very clear dyeing, very difficult to realize but providing an immaculate effect. The bag sold in 2011 has the characteristics of a Nilo (although this information is not indicated in the catalog) and is equipped in palladium without diamonds.
On September 23 in Beverly Hills, Heritage sells a 30 cm Birkin, undated in the catalog, in matte Himalayan Nilo, lot 58116 estimated $ 150K. This handbag equipped with white gold and diamonds is in pristine condition as brand new, having even kept its original plastic covers.