Second Hand Shops Surrey

When Jerememy Kurkland launched a luxury resale shop, in 2011, there was still a stigma attached to buying pre-owned goods. They were often thought to "have bad spirits or energy attached to them", he says, and there was a "certain shame" linked to the purchase of a vintage item perceived to be of inferior quality.

But a growing appetite for vintage items, coupled with cultural changes in how pre-owned items such as jewellery are perceived, are setting the stage for rapid expansion.

The luxury resale market is worth more than $20 Billion globally and represents close to 10 per cent of luxury consumption worldwide, according to reports.

"We noticed a double and triple-digit growth, without us doing any targeted marketing activity," says Gregory Billet, vice-president at luxury resale website, describing consumers' growing appetite for pre-owned upscale goods.

Although it is often classic statement handbags by brands such as Hermès and Chanel that drive clients to second hand stores, Ms Moizant notes a spread into other sectors, including jewellery. "The era of the it-bag is definitely behind us and the demand for jewellery statement pieces is on the rise," she says.

Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection and the Chanel Première watch are among the most coveted items, she says. Gold earrings and alphabet pendants by Céline, now sold out in stores, are snapped up within a few hours when they appear.

The pursuit of vintage is almost as important as the pieces themselves. "In our store every piece is unique and looking for it is like partaking in a treasure hunt. This brings with it an emotional component," says Mr. Billet.