Survey: Interest in pre-owned luxury goods continues to grow
In the face of increased prices and lowered consumer sentiment, second hand luxury is being embraced at “record levels.”
According to a new survey from Circa, a buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and luxury watches, 79% of respondents say that their appreciation for buying pre-owned fine jewelry and watches has grown in the last five years. When asked what feels most rewarding about buying pre-owned luxury items, over 70% said price was a “pivotal factor.”
More than a third (36.5%) of those surveyed said purchasing pre-owned luxury items is a great way to own luxury at a more attainable price, while a similar percentage (35%) said buying pre-owned was a smart financial decision. Nearly thirty-seven percent said price was the single most important factor in whether to purchase pre-owned luxury items vs. new. Thirty-five percent of those who have already purchased or are looking to buy pre-owned jewelry said they see themselves as a "value seeker."
More than a third (34.3%) of survey respondents said that knowing a piece comes from a trusted source makes discovering and purchasing a pre-owned luxury item more appealing.
[READ MORE: Circana: Retail spending, unit demand fall in April]
“Luxury resale has crossed a critical threshold,” said Steven Schneider, CEO of Circa. “It’s no longer about compromise: it’s about access, trends and smarter consumption. Historically, people would purchase something and keep it forever to pass down to future generations. Today, consumers are buying and selling as fashion trends come and go or because they’re simply not wearing it and are interested in a new piece. They’ll sell an old piece to fund the purchase of something new without a thought.”
Circa noted that the global resale market is projected to reach $360 billion by 2030, up from $210 billion as of October 2025. The luxury brands most-frequently cited as appealing in the resale ecosystem were Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co., along with high jewelry houses, such as Harry Winston, Boucheron and David Webb.
