Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend clearly wasn’t in on the infatuation ladies have with handbags. While totes and shoppers are must-have everyday essentials, evening antics call for something a little more refined. That’s where the clutch bag comes in. Simple, compact and oh so stylish, these petite purses are perfect for rocking at cocktail parties, the theatre, dinner dates and more. So which clutch bags are pulling at our heartstrings this season? Read on for a glimpse at some of our most stunning new additions.

Jimmy Choo Ubai Snakeskin Clutch Bag

The sensual snakeskin outer of this clutch is guaranteed to make any girl swoon. The provocative textured finish feels wonderful on the fingers, while the red and black colouring is downright sexy.

Balenciaga Agneau Giant 12 Gold Envelope Strap Clutch

At just £595, this Balenciaga belle is an absolute steal for any woman who loves to flaunt luxury leather goods. The buttery-soft, semi-distressed agneau leather features an exquisite texture that’s set off by slightly dulled gold tone fittings and zips for a touch of understated bling.

Barneys New York Alligator Clutch

Simply uttering the words ‘Barneys’ and ‘New York’ in the same sentence is a surefire way to get any girl’s heart beating faster. This clutch is crafted with tough alligator skin which keeps the contents safe, secure and, of course, ultra-stylish. Fancy a handbag? The 50cm removable strap turns this handheld purse into a shoulder bag in just seconds. Oh so versatile!

Chanel Quilted Caviar Leather O Case Clutch Makeup Bag

Store your lotions and potions in utter luxury with this gorgeous caviar calf leather makeup clutch featuring the classic Chanel diamond quilted pattern. A sparking gold tone CC emblem conceals a magnificent burgundy interior that screams royalty.

D&G Miss Sunflower Black Suede Clutch Bag

In search of something elegant yet extravagant? This D&G number is just the ticket. The silky-smooth suede is fabulously soft to the touch, while the subtle design ensures that the Miss Sunflower remains an icon of both quality and style. All for the preloved price of £495.

Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato SilkStretchKnot Clutch Bag

This clutch bag leans towards the smaller end of the scale, which makes it perfect to accessorise a little black dress that never fails to score a compliment or two. It’s an elongated version of the signature Knot clutch bag, and boasts incredible artisanal craftsmanship and luxurious intrecciato silk fabric.

With the new season of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn well underway, the team has already managed to get their hands on some stunning items. Elevating the concept of high-end pawn broking, there has been no shortage of luxury products on this year’s season, from haute couture handbags to remarkable gemstone rings – and even a luxury yacht! What will episode four bring? Check out our rundown of what not to miss.

Claudia and the Ibiza Club DJ

Many of those who come through the Posh Pawn doors want to sell their luxury items to finance interests and pursuits. This week Claudia, our new in-house handbag specialist, has a big surprise in store for one glamourous Ibiza club DJ who is trying to go global. Claudia – who is fiancée to the big boss, James – swoons over the DJ’s stunning designer goods, and her reaction is not to be missed. How much will the coveted collection bring? Tune in and find out for yourself.

Alicja’ Goes for Gold 

Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Our gemologist, Alicja, gets excited this week when a vintage gold and diamond timepiece gets brought into Posh Pawn. The stunning piece exudes old school elegance and timeless sophistication. No one loves gorgeous gemstones like Alicja, and the timepiece is right up her street. Will it be worthy of a visit to diamond specialist, Ian Towing? Be sure not to miss this week’s bedazzling episode.

James Gets All Revved Up

Vehicles are a seriously lucrative business and no one knows this better than Posh Pawn boss, James Constantinou. This week sees him get hot under the collar when he is faced with a unique imported chopper motorbike. No stranger to all things wheeled, James is faced with a conundrum like no other. But what price will the chopper bring in?

An unredeemed Aston Martin is also auctioned off. The sophisticated vehicle is a hit with James – but will the bids be high enough to see him break even and raise enough money to recoup his losses?

Catch the latest episode on Channel 4  and join the discussion on social media as you watch with us. Share your favourite items and see if you can guess how much the posh pawn is worth.

At Prestige Pawnbrokers we love all things luxurious, and high-end horology falls neatly into that category. Upmarket retailer Cartier is one of our all-time favourite brands, continually dazzling us with perfectly cut diamonds, stunning engagement rings and of course, exclusive timepieces. In fact, their watches are so coveted that they’re worthy of a princess!

A watch worthy of Buckingham Palace

That’s right! The iconic Ballon Bleu timepiece has graced the wrist of none other than Kate Middleton, or as she’s now know, the Duchess of Cambridge. She’s one of Britain’s most beloved personalities and has done amazing things for raising the style profile of the royal family. After all, she did commission Sarah Burton, creative director of luxury fashion house Alexander McQueen to design her a bespoke wedding dress. If that isn’t worthy of a mention, nothing is! She’s got expensive taste, but our humble princess also loves to step out in high street items, with Whistles, LK Bennet and Reiss being particular favourites.

While her immaculate blow-dry and elegant, yet on-trend, outfits do steal the headlines, Kate also turns heads with her accessories inventory. Her Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is one of her favourite pieces, making an appearance at prestigious events such as the re-opening of Bletchley Park and the Wimbledon Championships. The Parisian brand has become synonymous with luxury and is the perfect choice for a princess. It features classic Cartier styling with a timeless Roman dial, sword-shaped hands, cabochon set crown and quartz powered components. Simple, stylish and superlatively stunning, the clean curves and lines complement any outfit.

The embodiment of perfection

We’re ecstatic to announce that we’ve now got our hands on our very own Ballon Bleu de Cartier. And to be quite honest, we think it shines even brighter than the counterpart worn by the Duchess. With its steel and pink gold bracelet and Roman numeral dial dotted with square cut diamonds, it’s an absolute stunner. The case diameter measures 36.6mm which gives it a noticeable presence, yet doesn’t overwhelm the wrist. It’s barely been worn, yet is priced at just £4500 ─ making it a steal for anyone wanting to flaunt a Ballon Bleu de Cartier without the eye-watering price tag. As well as receiving the magnificent timepiece the buyer will also enjoy its original box, booklet and tags to guarantee absolute authenticity.

We’re only two episodes into season three of Posh Pawn, and already the team have managed to get their hands on some pretty amazing items. From luxury yachts and miniature railways to dazzling gemstone rings and oodles of designer handbags, there’s definitely been no shortage of extravagant goods to pawn. So what’s in store for episode three? Check out our rundown of the highlights.

Joy and her jewellery

Joy is our in-house jewellery aficionada and enjoys a handful of regular clients who love high-end trinkets just as much as she does. When regular buyer Suzanne wishes to exchange several items for jewellery showcased on our e-shop, Joy is on hand to help. If you love jewellery don’t miss this episode, as it showcases some of our finest pieces!

Lawrence and F1 memorabilia

Formula One is a seriously lucrative business, and it’s not just the supercars themselves that are worth a pretty penny. When Bente and Ken decide they want to sell their 1961 Brands Hatch signed Formula One race programme and donate the proceeds to charity, Lawrence gladly takes on the job. After a visit to memorabilia expert Marc, Lawrence gets to work on behalf of the generous duo.

James and his double-decker bus

London is famous for its iconic double-decker buses ─ so when Joel figuratively wheeled one into Prestige Pawnbrokers, we were suitably impressed. James immediately signs on for a test drive, which is quite the experience! We also pay a special visit to Joel’s quirky Chubby Chops dog-friendly café, located in Hove. Needless to say it’s a popular haunt with eccentric Hove locals and their playful pooches.

Michael and the Girard-Perregaux timepiece

A large proportion of our customers want to sell high-value assets in order to fund business endeavours. Lauren and Doraj fall into this category, and are pawning a luxury Girard-Perregaux watch in order to raise funds for their jewellery business. They’re a fantastic couple, and we wish them all the best!

James visits Presmans Mastermelt

Ever wondered how to make something out of nothing? When James visits London’s Presmans Mastermelt, he gets a first-hand look at how old trash gets turned into cold hard cash.

Catch the latest episode on Channel 4.

OK, we admit it: at Prestige Pawnbrokers we are a self-confessed team of handbag buffs. We LOVE designer labels and have a keen eye for flawless stitching, impeccable linings, butter-soft leather and beautiful embellishments. Hermès is without a doubt one of our absolute favourite labels, and whenever a genuine article enters our premises, we always take a moment to swoon. So can you imagine our excitement when this little number sauntered through our doors?

Hello beautiful!

The Hermès Birkin 35 – Ooh la la!

With its sumptuously soft calfskin leather exterior, Chevre goatskin leather interior, silver-tone hardware, contrasting white stitching and beautiful Blue Jean colour, this is one seriously sexy handbag. We’ve described it as a “mirage of delight”, and can confirm that it captivates everyone who sets eyes on it.

Named after legendary actress Jane Birkin, these exclusive bags are highly prized by the well-heeled fashionistas of the world. They come in a variety of colours, but, at risk of sounding biased, we think Blue Jean is definitely the prettiest!

At Prestige Pawnbrokers we’re all about securing high-end items that are 100% authentic. This Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean has been used a handful of times, but is in very good condition. As soon as we got hold of this beauty, our in-house team of leather experts meticulously cleaned and refurbished it, restoring the bag to its absolute best. This is all part of our commitment to ensuring that every luxury handbag that hits our store is in pristine condition. The lucky buyer will not only receive the handbag itself but also a rain coat, dust bag and box to keep the item looking immaculate.

Coveted by celebrities

With a price tag of £6,200 the Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth every penny. In fact, the model is so in demand that Kris Jenner was positively over the moon when she managed to get her hands on a pair of ‘Baby Birkins’ priced at a cool US$8,000 each. The ultra-stylish reality TV matriarch flaunted her latest fashion fix on Instagram, much to the envy of her army of followers.

“I LOVE my new Baby Hermes Birkin bags. So happy to find them !!!!!” she captioned.

Jo Lawlor_PoshPawn

Whatever the sector, every successful business is underpinned by a team of individuals with a genuine passion for achieving excellence. As one of the UK’s poshest pawn shops, Prestige Pawnbrokers knows the inherent value of arming itself with a tight-knit team. As PA to Managing Director James Constantinou, Jo is one of the business’s most valued employees. Not to mention one of the fiercest! She lights up every episode of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn and to celebrate her, we’ve put together a glimpse at how this lovely lady first got started with us.

 From pal to partner

James and Jo go way back, with a friendship spanning over 20 years. During this time the pair built a strong and trusting relationship ─ so when James threw open the doors of Prestige Pawnbrokers and found himself in need of a PA, he reached out to Jo. She was more than happy to take on the role, and has played an integral part in helping James Constantinou build the business into the celebrity pawnbroker it is today.

Holistic therapy meets high-end pawn

Unlike other members of the Prestige Pawnbrokers team, Jo doesn’t have a background in finance, nor does she specialise in niche luxury items. Instead, she spent 14 years in the health and fitness industry, with a particular focus on holistic treatments. She’s a qualified holistic therapist, and places a particular focus on stress management. Using acupressure, reflexology, Indian head massage and deep tissue bodywork, she was the go-to woman for people wanting to de-stress, reinvigorate and enjoy a happier, healthier existence. Making the switch to pawn broking was quite the transition! Today, her friends will playfully introduce her as “Jo, the woman who was into massage but is now into pawn!”

The heart and soul of Prestige Pawnbrokers

To the Prestige Pawnbrokers team, Jo is the heart of the business, and the glue that holds it all together. While other team members deal directly with clients, Jo takes the backseat and ensures that everything’s running smoothly. As a highly organised individual who’s efficient at problem solving, as well as patient and conscientious, the role of PA is perfect for Jo.

So is Jo here to stay? Luckily for the Prestige Pawnbrokers team, the answer is yes! She loves her current role and nothing beats the excitement of the Prestige Pawnbrokers premises.

Posh Pawn Episode 2 Highlights Revealed!

Since making its grand TV debut, Posh Pawn has taken Channel 4 by storm. We can’t believe that our tight-knit team at Prestige Pawnbrokers has gone on to star in one of the country’s most popular TV shows! We’re ecstatic to announce that we’ve signed on for a third season and to celebrate, we’re offering readers a sneak peek at what’s in store over the next few months. We’ve already covered episode one, so read on for a glimpse at what we got up to in episode two!

Patrick, Sylvia and 500 handbags

We love our handbags at Prestige Pawnbrokers, particularly when they’re crafted from butter-soft leather and come with a sky-high price tag. If you share our obsession, don’t miss episode two, where Patrick and Sylvia get their hands on 500 designer handbags worth a seriously pretty penny. A definite thrill for all you handbag lovers out there!

James and David’s railway

Even big boys love toys, and when James and David snag themselves a miniature railway there’s no option but to set it up in David’s back garden. When they’re in good working order, miniature railways can be worth a mint. To determine how much this one’s worth, the boys call on the expertise of railway whizz Patrick.

Michael and Luci’s Tanzanite Ring

Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on the planet, mined exclusively at one location in the African country of Tanzania. The brilliant blue colour is surrounded by a purplish glow which makes it a popular alternative to sapphire. This episode Michael and Luci get the pleasure of examining a dazzling tanzanite ring. When they’re not quite sure of its value, James calls on antiques expert Ian Towning for a second opinion.
James and Paul’s Nutcracker bike

While some people are happy to zip around on a cheap set of wheels, others prefer to cruise in style. James is our in-house bicycle expert, and when Paul wants to take out a loan backed by a Nutcracker, James heads to Bognor Regis to see it in person. What does he find? You’ll have to watch to find out!

It’s amazing that we managed to squeeze so much action into one episode. But for us, it’s just another hectic week at London’s most prestigious pawnbroking business.

As managing director of Prestige Pawnbrokers, James Constantinou oversees one of the UK’s most coveted secured loans providers. So how did he go from small-time property developer, to celebrity pawn broker lighting up TV screens across the globe? Read on as we delve into how James got started in the industry, what drives the business to unsurpassed success and how he’s definitively reinvented the way the world views pawn.

The backstory

James is a self-confessed serial entrepreneur and has spent his career dabbling in a plethora of different areas. From vintage classic cars and property development to corporate sales and marketing, he’s developed a well-rounded set of skills that have turned him into a fierce businessman.

Pawnbroking

As an age-old practice, pawnbroking calls for a stack of different skills, from charming customers to spotting counterfeit goods. For James, high-end pawnbroking was the perfect opportunity to exercise his trading skills, while simultaneously indulging his passion for all things luxurious.

Prestige launches in London

James threw open the doors of Prestige Pawnbrokers in 2009, and hasn’t looked back since. Today he operates our two shops located in Richmond and Weybridge. Regular viewers of the show will know the business has been wildly successful and James credits this to his amazing team, and his willingness to say yes when others would say no. This bold search for success has led to the conquering of new heights. What’s James’ personal mantra? He always says, “I am a strong believer that to succeed in business you should have a hunger for gain, as opposed to a fear of loss.”

So what sorts of deals have graced the Prestige Pawnbrokers premises? James’ absolute favourites include a Ferrari Daytona worth £250,000, an art collection with a £1 million price tag, and rare literature that features in the Queen’s Windsor library.

Prestige Pawnbrokers hits Channel 4

Soon enough, Prestige Pawnbrokers caught the attention of the press, with James featuring in various articles and TV appearances. Thanks to dazzling deals involving helicopters, Ferraris, mini-submarines and more, he was approached by Channel 4 to feature in the reality show, Posh Pawn. The documentary follows the weird and wonderful assets that Prestige Pawnbrokers encounters on a daily basis, and has gone on to become one of the channel’s biggest hits. Episodes are broadcast across the globe and we’ve already signed on for a third season. Catch James on Channel 4 tomorrow at 8pm!

From leisure helicopters and Lamborghinis to Louis Vuitton leather goods and luxury yachts, Channel 4’s Posh Pawn elevates the concept of pawnbroking to a whole new level.  With two successful series already on film, the team has signed on for another year of giving viewers a glimpse at the hidden world of high-end pawnbroking.

Want to know more? Read on for a sneak peek at what’s in store for episode one of the latest Posh Pawn season.

James and Steve cruise around Palma

Pawnbroking can be a tough gig, and the crew have earned the right to relax and unwind. Viewers will be green with envy as James and Steve cruise around idyllic Palma in a luxury sailboat.

Patrick and Rosie

The world of luxury leather goods can be seriously lucrative. Thankfully, the Posh Pawn team has armed themselves with on-trend individuals who can spot quality from a mile away. Episode one showcases some gorgeous Hermès and Louis Vuitton handbags that will have fashionistas swooning.

Lawrence and Angela’s Oasis guitar

Music memorabilia generates some crazy cash, especially when it’s associated with what’s widely regarded as the biggest Britpop band of all time. When Lawrence and Angela get their hands on an original Oasis guitar, they’re suitably excited! And a visit from Britpop expert Rob is the icing on the cake for this pair of Oasis fans…

Alicja’s dazzling diamonds

Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend, so when Italian client Herbert brings in a dazzling bracelet Alicja is smitten. The piece is stunning and she decides that it’s worthy of a visit to diamond specialist, Ian Towning.

Office expansion

Prestige Pawnbrokers is growing and with this comes the need to expand the premises. Episode one sees James move into his very own office as part of his plans to take the business to new heights. Watch this space as season three will cover the transition, and is sure to feature some exciting new developments for the Posh Pawn team.

So far season three of Posh Pawn is shaping up to be full of sensationally high-end deals, and we’ve only seen snippets of episode one! As August rolls on, be sure to catch all of the action on Channel 4.

The new series of hit Channel 4 show Posh Pawn is due to start on 26^th August. If you’re a regular viewer, you’ll know the show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pawn industry and its inner workings, with Prestige’s own James Constantinou advising shoppers on how to spot fake designer items. All manner of luxury items appear on the show, and viewers get expert advice on how to buy, sell and ultimately care for expensive items such as jewellery, clothing and even vehicles.

In recent years, more and more people have been turning to pawnbrokers to get instant credit. But Posh Pawn is not just about those trying to stretch their funds until the end of the month by selling off valuables. Prestige Pawnbrokers specialise in high-end pawn, from handbags worth thousands of pounds, to a helicopter with a £1 million price tag. All of this and more plays out in front of the cameras as we’re filmed every day discovering exciting new items, and helping customers buy and sell.

Want a sneak peak of episode one? Read on to find out more about us and what you can expect from the new series…

Who are Prestige Pawnbrokers?

Based in London, the Home Counties and across the UK, we provide loans against jewellery, gold and other collectables such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton handbags. As long-trusted high street pawnbrokers, we often give three times more cash than other lenders.

Viewers of Posh Pawn will be aware of the stunning pieces brought into Prestige Pawnbroker locations in Weybridge, Surrey and Hatton Garden in London. James Constantinou, the Prestige Pawnbrokers MD, is one of our pawn specialists and has seen it all, from grand antiques to Old Master paintings – he has even dealt with a mini submarine! The team has a range of expertise, and jewellery is taken to leading specialist Ian Towning of Bourbon Hanby Arcade, who deals with all things diamond including bracelets, necklaces and rings.

What’s on Offer?

Prestige’s eShop is full of items that would not be out of place on the Posh Pawn show. From exclusive watches to designer bags, art and other luxury items, the online store has something for everyone with a comprehensive range of stunning key pieces. Ideal for every season, items come at a fraction of the original designer price tag, making the site a great find for bargain hunters.

There is also a selection of one-of-a-kind collectible items for sale including solid silver tankards, a 1961 August Bank Holiday Brands Hatch programme and a letter signed by Peter Sellers.

The site even features some of the most memorable items shown on Posh Pawn, such as the German High Gothic style life-sized full armour for man and horse.

Posh Pawn

Items presented to James on Posh Pawn have included classic cars, a 40 foot American motor home, and jewellery from a reformed 1930s cat burglar. The show sees many people taking loans out against beloved items: one person approaches Posh Pawn for a £100K against his luxury yacht, and we meet a divorcee who wants to pawn a £185K necklace to pay her children’s school fees.

Have you seen Posh Pawn? What is the most unusual thing you have ever seen pawned? Let us know on social media, we want to hear from you!