Buying my first Chanel handbag back in 2009 felt like such an achievement. It was the classic flap bag in black leather with silver hardware and chain strap. It cost £1,500 — an eyewatering sum for me in my late 20s — but I’d spent years saving up for it, and swinging it over my shoulder, I felt ridiculously proud of myself. Fifteen years later, I’m glad I still own it, but it is carefully packed away in its box. And any money I earn is spent very differently — a holiday or home improvement, or it is saved.
Why? Because I no longer carry luxury status symbols around with me — and if I can’t use them, why buy them? I’ve lived and worked in London most of my adult life and, like most people who live in the capital city, I make it my business to be incredibly aware of my surroundings, whatever the time of day. But muggings are now at an all-time high. Incidents of personal theft have tripled in the West End in the past two years, with latest figures showing more than 6,000 luxury watches were stolen in London in 2022.
Our anonymous writer got into the habit of turning her engagement ring around to conceal the stone from view When England cricketer Kevin Pietersen posted a picture on social media last week saying he’d taken off his wedding ring and expensive watch before a trip to London, I understood immediately because I do the same thing — as does my partner. It’s simply not worth the risk. At best you might get mugged; at worst injured fighting off any assailants.
I’m always dashing across London to attend meetings as part of my work as a financial journalist. I mostly use the Tube, always preferable to sitting in traffic or, whenever possible, walk between appointments. Years ago, I used to turn my diamond engagement ring around, so the stone was hidden. Now I’m too scared to wear it at all. Before, I might have covered my vintage 1982 Rolex watch with my sleeve.
These days, it remains locked away. Despite owning several precious and expensive pieces of jewellery, when I’m in London, I no longer dare wear anything of financial value. I’m not a frail-looking woman — I’m tall, at 5ft 11in, and strong — so not an obvious victim, Túi xách nữ hàng hiệu but I try to anticipate trouble before it happens, and Túi xách nữ hàng hiệu I have certainly made significant changes to minimise any risk. Not only do I no longer wear any status symbols, túi xách nữ hà nội I don’t keep them in my own home.
Anything of value is locked away in a safe deposit box because I would be heartbroken to lose any of it should we every be burgled. In London, I avoid wearing anything that’s recognisable as fine jewellery with an obvious resale value. I don’t wear my Cartier gold love bracelet, and I don’t wear the diamond ring I inherited from my grandmother.
