Buy a pre-owned Louis Vuitton bag or piece of jewellery at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Paris in 1854 by Louis Vuitton, the House established itself as the world's benchmark for elegant travel before becoming one of the most recognised luxury maisons on the planet. A master trunk-maker at its origins, the House gradually extended its savoir-faire to leather goods, accessories, and jewellery. The Damier canvas (1888) and the Monogram (1896) remain two of the most recognisable visual signatures in the history of fashion. Today the flagship of the LVMH group, Louis Vuitton continues to unite artisanal heritage with contemporary creativity : from iconic bags to high jewellery. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Louis Vuitton pieces is constantly evolving, with every piece being unique.
Louis Vuitton's History: From Trunk to Exceptional Jewel
The Revolutionary Trunk-Maker (1854–1896)
Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris at 16 and trained as a layetier-emballeur, mastering the art of preparing and protecting luggage for aristocratic households. In 1854, he opened his own workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and revolutionised travel goods by creating the flat-topped trunk : lighter, stackable, and better suited to train and steamship travel than the dome-topped trunks of the era. In 1888, the Damier canvas was introduced; in 1896, his son Georges created the Monogram (a grid of stylised flowers and diamonds set within circles) to protect the brand from counterfeits. These two canvases became the most imitated visual codes in the history of luxury.
The Rise of Leather Goods and Iconic Bags (1930–2000)
The post-war decades saw the birth of the models that built Louis Vuitton's worldwide reputation. The Keepall (1930) invented the soft travel bag, designed for the new mobile elite of the modern transport era. The Speedy (1965) was created at the request of Audrey Hepburn, who wanted a smaller version of the Keepall for city use. In 1987, the merger with Moët Hennessy created the LVMH group. Marc Jacobs became artistic director in 1997, multiplying collaborations with contemporary artists (Stephen Sprouse (2000), Takashi Murakami (2003), Richard Prince (2007)) propelling Louis Vuitton into global pop culture.
Jewellery and the Creative Era (2000–Today)
The House progressively expanded into fine and high jewellery. The LV Volt collection, inspired by Monogram typography, combines sweeping curves and sharp angles in yellow, rose or white gold. In 2025, the "Virtuosity" exhibition in Majorca presented 110 exceptional high jewellery pieces, including the "Eternal Sun" necklace set with rare yellow diamonds. Nicolas Ghesquière, womenswear artistic director since 2013, and Pharrell Williams, menswear artistic director since 2024, embody the House's ambition: combining 170 years of heritage with boundless creativity.
The iconic pieces
Leather goods
Jewellery
Secondary Market Prices : Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton Bags
Speedy 25 Monogram canvas, good condition
CHF 380 – 560
Speedy 30 Monogram canvas, good condition
CHF 420 – 660
Speedy limited editions Murakami, Sprouse, Denim
CHF 600 – 2,500+
Neverfull MM Monogram canvas, good condition
CHF 565 – 800
Neverfull GM Monogram canvas, good condition
CHF 620 – 850
Alma BB / MM Monogram or Vernis, good condition
CHF 470 – 755
Keepall 50 / 55 Bandoulière Monogram canvas, good condition
CHF 1,200 – 1,800
Capucines BB / MM Taurillon leather, standard colourway
CHF 2,500 – 4,500+
Capucines limited editions Rare leathers, seasonal colourways
CHF 4,000 – 8,000+
Prices vary depending on condition, the presence of dustbag and box, vintage year and rarity. Contact our The Swiss Collector experts for a precise valuation.
Louis Vuitton vs Chanel vs Gucci: which one to choose?
The pre-owned luxury leather goods market regularly pits Louis Vuitton against Chanel and Gucci in buyers' searches. Here is our objective comparison.
Louis Vuitton
The absolute reference for recognisable leather goods. The Monogram canvas has transcended decades without going out of fashion : a well-kept 1980s Speedy remains sellable today. The LV secondary market is the most liquid in luxury leather goods : strong demand, wide supply, stable prices. Limited editions and artist collaborations can appreciate significantly. The ideal starting point for a first investment in luxury leather goods.
Chanel
Chanel leather goods (the 2.55, Classic Flap, Boy) benefit from exceptional secondary market appreciation, with regular price increases that have sometimes outpaced inflation. More discreet in its logo than Louis Vuitton, it appeals to a different clientele. Prices are higher at purchase and at resale.
Gucci
Gucci offers highly recognisable leather goods with its GG canvases and graphic patterns. Secondary market appreciation is generally lower than Louis Vuitton or Chanel, with more pronounced depreciation. However, certain pieces from collaborations (Alessandro Michele era) are very sought after by fashion collectors.
The Swiss Collector's verdict
For liquidity, value stability and ease of resale, Louis Vuitton is the benchmark. For maximum patrimonial appreciation, Chanel leads on its classics. For fashion and editorial style enthusiasts, Gucci often offers more accessible pre-owned pieces.
Louis Vuitton and Notable Personalities
Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton Buying Guide
- Budget : Pre-owned Louis Vuitton pieces start from CHF 380 for a Speedy in good condition, up to several thousand francs for a Capucines in a limited edition or rare artist collaboration.
- Condition : We classify each piece (mint, very good, good, worn) with high-resolution photographs. For Monogram or Damier canvases, the condition of the vachette leather (handles, edges) is the primary valuation factor.
- Secure delivery : Insured and trackable shipping worldwide.
Care & Restoration of a Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton
Monogram or Damier canvas
Resistant and waterproof, it requires only gentle cleaning with clear water. Avoid chemical products and prolonged sun exposure.
Vachette leather
The natural vachette leather handles and edges develop an amber patina over time : this is a sign of life and authenticity, not a defect. A too-light leather can be protected with a specialist product. Recent stains can often be reduced by a professional.
The Swiss Collector's View on Louis Vuitton
"Investing in a Louis Vuitton creation (whether an iconic bag like the Speedy or an exceptional piece of jewellery) means choosing a heritage of over 170 years of artisanal excellence. Each piece, meticulously crafted by hand, holds its value over time. The pieces to prioritise for a sound investment ? The Keepall Bandoulière and Capucines in rare leathers are our top recommendations at The Swiss Collector."