Breakup sale

Several pieces of actress Anne Hathaway’s jewellery were recently sold in an online auction, pieces given to her by ex-boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, who was arrested two years ago in a multi-million-dollar scam. (Proceeds went to pay back his victims.)

Even when the police aren’t involved, it’s common practice to unload reminders of an ex, and a growing number of websites like Ex-Cessories.com and FromMyEx.com are catering to this. The best-known is ExBoyfriendJewelry.com, which is half online auction site, half blog—people post juicy anecdotes about the item for sale, whether it’s a handbag, an iPod or a wedding dress. (“The relationship went from hearts, butterflies and kittens to a collection of self-help books and a therapist,” one writes about a pair of earrings.)

Sob stories have brought extra attention—and traffic—to these websites. After all, breaking up is something almost everyone can relate to, and unlike some relationships, diamonds are forever.