'It's humiliating': plight of Venezuelan middle class is pawn shops' gain

The country’s economic crisis – inflation is set to reach 13,000% – means people are selling their jewelry to buy necessities

Not so long ago, Nelly Osorio used to drive a newish car, drink a glass of whiskey every Friday night, and get a manicure at least once a month. But today she is waiting outside a pawnbroker’s to sell off her jewelry.

Like many members of Venezuela’s dwindling middle class, Osorio, 60, has seen her life change drastically over the past two or three years. She still owns an apartment in the eastern part of the capital and as a chemical engineer, she earns 10 times the country’s minimum wage (797,510 bolivars a month – about £2.40 at a black market exchange rate). But every day, she feels poorer.

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