From diamonds to exotic cars and vintage handbags, luxury can be had temporarily -- for a price.

Once upon a time, luxury was confined to those who could afford it. The wealthy enjoyed exclusive access to designer handbags and jaw-dropping jewels, fast cars and private jets. Now, several companies are carving out a niche by renting those products to people who desire the finer things in life without the headaches of ownership -- or the resulting credit card bills. It no longer matters whether you can afford to live a fabulous life. You can always just rent one.

The market for high-end merchandise and services has more than doubled over the past decade.

"It's really more for the people who can't afford it but want to give the illusion of affording it,"