Antiques - An Overview
Antiques are for profit and for pleasure and they are a fast raising interest among people of all ages and are one of the most sought after collectible items since they represent the charm of a bygone era.
Antiques are no longer the preserve of the rich and famous as you might think.
Nowadays it seems the younger element amongst us are becoming quite interested in the various marvels that can be found online and in offline auction houses.
Antique pieces are often quite rare especially those in good condition and they are defined by their age, authenticity and rarity and are generally categorized accordingly.
An antique used to be such if it were an object or article from a previous era or if it were over 100 years old.
Today you will find this is not so much the case anymore.
For example you will find current Royal Doulton pieces being sold in the antique fairs and auctions under the category of "antique".
Strictly they are "collectibles".
Even the well known Clarice Cliff pottery is not over 100 years old so they also should be categorised as collectibles.
They are stunning though aren't they.
The age old items are known simply because of their classic beauty & age old designs & patterns bringing alive the lost years and can even be an enjoyable way to revamp a decor if you so wish.
And of course, antiques are an investment that steadily (and sometimes rapidly) increase in value as they age and become rarer.
Considered to be valuable evidences of long gone eras and epochs, they are collected all over the world.
Some, remember, are beautiful but not functional.
Counterfeit antiques are very prominent and many an unsuspecting person has been fooled by a forgery.
I know it's obvious but please get a professional person to check out a possible purchase for you before parting with hard earned cash.
Some reproductions do have intrinsic value of their own, especially furniture, but real antiques are certainly better.
Demand continues to grow but antiques are a non renewable resource and, like the Manet or Sisley, the most desirable pieces are increasingly sequestered in museums.
So let the interest in antiques continue, be vigilant and look out for those fakes, but always enjoy the rush of finding a superb genuine piece at an excellent price.
Antiques are no longer the preserve of the rich and famous as you might think.
Nowadays it seems the younger element amongst us are becoming quite interested in the various marvels that can be found online and in offline auction houses.
Antique pieces are often quite rare especially those in good condition and they are defined by their age, authenticity and rarity and are generally categorized accordingly.
An antique used to be such if it were an object or article from a previous era or if it were over 100 years old.
Today you will find this is not so much the case anymore.
For example you will find current Royal Doulton pieces being sold in the antique fairs and auctions under the category of "antique".
Strictly they are "collectibles".
Even the well known Clarice Cliff pottery is not over 100 years old so they also should be categorised as collectibles.
They are stunning though aren't they.
The age old items are known simply because of their classic beauty & age old designs & patterns bringing alive the lost years and can even be an enjoyable way to revamp a decor if you so wish.
And of course, antiques are an investment that steadily (and sometimes rapidly) increase in value as they age and become rarer.
Considered to be valuable evidences of long gone eras and epochs, they are collected all over the world.
Some, remember, are beautiful but not functional.
Counterfeit antiques are very prominent and many an unsuspecting person has been fooled by a forgery.
I know it's obvious but please get a professional person to check out a possible purchase for you before parting with hard earned cash.
Some reproductions do have intrinsic value of their own, especially furniture, but real antiques are certainly better.
Demand continues to grow but antiques are a non renewable resource and, like the Manet or Sisley, the most desirable pieces are increasingly sequestered in museums.
So let the interest in antiques continue, be vigilant and look out for those fakes, but always enjoy the rush of finding a superb genuine piece at an excellent price.
Source...