Antiques
Groshan Fabiola asked:


How can one accurately determine the value of an antique or a collectible? The fact that an antique appraisal is more than just using a price guide to set a certain monetary value goes without saying. If anything, this action should only be the beginning of a valuation process. There are certain factors that you must take into consideration and a lot of useful guidelines that you likely to find quite easily. However, no one can make a more accurate valuation than an experienced antiques appraiser can.

One of the first signs that an antique appraiser looks for is a signature of the artist or a mark stamped on the item, giving indications about the manufacturer. Such identifying signs can only add value to your possession, which is why every experienced antiques appraiser will take time to study each item carefully.

Another important factor in an antique valuation is its condition. It is quite simple actually. The more flaws your item has, the lesser its value is. However, not all antiques with condition factors are worthless. An extremely rare antique may still be worth quite a sum of money, in spite of its chips or cracks, tears or stains, or missing components. An antiques appraiser with considerable expertise will be able to tell you if you should hold on to your item or discard it.

You should keep in mind that not everything that’s old is also valuable, especially if there are too many items of the same kind, which makes them too common, and therefore less valuable. Repairs and restorations of an antique can work both ways, that is either add to its value or affect it in a negative way. An antiques appraiser can tell whether the restoration of such an item has been performed by specialists or by amateurs, and your antique or collectible will be valued accordingly.

It is said that asking an expert friend for advice on your antique might prove useful, as this is common practice among antiques appraisers. But not everyone has such a friend, and people who want to get a valuation of their old and valuable possessions turn to TV shows such as Antiques Roadshow.

Antiques Roadshow is a television show, British at its origins, but with high popularity all over the world. The show presents antiques appraisers traveling in various regions or states of the country and appraising antiques that the local residents bring in. The show has been running for almost thirty years now, and its popularity led to the development of international versions of this program.

Antiques Roadshow focuses mainly on the interplay that the owner and the evaluator of an antique create. However, the monetary value of the objects brought in by local people is not the only aspect that the show focuses on. There are people interested in study of certain arts, or particular crafts, or simply the study of the past. Antiques Roadshow addresses these people as well, since more often than not a historical or artist context is given to the antique by a professional evaluator, which adds a rather strong cultural aspect to the show.

The American Antiques Roadshow is already in its eleventh season, when the show goes all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii to discover the hidden treasures of the Aloha State. Pretty much like anywhere else around the globe where this show is popular, these residents have been just as eager to have their prized possessions appraised by experts. Their educated judgement is trusted by people all over the world, and many people are surprised to see that what they thought valuable is actually worthless, or the opposite.

For more resources about Antiques Roadshow or even about Antiques Appraiser please review http://www.Values4Antiques.com



DUANE
Antiques
Natalie Halimi asked:


Among many antique shops and websites which offer antiques for sale, special place is kept for Jewish antiques. Judaica is a part of national heritage, and different items related to Judaism often have archaeological, cultural and religious value. On-line visitors from many countries worldwide, search for different items of Jewish origin in order to collect the remaining items of ancient times.

Jewish antique websites present a large variety of beautiful items, first and foremost items related to Jewish religion. Ancient items, which may have been used by our forefathers in different religious ceremonies, are presented for sale and affordable to the people of modern times. Jewish religious items include Mezuzah cases and Torah pointers, which may have been used hundred or two hundred years ago by religious people from the other parts of the world. Antiques often include silver Menorahs, which may have been made somewhere in Amsterdam in 17th or 18th century and now, are offered for sale, so other people today may enjoy them. Very often antiques include different charms and amulets, elegantly decorated, and also different dreidels and candle sticks.

Jewish antiques also offer antique jewelry. Silver antiques and gold antiques include bracelets and rings of all kinds, shapes and sizes. Antique rings and silverware are a beautiful gift for Jewish holidays, and make a special gift for all the occasions, weddings and jubilees. Jewish antique is very famous worldwide - many people choose to buy antique jewelry, different Jewish amulets and charms. Jewelry and religious items are the two main sources of Jewish antiques, and include many beautiful items of ancient times.



LUIS
Antiques
Ann Triune asked:


An antique floor lamp is a conversational piece, in its own right. Having one at home is sure to entice your houseguests into an animated discussion about its intricate design, history, and romantic elegance. Its brass finish, stained-glass lampshades, and intricate designs are enough to lure anyone into delightful conversation.

In buying a floor lamp, one of the first challenges you are faced with is to figure out what type of floor lamp you will need - an antique floor lamp or a floor lamp with more modern styles.

Having an antique floor lamp as opposed to more modern ones has its corresponding advantages and disadvantages.

First of all, there is always a touch of class and elegance brought upon by an antique piece, in this case an antique floor lamp. Its mystery and unknown past is always very appealing, and could serve as an enchanting conversation topic when friends, family, and guests visit.

However, genuine antique floor lamps are very hard to find, and are therefore very costly. In fact, in some auctions, French antique lamps could sell for up to a thousand dollars and more. That is why today manufacturers seek to mimic the antique look by making use of gilded bases, ornate cloths, and stained-glass lampshades. The color or hue of finish is also imitated to reflect the antique look.

Also, an antique floor lamp is rarely chosen for the purpose of illuminating a room. It focuses more on aesthetics rather than function. In order to make your antique floor lamp more functional and a lot safer, you can take it to an electrician for restoration. If you want to do this yourself, all you have to do is replace the electrical workings with contemporary and more modern parts. You can convert a vintage floor lamp into a compressed fluorescent or halogen floor lamp. Through this method, you can enjoy the elegance of antique design, and at the same time the benefits of modern lighting.

Aside from rewiring the old floor lamp, you should also make sure that the base is stable. Nowadays, floor lamps have to meet UL standards, where the bases are heavier, so that it won’t easily tip over. However, ages ago, antique floor lamps do not have a standardized base that can’t easily be tipped over. Accidental tipping over of floor lamps can lead to unwanted fire accidents. That is why it is very important to check whether the antique floor lamp you plan to buy is safe in terms of its structure.

Overall, having an antique floor lamp has its own advantages, in the sense that it provides a touch of romance, class, and sophistication to any home. However, aside from it being very expensive, it does not provide adequate lighting and is primarily used for aesthetic purposes only, instead of functionality. So, in buying a floor lamp, ask yourself what you need it for. If you’re not much concerned with lighting, and are more inclined towards having one for ornamental reasons, then you should go for an antique floor lamp. Just make sure you reinforce it with modern wiring so that it is safe to use.



NOLAN
Antiques
Ann Marier asked:


In a world of science and technology it is often interesting to note that all our developments in observing the stars began when the Earth was believed to be the center of the universe and telescopes while having advanced enormously in the last few decades they have virtually remained unchanged for their basic premise. So it is nice to be able to take an antique telescope and view the stars as they were seen years ago.

Prior to beginning your search for an antique telescope the collector usually has in mind the style in their mind that they wish to use, therefore searching various sites or even flea markets and garage sales can help the antique telescope collector find his or her reward.

What to Look for in an Antique Telescope

When searching for an antique telescope especially for models that are pre-mass produced, it is important to view with a little skepticism since many older models do not have manufacturing information on them and the ease in which one can engrave a name on the brass. Yet beyond the skepticism you can find the original articles that you can add to your collection.

Doing your research prior to looking for an antique telescope will enable you to be prepared to offer prices and counteroffer those given to you. With many sites available to research it is impossible to choose just one site in order to provide a picture of what you would like to choose to add to your collection.

Once you have chosen an antique telescope there may also be the necessity of repairing it through a professional or obtaining parts in order to repair it yourself dependant upon your skills. Yet with the variety of information out there and with antique stores, malls as well as flea market and yard sales a serious collector can find antique telescopes to add to or begin a collection.

Displaying Your Antique Telescope

When displaying your antique telescope choosing to cover it, mount it or display it as well as utilize the telescope are important. Choosing to display it as a working model is a typical plan for many antique collectors, since the condition lends to the value of the antique. So no matter how you choose to display your antique telescope looking into a professional mounting specialist in order to ensure the safety of the telescope is a better bet than just trusting your own instinct or mounting skills.

No matter how you choose to display the antique you can rest assured that with a little research and shopping around you can find an antique telescope that will provide you and your friends with interesting conversation.



CLEVELAND
Antiques
Lia A asked:


I’m researching information on buying and selling antiques for profit (how it’s done, what qualifies as antique, the legal aspects, etc.) and am looking for an all-in-one guide or website that covers it in greater detail. Any information you can provide would be helpful. Thanks.

DAMIEN
Antiques
Seo Global Pro asked:


The Incomparable Elegance of Antique Jewelry

From the symbols of love like Engagement Rings to the symbols of commitment like Wedding Rings; Antique Jewelry holds a certain charm that cannot be compared with contemporary jewelry.

Antique jewelries or vintage jewelries are treasures from the past, a glimpse and a perfect example of the beauty of a bygone era. Antique jewelry has that certain aura that draws us into it. It is difficult to pinpoint or determine what exactly draws us to antique jewelry. Maybe because of the item’s history, or its historical value or its elegant appeal, but whatever it is, antique jewelry never goes out of fashion.

The great thing about antique jewelry/ vintage jewelry is that its value does not depreciate but only appreciates with time. Some pieces may well become collector’s item or museum pieces and it may fetch as much as a small fortune. As it ages, its value rises and its importance becomes more prominent. Antique jewelry also stands out when placed along and together with contemporary jewelry, making you the focal point or the center of attention in any occasion.

But finding real, authentic antique or vintage jewelry is very hard to do. Antique jewelries are never sold in department stores and jewelry shops rarely have them on collection. The only time you can see one is on exhibitions of private collections and various social gatherings. The only way you can surely acquire original and authentic ones is through inheritance, when jewelries are handed down as heirlooms or during auctions of estate jewelry or chance sales by vintage jewelry owners/collectors.

Original antique jewelry pieces are also replicated and reproduced by many jewelers. They often sell these to people claiming that they are unique and original antique jewelry. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if a piece is original or not. So it is important that you just buy antique jewelry from reputable dealers and jewelers who have proven their worth in the industry of antique jewelry trade. It is also important that you do a little research before you buy an antique jewelry. You can readily do so with your local library or through the internet. Auctions often have instructive manuals and booklets that would help you understand, identify and know the history and statistics about each of the pieces.

All in all, hunting and acquiring becomes a great experience once you know the ins and outs of the antique jewelry trade. Unique, one-of-a-kind and exotic ancient treasures abound, all you have to do is find them. And the moment you find one for yourself, the joy that it will give you in the years to come will be worth all the effort.



REGGIE
Antiques
debodun asked:


The term “book price” intimidates potential buyers, so why are there so many price guides published? I’ve noticed on Ebay that things like glassware, pottery and other “collectibles” usually sell for 10 to 50% of the current book prices.

ALLEN