Kelbid asked:


My cat has a history of ****** on my wood antiques (dresser, trunk, etc.), but when I moved, (per vet recommendation) I keep her in a closed room with no antiques & lots of litter boxes. She has been great for 6 months, but now I have an antique piano I need to move into that room & I’m terrified she will destroy it–any preventive measures I can take? (I tried lemons, cleaners, vinegar, baking soda & refinishing on the old dresser & didn’t deter her at all…)

ALBERTO

MochaBear asked:


We have a lot of antiques and NOTHING to do with them. We don’t know what their worth, we tried ebay, and we don’t want to just sell them at really cheap, random prices because we already got ripped off on some items. Please help.

ALFRED

Mithun Rao asked:


a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way.

Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds.

The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days are

Briolette - The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0.50 carats to 1.00 carats.

Rose - The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm.

Bead - This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm.

Rondelle - Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm.

Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option.

Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.



JUSTIN

SPQRCLAUDIUS asked:


I need someone who is reliable and inexpensive in the San Francisco area who knows his stuff about ancient to 19th century coins, sculptures, paintings, etc. Is there an independent ratings service or website?

I am particularly interested in coin experts and Japanese ceramics experts.

QUINTON

Sarika Kabra asked:


Antiques are the buzzword when it comes to exquisite home decoration. Antiques might have lost momentarily to the instant charm of modern furniture but they are surely making a strong comeback and making their presence felt in the extremely competitive furniture market. Antiques, however, have a niche market that does not feel the heat of competition because the art lovers are present in sufficient numbers to appreciate the pristine glory of antique furniture.

Antique furniture makes for a perfect drawing room or bedroom. In fact, antique furniture is available in such diverse forms and content that the antique dealers have almost everything for every part of the home. The artistic touch of Amish handcrafted furniture is, in itself, a sight to behold. The Antique Oak furniture can be a piece of decoration as well as the normal utility item, like beds. Such is the grace of Amish furniture that buyers often have to wait for their turn to buy Amish made furniture. This is because the Amish artisans take a long time to finish just one piece of furniture due to the craftiness involved in the process of manufacture.

Possessing antique furniture is a matter of pride for the owners. It took the care and maintenance by generations to preserve their beloved furniture article. And why not? After all, their antique furniture still shines bright amidst the cacophony of modern day furniture. Who can forget the charm of grand pianos and old billiards tables?

Antiques present us with an opportunity to connect with history. Our grandparents have memories and stories attached to the antique furniture items. Each story is worth a million dollars because it is associated with someone you love – your grandparents and of course, the antique furniture. The entire nostalgia surrounding antique furniture is mesmerizing. An antique furniture piece can easily establish a bond with even the one who is not so familiar with its history. Every antique tells its own story, the story about its maker and the story about its origin and journey. The markings on these pieces such as dates, signatures, embossing, embellishments take us back in ancient times. The feeling is close to reliving the history and trying to, somehow, relate to our ancestors.

The importance of antique furniture is often realized from the adornments of official government buildings. It shows the amount of respect the nation has for its history and the historically relevant furniture items. It might seem absurd to our generation but antiques, contrary to popular belief, can never be said to have lived their lives. Their lure is forever etched in the memories of those who want to preserve the golden memories.

Fortunate are those who possess antique furniture. But the non-possessors need not lose heart. Exquisite antique furniture is available with antique dealers as well as online antique furniture shops. Due to a higher value attached to the antique furniture, it has been observed that certain tricksters have started duping the vulnerable buyers who cannot differentiate between an antique and a fake. Extreme caution should be exercised while buying antique furniture, either online or offline.



WILBUR

adrienne s asked:


I have a pecan dining room set that is at least 50 years old.

RICHARD

Monique Hawkins asked:


u an antique collector? Are you a serious collector that is looking for a specific antique such as a certain piece of furniture, a unique car, or perhaps a specific antique painting that suits your taste? If so, then you know it is not always an easy task to find the items you are looking for, especially if you don’t know where to look.

Maybe you just love to shop for different antiques on a smaller scale. This could include collectible items such as toys and figurines. There are many different types of antique art that can be purchased and even a wide variety of antique books may be found. The key is to know where to find all of the great items that are out there.

Finding your antiques

So the question that many collectors have is just where to find the good stuff anyway? The thing that makes being an antique collector different is that you can’t just go to the store and buy the item you want, no matter how much money you have. It can literally be an Easter egg hunt to try to find the treasures you seek.

When you are shopping for antique collectibles but do not have a specific item in mind or if you do not plan to spend a large amount of money, then a flea market is a great place to shop. However, if it is a specific item you are looking for, then many sites on the Internet can provide you with the location of these items. For instance, if you are looking for an automatic musical instrument, then MBSI is an organization that can provide you with many of these antiques. Several of these musical instruments may be viewed, bought or traded by its members at the conventions that are held. There are also many advertisements on the organization?s site that list antiques that people sell all over the country.

Another great organization that can supply you with automatic musical instruments is AMICA. This site can stun its visitors with their elegant antique player pianos. Organizations such as these can provide you with information on dealers both locally and from around the world. There are also many organizations that let you subscribe to lists that will tell you when they have sales and auctions for antiques.

Looking Online

There are many places online where you can look for antiques. The great thing about the internet is that it brings a much larger world straight to you. GoAntiques.com is a site that can help you locate a specific item by pinpointing precisely where you should look. If the item is being sold in more than one place, they can give you this information, allowing you the opportunity to find the best price available for the antique of your choice.

Anteq.com is another useful site. This company caters to antique collectors, antique dealers, and antique malls of the world. Anteq.com is committed to meeting the needs of the antiques & collectibles community by providing professional software and support.

eBay is yet another popular place to look online for antique collectibles. There are people from all over the world buying, selling, and trading collectibles and antiques on eBay. Some of the best deals out there can be found on eBay. Another great thing about finding your collectibles online is the wonderful and wider selection than you would find at a local show or sale. If you do not have a specific item in mind but are looking in certain categories such as, books, paintings, or coins, online sites such as eBay is a terrific place to look for these types of antiques. Antique jewelry and dishes are also a big hit with collectors and can be found on this site. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to shop for collectibles.

Joining Clubs and Groups

You might also want to check to see if your local town or city has an antique collector’s club or group that you can join. This would be a way for you to meet other people who share your passion and who can guide you to some of the best places to find what you are looking for. If none can be found in your town, why not start one yourself?

Antique collecting is a passion for many people. Finding the right collectibles may not always be easy. However, with perseverance and patience, you will be sure to find that perfect antique collectible you have been seeking.

REED

Rini Brown asked:


UK Antique furniture - Decorative Antiques Petworth - Period Oak Antique Furniture

Period Oak of petworth specialising in early oak and country antiques country furniture for sales and finding services based in uk and supplying?the world from 17th century to 19th century. Our services highlights mainly on English Antique oak and Country Furniture, Metalware and Treen.

Check our showroom where you can find a wide range of period antiques and decorative items which gives a good idea for our customers that what kind of items we are looking for. Jack and Jackie Simonini, a husband and wife partnership, have specialised in early English oak and country furniture for almost 20 years. Originally from the Lake District they have moved to Petworth.

The stock is sourced from all over the United Kingdom and includes antique oak tables, antique oak dressers, antique oak coffers,antique chairs, cupboards,antique clocks, antique chests, carving and

much more decorative period oak and country furniture.

If you have seen an item on our website and wonder how much it would cost to ship to your location, we can get you a quotation. We can organise shipping to any part of the world. By contacting our list of specialist antique and fine art shippers, we obtain the best possible price for our customers.

2 rooms of showroom show a wide range of period antiques and decorative items.This gives a good idea of the kind of items we stock but some items may have already been sold. We offer a fast antique sold product which can help customers to know our market demand. We can organise shipping to any part of the world.

To enquire particular antique items please contact us in our lovely town of Petworth, UK.



BUDDY

David Faulkner asked:


Anyone with even the most minimal knowledge of antiques will know that they have to be treasured and well looked after. Being over a hundred years old, they will need regular restoration as well as routine cleaning whatever your use for them. Eventually they will also need antique furniture hardware product restoration to save them from irreparable damage. Think of it as surgery for furniture!

Antique furniture hardware product restoration is a chore simply because it may prove impossible to get hold of the parts needed to actually complete the process. Doorknobs, latches, hinges, hooks and chest lifts are all rare unless you manage to get lucky and find a dealer with a similar piece that is irreparable. Despite the availability status of the parts you need, there are still some essential nuggets of knowledge you should know before attempting antique furniture hardware product restoration. For more info see http://www.antiquefurniturersource.com/Antique_Furniture_Collections/ on Antique Furniture Collections

1. Always search for the materials you need for antique furniture hardware product restoration from home. Availability may mean that trawling the various shops is a complete waste of time. Try calling local antique dealers and stores and then contact those further away if need be. You could also try searching on the Internet. Always narrow your search to those that specialise in the era of your particular piece first as they will often yield more success.

2. Be prepared to travel to pick up the materials you need for antique furniture hardware product restoration. You may want to have the parts mailed to you if they are found in another country, but always be prepared to do anything to protect your investment.

3. Ask a professional for advice. Antique furniture hardware product restoration is a complex process and it only takes one small mistake to permanently ruin your piece so make sure that you seek advice and maybe the services of a professional. Several experts would be prepared to give you quotes so check up on them before selecting a man for the job if you do not want to attempt it yourself.

4. Be prepared to pay out. Antique furniture hardware product restoration is an expensive business. It is usually worth every penny to save your investment but you should be prepared for a hefty bill.

There is one golden rule when it comes to looking after your pieces of antique furniture. Prevention is better than cure. This is the golden rule and following these tips may just help you to prevent the need for antique furniture hardware product restoration arising:

1. Establish a routine and stick to it as far as cleaning goes. Always use a soft cloth to wipe down antique furniture once or twice a week.

2. Wax every antique piece you have every two months with a small measure of furniture wax. This will prevent build up and keep your furniture healthy.

3. Keep antiques out of direct sunlight because they may fade.

4. Do not use any harsh solvents, detergents or polishes because the chemicals may just stain it permanently.



RAUL

Dan Walter asked:


Antiques and collectibles are two hot categories on eBay. Collectibles by themselves represent billions of dollars in sales every year. This boom has been fueled by an ever-expanding e-commerce market place. No longer confined to only a local interest base, antique and collectible sellers now have a huge opportunity to cash in on their unique finds. And buyers can shop the world for the items they crave. Whether online or offline, buying and selling is the same - namely, people will continue to seek the same type of info and ask the same basic questions.

If antiques and collectibles interest you there are numerous online resources you can refer to in order to better understand the opportunities present in these categories.

Make a Friend out of Your Computer:

Plan on spending some time checking web sites devoted to antiques and collectibles. The bad news is, it takes time to look at all the good ones. The good news is, you’ll not only love checking these sites out but you’ll learn a lot along the way. A good place to start is with ‘The Kovels’ Top Twenty list’ at kovels.com. While you’re there get a free issue of Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles. Google, ‘antiques and collectibles’ to tap into a huge research database.

Visit a Bookstore:

There are a lot of great books on the shelves featuring antiques and collectibles. Your local library may have an assortment of books you can borrow free. Amazon.com offers a large list of popular books you can purchase at reasonable prices, particularly if you shop the used book bin. If you know of others interested in sharing the cost of books you can quickly save a great deal on your purchases. Form a private ‘resource library’ for family and friends to contribute to. And don’t forget magazines such as ‘ANTIQUES & COLLECTING MAGAZINE’ at acmagazine.com.

Check out Forums:

As with anything in life, experience helps. Today you have that experience at hand with a few click of a mouse button. Join as many online forums and groups devoted to antiques and collectibles as you can find. You are sure to find lots of people who share your interests. Try fantiques.com, antiques-collectibles-auction-news.com, forumgalleries.com. Google ‘antiques and collectibles forums’ for more suggestions. And don’t overlook the boards, such as HGTV’s Antiques & Collectibles Message Board.

Attend Shows:

Asking questions at shows will go a long way towards building your knowledge base. Seek out those items that really interest you and ask questions. Pay attention to what is being said around you as well. Here, it pays to be a good listener. Carrying a tape recorder will help you pickup on things you may have missed or to recall those things you’ve heard. Having a cell phone with a built in camera can be a big plus here as well. Check out ‘Google Directory for Antiques/Shows_and_Events/’ for a listing of various events. Many locations publish shows and event news and can easily be found online.

Specialization: Key to focus:

It’s a good idea, when starting out, that you specialize in one or two items that really interest you and that you can happily spend time learning about. The key is not to expend your energy chasing too many antiques or collectibles at once.

Gaining insight in your niche is vitally important. Mostly it takes time and a lot of questions and reading to get a good education. The more you learn about various objects the more you’ll be able to negotiate for the best prices when you buy. Remember that your profit is made when you buy. Selling is something you do to claim that profit. So don’t be afraid to ask questions before you buy. And, knowing your antiques well lets you negotiate the lowest prices. Asking for a discount when buying is to be expected. After all, when you sell your collectibles your buyer will also seek a discount. Plan on this when you buy. There are no “bad” prices, only bad negotiators.

Avoid Reserves When Selling:

You want to avoid reserves in the antique business when you sell. Placing a reserve price on your items is a quick way to lose two-thirds of your potential audience. If you’ve invested a lot in your items you can decide to set a reserve. Just remember that you will be limiting your ability to make a sale. Sometimes this won’t matter, at other times it may. To get a good idea of what your items will sell for look at similar items currently being sold.

Keep Good Records:

It pays to keep good records. Along with quality photos you’ll want some background information to include in the description. Get this at the time you are making the purchase! Don’t wait until you’ve dragged the stuff home before you start asking about the history of the items you’ve bought. Get all the information you can while standing before the seller and TAKE NOTES! You may even want to know who was the previous owner and if it would be possible to contact them to ask a few questions as well. In antiques and collectibles having the right information, the history of each item, can be a major reason why someone is compelled to buy from you rather then from someone else. The more you know, the more knowledgeable you come across.

Assessing Value:

Save having your antiques and collectible items appraised for the most expensive items you buy. Appraisals are expensive and not really necessary on items up to a $1,000. If you must know what it is worth you can check web sites like antiquemystique.com to assess value. Or Google “appraising antiques” for additional web sites.



CASEY