The concept indicated by the word is quite broad. Antiques are an ancient thing that has significant value and is an object of collecting and trading. This word comes from the Latin antiquus - "old", "ancient".
Almost any item can be combined under this concept, but most often it is furniture, painting, books, household utensils and household items.
The difference between antiques and rarities
How old should a thing be for it to be considered antique? This setting varies by country. In most countries, antiques are a thing that is at least sixty years old. And in the United States and Canada, this category includes only items manufactured before 1830 and 1847, respectively.
However, for a thing it’s not enough just to be old and have a certain age. One of the signs by which it is determined that a thing is antiques is a connection with a certain historical era, memorable events, a reflection of fashion trends of any era, rarity and uniqueness, cultural, artistic and material value.
Many people confuse the concepts of "antiques" and "rarity." The word "rarity" means rarity, i.e. it is practically a piece item issued in a small print run, however, it can be both old and modern.
Reasons for the popularity of antique items
Today, possession of antiques is considered prestigious, as these are exclusive items that often exist in a single copy. Possession of such an object gives a certain elitism, belonging not only to the class of wealthy people, is designed to emphasize a refined taste. Also, antiques can serve as a link between generations, inspire pride, be a reminder of their ancestors.
Antiques serve as a magnificent decoration of the interior. Of particular value to antique objects can give a special manufacturing technology that is not used or is lost at the moment.
We buy or sell
Antiques are in great demand on the market. Buying it is not the privilege of extremely wealthy people. Buying antiques can be either just a whim, a craving for collecting, or an investment of money, a kind of investment. Also, many consider antiques as a business and open their own antiques store.
The most promising from the point of view of investing money are painting and sculpture. They are followed by such areas as second-hand books (collecting books) and numismatics (collecting coins). The next place in terms of sales are interior items and furniture, jewelry and antique cars.
Own business in the sale and purchase of antique items can be quite profitable. In terms of income, this business is in third place after trading in oil and diamonds. However, it is impossible to name the exact amount, since most of the sales are held in confidence. This business can be quite risky, since in the market the number of fake antiques reaches 50%. Therefore, first of all, you need to have great knowledge and experience, or seek the support of a professional. Even a small mistake can cause big financial losses. Also, do not forget about a good reputation and personal connections, as most customers come according to recommendations.
Collecting is a profitable strategy
A collection of antique items is valued much higher than a single item. Of course, individual things can also be expensive, but it depends on their quantity in the world. The rarer the item, the higher the price. The most popular antiques for collecting are money: coins and bills. In addition, collecting stamps, household items, dishes, toys is common. In the latter category, dolls are most often regarded as collectible antiques. Cars are also gaining popularity among fans. Such a collection takes up little space and looks favorably in the interior.
Antique Collector Fashion
Even in a business such as selling antiques, fashion trends exist. It is impossible to predict them, and each country has its own national differences. A trend can greatly affect the value of a thing. In the field of antiques, fashion is more fleeting than anywhere else. Things that were popular yesterday may be of no interest to anyone today, and all investment potential is lost. Today, the most popular are ancient paintings and weapons. However, there are still famous antiques, the price of which is growing from year to year, and they do not lose their relevance. True, the price tag of such exhibits will not scare away only a very reputable investor.
Antiques are a whole world that includes history, art, aesthetic pleasure and some of the risks. It is not necessary to have a fortune to join the world of antiques. You can start small.