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How to Buy and Sell Antiques Like a Pro

April 1, 2019 10:18 am

buy antiques"Everything old is new again" could be the unofficial mantra of antique collectors and sellers. After all, antique store revenue represents 13% of all U.S. resale industry revenue, a sector that brings in an estimated $17.5 billion every year. But if you're looking to add to your growing collection or to unload some historic pieces, how can you be sure you're paying or fetching a fair price? In today's post, we'll provide a few tips for when you want to sell or buy antiques. Follow these tips and you'll be able to sell your valuables or accumulate some older pieces like a pro.

 

Tips for Antique Buyers

  • Always Inspect and Inquire: When you buy antiques, you should be prepared to physically inspect and handle an item. This can provide you with valuable information pertaining to the condition of the piece or signs of its legitimacy. You should also make it a habit to ask the seller about any damage or signs of restoration. If you don't spot it or ask about it, the seller probably isn't obligated to be upfront about it. Gathering as much information as possible can allow you to avoid overpaying.

  • Ask For a Receipt: Whether you pay with cash or with a check, you should always obtain a receipt from your purchase. The receipt should list the condition of the item, its era or age, the material(s), any restoration or damage, and its value. This can provide you with a chain of custody if you ever decide to resell the item or you want to have it professionally appraised later on.

  • Buy From Reputable Sellers: This is especially important when you buy antiques online, but it can certainly apply when you go to flea markets or antique fairs, as well. You should buy antiques from sellers who have a good reputation in the community, who have positive ratings from previous buyers, and who can provide ample information about the item in question. If something seems "off" or the seller doesn't seem to know much about the piece, you may want to hold off and conduct your own research. It's possible that by taking the urgency out of the equation that you might avoid getting scammed when you buy antique jewelry or decor items.

 

Tips for Antique Sellers

  • Perform Some Research: If you plan on selling silver or other antique products, you'll need to conduct thorough research into the origins of the piece and how much similar items are typically worth. You may actually want to get the item appraised prior to selling it, as this can give you a clearer idea of its value. Whether you sell your antiques on your own or go through a third party, you'll want to know how much you can expect to make from this sale, given the current market conditions and the condition of the piece.

  • Consider Seasonal Challenges: Although there are many pieces that will retain their value regardless of when you sell, you may want to consider seasonal demand when you sell your antiques. For example, antique holiday decorations probably won't be in demand during the summer months, but you might fetch a higher price for them once customers are starting to plan for the winter season. Certain collectibles will be easier to sell (and will sell for more) when they become available during certain times of the year. Consider the timing before you try to sell.

  • Work With a Dealer: Selling antiques yourself can be a huge challenge, especially when you have limited experience and very few industry connections. That's why many people opt to sell their antiques to a reputable dealer or someone who specialized in antique sales. This can be a good way to alleviate stress while making sure you get a fair price for these items. Instead of having to sell the item far below market value or simply donating it just to make room in your home, you can sell it to someone who is passionate about antiques and will ensure that it will eventually go to someone who's thrilled to have it as part of their collection.

Whether you want to sell or to buy antiques, we're here to assist you. For more information, please contact us today.




How to Buy and Sell Antiques Like a Pro

April 1, 2019 10:18 am

buy antiques"Everything old is new again" could be the unofficial mantra of antique collectors and sellers. After all, antique store revenue represents 13% of all U.S. resale industry revenue, a sector that brings in an estimated $17.5 billion every year. But if you're looking to add to your growing collection or to unload some historic pieces, how can you be sure you're paying or fetching a fair price? In today's post, we'll provide a few tips for when you want to sell or buy antiques. Follow these tips and you'll be able to sell your valuables or accumulate some older pieces like a pro.

 

Tips for Antique Buyers

  • Always Inspect and Inquire: When you buy antiques, you should be prepared to physically inspect and handle an item. This can provide you with valuable information pertaining to the condition of the piece or signs of its legitimacy. You should also make it a habit to ask the seller about any damage or signs of restoration. If you don't spot it or ask about it, the seller probably isn't obligated to be upfront about it. Gathering as much information as possible can allow you to avoid overpaying.

  • Ask For a Receipt: Whether you pay with cash or with a check, you should always obtain a receipt from your purchase. The receipt should list the condition of the item, its era or age, the material(s), any restoration or damage, and its value. This can provide you with a chain of custody if you ever decide to resell the item or you want to have it professionally appraised later on.

  • Buy From Reputable Sellers: This is especially important when you buy antiques online, but it can certainly apply when you go to flea markets or antique fairs, as well. You should buy antiques from sellers who have a good reputation in the community, who have positive ratings from previous buyers, and who can provide ample information about the item in question. If something seems "off" or the seller doesn't seem to know much about the piece, you may want to hold off and conduct your own research. It's possible that by taking the urgency out of the equation that you might avoid getting scammed when you buy antique jewelry or decor items.

 

Tips for Antique Sellers

  • Perform Some Research: If you plan on selling silver or other antique products, you'll need to conduct thorough research into the origins of the piece and how much similar items are typically worth. You may actually want to get the item appraised prior to selling it, as this can give you a clearer idea of its value. Whether you sell your antiques on your own or go through a third party, you'll want to know how much you can expect to make from this sale, given the current market conditions and the condition of the piece.

  • Consider Seasonal Challenges: Although there are many pieces that will retain their value regardless of when you sell, you may want to consider seasonal demand when you sell your antiques. For example, antique holiday decorations probably won't be in demand during the summer months, but you might fetch a higher price for them once customers are starting to plan for the winter season. Certain collectibles will be easier to sell (and will sell for more) when they become available during certain times of the year. Consider the timing before you try to sell.

  • Work With a Dealer: Selling antiques yourself can be a huge challenge, especially when you have limited experience and very few industry connections. That's why many people opt to sell their antiques to a reputable dealer or someone who specialized in antique sales. This can be a good way to alleviate stress while making sure you get a fair price for these items. Instead of having to sell the item far below market value or simply donating it just to make room in your home, you can sell it to someone who is passionate about antiques and will ensure that it will eventually go to someone who's thrilled to have it as part of their collection.

Whether you want to sell or to buy antiques, we're here to assist you. For more information, please contact us today.




Antique Silver: 3 Unique Gift Ideas

March 12, 2019 8:01 pm

antique sterlingAccording to the Royal Society of Chemistry, we can trace the beginning of silver mining back to ancient Greece and Turkey, in 3000 B.C. Eventually, silver became highly valued all over the world. In fact, in at least 14 languages, the terms for "money" and "silver" are identical.

Pure silver is too soft for use in making jewelry or tableware. Therefore those items are typically made from sterling silver, which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries are generally marked "Sterling" or "925." Overall, the precious metals that are most commonly used to make jewelry are alloys of gold or silver. 

Today, we still enjoy the beauty and high-quality craftsmanship of antique silver. A gift of antique sterling silver is truly timeless, and here are three unique gift ideas for weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, and other special celebrations.

 

1. Wine Goblets.

If you know a wine aficionado who has a memorable occasion coming up, what could be a lovelier present than a pair of antique sterling silver wine goblets?
 

2. Silver Overlay Glass.

As explained by the Glass Encyclopedia, silver overlay glass has a pattern of silver that has been electroplated onto the glass. Over time, the silver design becomes tarnished and appears black. Because of this, many people overlook exquisite silver overlay pieces without realizing their true beauty and value. The silver can vary in thickness, and can sometimes be so thick that it may even be engraved. Very thin silver overlay glass is often called deposit glass.

A one-of-a-kind silver overlay piece makes a stunning gift for any antique glass or silver collector. 
 

3. Heirloom.

Few gifts are more sentimental or heartfelt than an antique silver family heirloom, such as your great-grandmother's Tiffany silverware, that has been treasured and passed down through your family for generations. Given on a special occasion, these precious gifts take on even more meaning.

Joyous celebrations are often commemorated with special gifts. The gift of unique antique silver pieces such as wine goblets, overlay glass, or the passing down of a cherished family heirloom stands the test of time and will be enjoyed for many more years to come. 




Compelling Reasons to Start Collecting (Or Selling) Antiques

February 28, 2019 10:06 pm

sell your antiquesUnless you're completely devoted to minimalism, you probably have lots of different collections in your home. You might have an impressive array of shoes or love the work of a certain artist. You might also fawn over old books or buy antique jewelry whenever you see it at a local shop or yard sale. We all have different items to which we're drawn (and are often unable to resist). But for many of us, antiques win out over all other collectibles. In today's post, we'll discuss a few reasons as to why this might be -- and why you might want to consider selling your own antiques if they aren't bringing you joy.

What Are the Reasons Some People Collect Antiques?

  • The Sense of History: Whether an antique is passed down from generation to generation or an item finds its way to you through different means, many collectors love to delve into the history of a given object. In fact, that's often what draws them to start collecting certain items in the first place. There may be a sentimental connection, which is often the case with family heirlooms, or there may be a fascination with a given period in history. But no matter what, there's always a story to learn when you inherit or buy antiques.
  • The Thrill of the Chase: Many collectors specifically go after sought-after articles for the excitement that comes along with the process. They might have alerts set on eBay or scour antique shops all across the country in search of a special piece. It might be a rare or highly valuable item for which they're willing to pay a hefty sum. After all, the words for "silver" and "money" are the same in at least 14 languages, so it makes sense that buying antique sterling and other precious items might cost quite a bit. But these collectors aren't prone to buying just any piece that crosses their path; instead, they'll hunt for their "white whale" until they're able to add it to their inventory.
  • The Love of an Aesthetic: Most antique lovers have a certain style to which they gravitate. They may collect items from different time periods or pieces made by different artisans, but they'll generally have one major aesthetic that defines their collection. Some collectors might love sterling trays and other practical articles from the early 1900s, while others love the look of ceramics from the 1920s through the 1960s. By sticking to one distinctive look, it's possible to create a collection with a feel that's unique to that individual and that improves the decor of a historic home or even a modern apartment.

If I Have an Antique Collection That I Don't Use, What Should I Do?

Sometimes, people end up amassing impressive collections and later realizing that they aren't being put to good use. Maybe your lifestyle has evolved or you've inherited several pieces that simply aren't a good fit for your personal taste. If these antiques are no longer a match for you, they might still bring a lot of joy to someone else.

In this scenario, it's a good idea to sell your antiques to a dealer. By choosing to sell your valuables to someone who understands their worth, you'll avoid having these pieces sit around in a donations store or end up in the trash. They should find a new home where they'll be loved and cherished for years to come. And when you sell your antiques to dealers, you'll know you'll be fetching a fair price and that these items will be purchased by someone who will see them for the treasures they are.

Ready to sell your antiques that you no longer use? We're here to help. For more information on how to buy or sell your antiques through Nelson and Nelson, please contact us today.




Vintage vs. Estate vs. Antique Jewelry: Info For Sellers

February 1, 2019 3:45 pm

silver antique jewelryMost of us know silver and gold items are valuable, but you might not realize how spectacular the origins of these elements really are. Star explosions called supernovae are actually responsible for their formation. When these stars (which are approximately 10 times the size of our sun) explode at the end of their lives, the result is the silver and gold we use in countless household items and jewelry. Between these incredible beginnings and their sentimental value, it's no wonder we often consider these jewelry pieces to be among our most prized possessions.

That said, you may not really know what your jewelry is actually worth, particularly if it's been passed down through the generations. What's more, you might assume that jewelry dealers make no discrimination between antique, vintage, and estate jewelry. You might not even be familiar with these terms at all. In today's blog post, we'll discuss the distinct differences between these jewelry categories and what you should do if you want to learn the value of (and potentially sell) some of the pieces in your collection.

What Is Vintage Jewelry?

The term "vintage" can be used to refer to clothing or jewelry that's at least 20 to 30 years old. In other words, a piece from the 1980s could technically be considered vintage. However, many purists feel that vintage jewelry should be anywhere from 50 to 100 years old (though there are exceptions). These pieces are usually associated with a specific decade or style, like Victorian, Art Deco, or Mid-Century Modern. Most dealers will categorize pieces created from the 1920s and onward as vintage. Many are more wearable than antiques and utilize trends we still see today, particularly among those who love a retro flair.

What Is Estate Jewelry?

Estate jewelry is second-hand (meaning it had a previous owner) and may be either a reproduction or a piece that's been made within the last 30 years. In some cases, the jewelry may be older. The prior owner of these pieces may still be alive or may have passed on; this really has nothing to do with how the jewelry is classified. Age is also not a determining factor, specifically. Even if you sell your brand-new wedding ring to someone else, this could still be considered estate jewelry. All this term really indicates is that you are not the original owner of the piece.

What Is Antique Jewelry?

Those who buy antique jewelry are looking for pieces that are over 100 years old. This is really the oldest category and is typically seen as the most valuable, too. Some jewelers will consider pieces from the '20s to be considered antiques, but you'll definitely see jewelry from the 1900s or prior classified as such. But if you're looking to buy or sell antique jewelry, these pieces are definitive heirlooms that have superior craftsmanship. Although antique gold jewelry and silver jewelry is comprised of higher-quality materials, these pieces are often too valuable and too fragile to wear on a regular basis. In many cases, they may be seen more as valuables or collector's items.

How Can I Sell Antique Jewelry, Estate Jewelry, or Vintage Jewelry?

If you want to sell antique jewelry or even estate or vintage jewelry, you'll want to seek out reputable antique and silver dealers. This can ensure that you'll fetch a fair price for these historic pieces and that they will be sold to those with an interest in such heirlooms. In other words, they won't be melted down or sold for a fraction of what they're truly worth. To learn more about how to sell antique jewelry, estate jewelry, or vintage jewelry, contact us today. We'd love to be of assistance.