Antiques hold a certain kind of mystery, as each piece is steeped in its own unique history. If you are planning to become a collector, there are rules and etiquette that you need to know about. In this article, we will look at some of these unwritten rules that cover antique collecting etiquette, with the aim of helping you to gain a better understanding of the business.
- Don’t Buy Items That Require Restoration – Unless you really do know your stuff, you should never purchase an antique piece that needs to be worked on, as this could lead to an unsatisfactory outcome. Unless you are an experienced antique dealer who has considerable experience in restoring antiques, you should focus your efforts on items that are in good condition.
- Do Seek The Advice Of An Expert – In the event that you are unsure about any aspect of an antique purchase, you should seek the advice of an antique dealer. When people offer antique pieces for sale, they don’t always give all the details. If you are planning on making antique collecting a hobby, it is best to opt for antiques for sale from dealers across the UK.
- Do Ask For A Second Opinion – Prior to making any decision regarding an antique purchase, you should always check with an antique dealer that the item in question is, in fact, genuine and the price is a fair reflection on the piece’s value. This is especially important if the item is very valuable and the second opinion will add to your confidence that you are making the right purchase.
- Don’t Buy Items That You Will Not Use – Antique dealers invest in pieces with a view to reselling them for a profit. However, if you are a collector, you should only purchase items that you intend to use.
- Do Some Online Research – When you are interested in acquiring a specific antique piece, you should carry out some online research to become more familiar with the item in question. The Internet is a great place for free resources on any topic and a few hours per week will certainly make you more knowledgeable about antiques.
- Don’t Buy An Item Just Because It Is Inexpensive – If an antique item is going for a song, this is not enough of a reason to make the investment, especially if you have no place to store it, or have no immediate use for the item.
- Do Inspect Antique Items Closely – When you are thinking of making a bid for a particular item, it is important to closely inspect it, as you might come across a mark or symbol that could either confirm or put into question the authenticity of the piece.
Collecting antiques is a very rewarding pastime and it allows you to experience the style, elegance and comfort of the best furniture in the world, while it is also a solid way to invest and accumulate. One should always approach any antique acquisition with care and if you are unsure about anything, ask for a second opinion.
