Want to Collect Rare Antiques? Avoid these 6 MISTAKES!!
Who doesn’t love fine antiques?
Superbly hand-crafted using precious stones and metals, many women find such jewelry irresistible. But don’t be a blind consumer. Check twice to see if it’s AUTHENTIC before you buy.
To do so, you can check the registration number on the piece. You must take good care of your purchase, too. Remember, there is no second piece like it.
As we always say, small precautions can save you from impending risks when buying antiques.
If you are contemplating taking up rare antique collecting as a hobby/investment, here are 6 tips you must follow.
Key Highlights from the article:
- Beginners don’t understand why ensuring their antique purchases is important
- Often, collectors flaunt their antiques more than needed. It can result in stealing.
- Don’t keep the antique in the locker. Clean it gently or take it to the curator for frequent servicing.
- Evaluate your antique today. Take it to the curator.
6 Factors To Keep In Mind While Collecting Rare Antique Pieces
I bought a zig-zag candlestick cast inside a wrought iron cover last week. When the bidder said- there’s no other piece like this one, I was overwhelmed.
Considering it’s rare and unique, I found it a best buy for 15 bucks. And it took me two weeks to find out it was just a cheap copy.
The actual piece was available on an auction website for $100. What’s more, there are hundreds of cheap copies of authentic collectibles. Another mistake new antique collectors make is not checking the registration number while buying. Beware of the same.
But is that it? Certainly NOT. Antique stealing is a pressing crime in the US now. So, collectors must preserve it with caution.
You can be a better antique collector by avoiding these 6 mistakes:
1. Take Out Insurance –
A collection of rare antiques demands comprehensive insurance that covers loss due to theft or fire and should a piece suffer damage, some policies cover that.
Fortunately, there are online insurance brokers that can cover even the most expensive jewellery and once they have all the details and payment is received, the policy is activated and you can sleep soundly at night, knowing your valuable antique jewellery is covered.
The Colby Insurance Group offers antique insurance in the US. You can get coverage of up to $2500 from them.
Econsurance is another renowned antique car insurer in the US. You can buy specialized car insurance from them.
But there’s something you should know. Issues like theft or depreciation can be covered. However, most insurers do not cover voluntary damage due to wear and tear.
If you have already bought a fake piece, your insurance claims will become invalid then and there.
2. Stop Flaunting It And Avoid Theft:
If we are talking about very rare and valuable pieces, then wearing jewellery might not be the best idea.
The same goes for antique cars. Last year, over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the country. There’s a particular liking towards antique cars. So, it is more likely you need to guard it with life!
Some women would never consider not wearing their prized antique jewellery, while others are too nervous and wouldn’t enjoy the evening, knowing the value of what they are wearing.
It really is up to you and we think that wearing valuable jewellery on special occasions is part of having a collection.
But people often fail to resist the temptation. They wear antique jewelry on big occasions. Instead, consider wearing clothes at small parties. A close housewarming party or a get-together may be perfect for flaunting what you bought from the auction lately.
With cars, it is nothing different. You can use your vintage vehicle for everyday use. But try installing smart locks in it. Or have security personnel guide it 24×7. That also includes when taking it out and parking in public places.
3. Take Good Care Of Your Antique!
Willful lack of care is one of the most common mistakes new antique collectors make. They either overuse it or keep it away from sight for ETERNITY! Neither is suggestible.
Let’s take the examples of jewelry to explain it better.
As you would expect, fine antique jewellery is delicate and requires proper care and TLC. Always consult an antique dealer when there are any issues, and they can recommend an expert.
Don’t bleach or apply acidic agents to your antique without proper consultation. To begin with, I find many antique jewelry collectors cannot bear the marks of wear and tear and corrosion on the antique piece. They prefer chemical washing.
But you should know that the antique’s value depreciates if you do that. So, please avoid these common mistakes.
How can you store antique jewelry with utmost caution??
Proper storage is paramount and there are lots of free online resources to help you protect the delicate pieces.
No piece of jewellery should make contact with another; felt pouches are great for protecting valuable antique jewellery and your jewellery box should be under lock and key.
4. Know Your Antique’s Valuation From Experts:
As you would expect, rare antiques such as those from Kalmar antiques engagement rings antique collection are very valuable and you should have every piece appraised and valued, which is necessary for insurance purposes.
The bidding price is not its actual worth, to be frank. You should instead get your collection evaluated by a registered curator. Evaluation helps to tag the actual value associated with your antique. Antique insurers also require valid evaluation certificates.
If you are acquiring rare antiques as a form of investment, be prepared for long term safekeeping before thinking of selling.
5. Online Solutions:
You might not be aware that you can browse genuine rare antiques on the Internet and when you find something of interest, you can arrange a private viewing.
If you have something specific in mind, the online antique dealer has a country-wide network of other dealers and they can usually find what you are looking for.
We suffer the biggest scams while buying antiques online. Rightly so; there are a thousand ways to trap you there. However, buyers’ biggest mistake is falling into sellers’ words.
For example, we seldom find antiques from Facebook Marketplace. One such unique piece may grab your attention immediately. Non-collectors or amateurs will likely forget to check its authenticity.
You also should have taken a second opinion from curators. The online guy kept you pressing, saying it would be sold out if you don’t act soon. And BAAM! You ended up buying it!
This is only one instance of common nativities that new antique buyers commit to. So, please avoid such errors. Instead, do the following without fail whenever you like an antique piece online:
- When you find something of interest, you can arrange a private viewing.
- While trading with international sellers, ask them to share their registration ID.
- Also, ask for commercial registration for the piece you want to buy.
- Don’t end up making an illegal purchase.
6. Free Online Resources:
Men with money may not be the ones with knowledge too. So, try reading about a piece you are taking a liking to.
Most of the jewelry from the Victorian era is found in authentic antique shops. But, as we know, there can be fakes and copies too. So, I suggest reading about the era and its history and learning to detect authentic pieces from that era.
If, for example, you would like to learn more about the Victorian era, which is actually divided into 3 categories, the Internet hosts all the answers and the more you know, the less likely you are to become the victim of a scam.
If French history excites you, you can watch YouTube documentaries to educate yourself as to the colourful life the royalty led back in the 14th and 15th centuries, when Louis XV was on the throne.
Of course, the rarer the piece, the more care needs to be taken and always insure every valuable antique item, as it simply isn’t worth risking losing the piece for any reason.
Make sure the jewellery is always stored correctly and regular cleaning is advised if you want the jewellery to retain its shine.
Be cautious!!!!
Of course, the rarer the piece, the more care must be taken. In essence, every valuable antique item must always be insured. It simply isn’t worth risking losing peace for any reason.
Above all, try to avoid the common mistakes that beginners generally do. In any case, make sure the jewelry is always stored correctly. Or any other collectible, for that matter. Also, regular cleaning is highly advised if you want the jewelry to retain its shine.
For any other advice regarding how to buy antiques safely, COMMENT Below!!!!
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