| people look for in antiques and reproductions. How to | | | | probably be better off investing in lower cost but good |
| use antiques and antique reproductions in decorating. | | | | quality modern furniture. In that way, the inexpensive |
| What makes an antique valuable. in different people's | | | | rugs and materials you will have to buy will go better |
| views. | | | | with your more modest furniture. This is a good |
| There are a lot of differing opinions as to what makes | | | | beginning, because as you get older and your tastes |
| a good antique. Some believe that slight imperfections | | | | mature and your bank account grows, you can then |
| or something missing due to use are just | | | | begin to collect one fine item at a time, all the while |
| authenticators and should never be repaired; others | | | | enjoying the pieces you were able to afford at the |
| believe that the antique has to be complete and | | | | beginning. There are many very fine antique collections |
| perfect for their consideration; still others, who consider | | | | that started out just blending in with the furniture at |
| themselves true connoisseurs insist that an antique be | | | | hand until, at some point, after more and more pieces |
| signed, just as any other work of art would be. These | | | | were accumulated, there is a cohesive whole to the |
| last clearly have the means to support this expensive | | | | collection. |
| point of view. | | | | As you become more and more financially successful, |
| The real way to collect antiques is to be constantly | | | | even the less expensive antiques can be replaced by |
| alert to the kinds of antiques that are out there. If you | | | | rarer and finer items until the perfect antique collection |
| were shopping for a race horse, a pedigreed dog, or a | | | | has been amassed. This is a much wiser system than |
| certain car, you would always keep your eyes and | | | | trying to build a collection that may be of dubious value |
| ears open for the right one for you. As for antiques, | | | | (even if you pay a lot for it) if you do not have the |
| perhaps you would be just as happy with one of the | | | | experience and wisdom to make the right choices. |
| quality reproductions that are made in the major cities | | | | Whether a piece of good furniture is from the antique |
| of the world. People buy these all the time, and there | | | | or modern era is irrelevant if the piece is a cherished |
| are very many beautiful and sought after furniture and | | | | part of one's life. Antiques and other works of art can |
| accessory reproductions. Real antique collectors, | | | | be bought, inherited and passed down. You want to be |
| however, can spot a reproduction from a mile away. | | | | sure to be able to pass down fine works of art and |
| For the afficianado, reproductions do not have the | | | | pieces of furniture, so make sure that you choose |
| ageless quality that an antique displays. | | | | items that are beautiful in their own right, whatever the |
| All of the parts of a true antique fit a perfect whole | | | | period they represent. You don't want the antiques |
| and the finish gains a certain patina with age. A fine | | | | you pass down to end up in the back of a closet or |
| antique is almost "good in its skin", as a confident | | | | dusty on a shelf because the item was never chosen |
| person may be said to be. If your pocketbook does | | | | with care in the first place. |
| not allow you to indulge in good antiques, you would | | | | |