Investing In Antiques

Investing in antiques has become very popular in recent years. TV programmes like The Antiques Roadshow, Flog It and Cash In The Attic are never off the screen and low savings rates mean investing in antiques can be more profitable that putting your money into a savings account.

 Money can be made in antiques as long as you realise that the return is not guaranteed, and this can fluctuate with supply, demand and even what is fashionable to collect. 

 It's most important in my opinion to invest in what you like. Having a beautiful piece of art, jewellery or furniture can give lots of pleasure for years to come even if the value drops due to market conditions.


It's important that you enjoy the art you invest in like this painting by Albin Alemin

 According to Deloitte, in 2014, 76% of art and collectibles were purchased for an investment. 

 To determine the fair market value, of an antique, find the sale price of comparable works. Look at previous auction house sales, and speak to art and antiques specialists to help in estimating the potential price. For a free online valuation Barnebys is one site that can help.  Documented evidence of provenance (a history) for a work of art can help establish that it is an original and not forged, stolen or a reproduction. It can also help maintain the true value of the item. A collection of art is usually worth more than the sum of its parts as well, and this is important to factor into your investment.


A classic 18ct white gold ring with a 1.00ct diamond, will keep it's value

With jewellery, you almost can't go wrong with the major designer brands, that have the emphasis on craftsmanship. Tiffany, Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels are particularly excellent makes that are highly collectible. Diamond jewellery with a large carat centre stone, that is of excellent quality also holds it's value well.

 If you have an eye for modern up-and-coming designers that could make a profit in the future then artists at the Goldsmiths Fair are worth watching, being recognised as the premier showcase in the UK for contemporary designer jewellery. 

This quirky designed late 20th century sofa by Carl Malmsten, could rise in value in years to come

With furniture, well maintained pre 19th century furniture performs well. It's important with furniture to watch out for signs of restoration, and look for the original patina. If old furniture looks too new it will most likely affect the value, and not for the better.

 Finally if you have found that exciting investment, and bought that perfect antique, don't forget to insure it, and keep an up-to-date valuation. Accidents can happen and you want the piece to continue to bring you pleasure in the future as well as increasing in value, so don't forget insurance.

 In conclusion, investing in antiques can be profitable - study the market, take advice from experts, but most importantly buy what you like so you can enjoy it into the future.

* This article is for information only, always seek guidance from an industry expert. In collaboration with Barneby's auctions.
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,
loading..

15 comments

  1. Unknown11 April 2016 at 10:36

    Love the look of that sofa! I would have thought that it would be more valuable the better look/condition it was, not the reverse - interesting to know. I'm always buying little trinkets from charity shops and boot sales hoping one day to find something that will make me a millionaire!

    Sarah www.collectiveindividualism.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams11 April 2016 at 13:52

      Good luck with that Sarah. I saw someone who bought a Picasso for a few pounds on the Antiques Roadshow the other day, can you just imagine!?

      Delete
  2. En4tainment11 April 2016 at 10:38

    What a great post and detail you went into Might need to look up Investing in antiques more now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams11 April 2016 at 14:09

      Well as interest rates are so awful for investors at the moment, it is certainly worth considering.

      Delete
  3. Face Up Fitness11 April 2016 at 13:48

    I so totally agree with you that it's best to invest in what you like. Tx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams18 April 2016 at 07:31

      I think that is wise as then you can appreciate it as well as it being an investment.

      Delete
  4. Gemma | Pushchairs and Bus Fares11 April 2016 at 14:20

    I love the idea of collecting antiques one day. I like what you say about collecting things you like so that you can enjoy it at the same time. That sofa is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rebecca11 April 2016 at 15:48

    What a super post! It's certainly something I think about often and do actually have a few pieces I've bought as an investment. It's a good idea I think! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams18 April 2016 at 07:32

      I think it is a good idea, the interest rate in the bank these days is appalling.

      Delete
  6. Lisa B11 April 2016 at 20:08

    I don't have any antiques but they look unique and beautiful. Not like most things we fill our homes with today. Maybe we should invest! xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown11 April 2016 at 21:58

    My nana had some fab hidden treasures in her home. I always wonder what my aunts and unles did with them, she loved collecting antiques. I don't have any myself...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Unknown12 April 2016 at 10:42

    This is such a good post. And so different I love watching things like cash in the attic. It's amazing just how much things can sell for!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mellissa Williams18 April 2016 at 07:33

      I love watching Cash In The Attic too Kirsty :)

      Delete
  9. Unknown13 April 2016 at 09:52

    I love antiques and treasure some of the items which have been passed down in our family. That's a really good point about insurance - people forget what they have in their houses of worth. x

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)