When people hear the term antique art, people usually think of paintings. However, as the term art encompasses more than just paintings, the term antique art works the same way. This is because antique art does not only mean antique paintings, as there are also other items that fall under this category, including sculptures and other handcrafted items. Many of these are considered valuable not only because of their age but also the craftsmanship that was put into these items. Another good example of such items is antique jewelry, usually made of valuable materials and exquisitely crafted. As a result, antique jewelry is now considered as one of the better investments in antique art.

Apart from being considered as good investments in antique art, collecting antique jewelry is also considered as one of the most expensive ways to collect antiques. Collectors need to make sure they buy truly authentic antique jewelry. Some of the best ways to do this include only buying from reputable dealers and attending antique shows, which can give collectors access to authentic and beautiful pieces of antique jewelry. However, doing these does not ensure that collectors would only get to buy authentic antique jewelry. Collectors also need to arm themselves with information on antique jewelry so they would know what to look for and how to assess the authenticity of antique jewelry.

One of the ways that collectors can ensure that the antique jewelry they are looking at is authentic is to look at both the front and the back of the piece of jewelry. Collectors can look for the hallmarks or signatures of the craftsmen that made the jewelry. Another good way to determine the value of a piece of antique jewelry is to look at the metal content of the jewelry, as it can help determine the age and the value of the item. However, this would involve doing a little research on the metal content specifications that were followed during certain periods in history.

Collecting antique jewelry is expensive, and this makes it very important for collectors to ensure that they only get their antique jewelry from reputable dealers. In addition, collectors also need to arm themselves with information on antique jewelry so that they can really ensure that they get truly authentic antique jewelry.

Subject-matter matters. A few years ago, when I imparted my theory on how to evaluate antiques (and hopefully help a few people make some good buys) I discussed insider tips concerning artistry, age, workmanship and condition. Now, due to the internet, a multitude of successful new antique and auction businesses and a tremendous influx of hungry customers world-wide, there’s a significant new aspect to talk about: target market purchasing. Delightfully, you are going to discover that ferreting out antique treasures in your back yard is easier than ever. Because, instead of concerning yourself only on the difficult intricacies of the antique, you are going to focus on its historical interest and the likely buyers such an object might attract: Who are they? Do they constitute a large and competitive market? What do they do for a living? Do they have money? This is knowledge you already have!
Let’s pretend you and I have just walked past a Realtor’s SOLD sign and up a long gravel driveway. People and price-tagged antiques are strewn-about everywhere, even in the yard. The sign on the Victorian mansion reads: MOVING-EVERTHING MUST GO. Let’s dig up a treasure.
Using passé-purchasing criteria, you are already intimidated. There’s a drove of well-known dealers here including Mrs. Belinda Ficklebury who knows everything about everything. “We can’t make any good buys here!” you say. Sure we can. By employing our new way of looking at antiques, according to subject matter.
There’s a basketball on a table. It looks like one of the ones your grandfather played with. Laces are sewn into the leather. It’s ugly, deflated and not even old by antique standards. Instead of checking the $20 price tag, Mrs. Ficklebury darts past the brown thing faster than if it was a skunk. Do you buy it? “No,” you say, “not by traditional standards.” But, let’s consider what it really is-a basketball. Historically, it dates early in the game’s history and is hard to find today. That is subject matter undoubtedly important to some people. Who plays the sport? “Rich basketball players who collect what they like. SOLD!” you say.
Let us suppose the price is $100. Risk is greater. You need to know more so you inspect the ball for a faded signature. Something vaguely reads “George Mikan.” He’s a famous center from earlier days. In fact, you find out from the family that one of their ancestors once worked as a trainer for his team, the Minneapolis Lakers. This is really important subject matter. Who would buy such a thing? “Rich basketball team owners who have even more money and less sense their players. I’ll take it!” you say.
This year, try looking at antiques and the business in general, differently. Question objects that look antique but not old and regard that which looks old but not antique. Ask yourself, what is different and interesting about items you come across. If it is a photo, say, “A photo of what?” If the subject is universal, consider passing it. If it is specific, consider purchase. Houdini, hot dogs, fishing, flying, Civil War, General Store-each of these scenes attract specific buyers. Corkscrews, cotton things, buttons and bulldozer toys: these, and thousands of similar antique categories are now attracting not just collectors but collecting clubs worldwide. Interesting specific subject matter and target marketing-put those two elements at the top of your inspection list this year and you might well end up there yourself.