Ten rules you should be aware of when it comes to buying antiques

With antiques becoming more and more popular and more people wanting to get into collecting and ultimately making a profit when it comes to selling, it is essential that you know what you are buying and if the item is actually an antique or just something that is very old but worthless. In order to help you on your way here are the top ten tips you should consider when it comes to looking for and buying antiques.

Perhaps the most important and first rule when going into antiques is not to go rushing into buying, unless you know with absolute certainty that the items you are concentrating on are worthwhile collecting and that they do build up value then make sure that you first learn everything that you possibly can on the subject.

The second rule is to be very careful when buying antiques, people have realised that there is a lot of money to be made in antiques and as such are taking advantage of the this fact and the fact that beginners into antiques know very little on the subject and what to look for when purchasing a true antique. Forgeries are becoming increasingly popular in the world of antiques and even experts have been known to be conned due to the remarkable lengths that some people will go to, to convince that the item is indeed an antique.

The third rule when it comes to buying antiques is to know what you are looking for in an antique, an antique is classed as something that is over 100 years old but do you know the signs to look for? When it comes to antique furniture then it is easier to distinguish. Antique furniture is usually non uniform and any furniture which inst should be looked over with a very careful eye, if aspects such as nooks and crannied in the furniture are perfect then be very wary of it being classed as an antique.

Rule four when going into an auction room never present yourself as a total beginner to antiques by doing so you are setting yourself up for being charged a much higher price for the item than it is genuinely worth.

Rule five if you see a piece that you like then ask about any damage that has occurred to the piece, even if you cant see damage this doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been and it hasn’t been restored. A seller won’t necessarily offer this information but has to give it you if asked.

Rule six before buying an item always make sure that you give it a very close inspection, if possible pick it up, handle it, turn it over and upside down and make sure that you check out every nook and cranny for signs of imperfections, damage or restoration.

Rule seven when purchasing an item never offer cash in hand upfront, always haggle with the seller the get out your check book after reaching an agreement only then should you ask if there is a further reduction if you are willing to pay cash in hand.

Rule eight when you are buying if an item seems too good to be true then It probably is, a seller will not give away a bargain antique, if the antique is worth something then it will of course have a sensible price tag attached to it.

Rule nine is to buy from your local auction house where possible this is where the biggest profits lie for you when it comes to re-selling the item.

Rule ten is always ask for any paperwork that is associated with the item, many antiques have certificates of authenticity attached to them and without these the value of the item can be drastically reduced.