Beginner's Guide, Collecting 101, Collecting Tips

What Makes Something an Antique?

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Antiques are often considered items of great value and historical significance — objects that have truly stood the test of time. Traditionally, an antique is something that’s at least 100 years old, though some collectors and dealers also regard items from the mid-20th century as antiques, depending on their craftsmanship and rarity.

If you’re like me, you might be tempted to call anything made before the iPhone an antique. But in the world of serious collectors, the definition is a little more refined.

The Many Faces of Antiques

Antiques can come in countless forms — furniture, art, jewellery, books, clocks, silverware, and more. They’re admired not just for their age, but for the craftsmanship, beauty, and character that modern items often can’t replicate. There’s something undeniably satisfying about owning a piece of history — it adds a touch of culture and timelessness to any collection.

Age Isn’t Everything

That dusty old lamp your grandmother left you? It might be sentimental, but it’s not necessarily an antique. And that velvet Elvis painting from the car boot sale? Sadly, it’s still just kitsch (for now).

For an item to be considered a true antique, it generally needs to be:

At least 100 years old
Made with quality materials and craftsmanship
Representative of a specific historical period or style

Still, there’s always room for exceptions — especially for iconic 20th-century pieces that capture a distinct cultural moment.

Value and Meaning

It’s important to remember that age doesn’t always equal value. Something can be centuries old yet worth very little, while a younger item might fetch a high price because of demand, rarity, or artistic merit.

More importantly, value is personal. A piece might not be worth much on paper but still hold deep sentimental meaning.

Collecting Antiques

If you’re thinking of starting an antique collection:

Do your research. Learn about styles, makers, and periods.
Set a budget. Prices can vary wildly.
Collect what you love. If it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s just taking up space.

Because at the end of the day, collecting should be as much about passion as it is about provenance.

In Conclusion

Antiques are beautiful, valuable, and sometimes delightfully quirky reminders of the past. They tell stories, connect generations, and add a touch of history to modern life.

And who knows — maybe one day that dusty old lamp or that velvet Elvis will finally earn its place among them.