The world of antiques and collectables is an unusual and somewhat exciting place. It is about finding things that you are interested in and building a collection that is a testament to it. There are so many things that can be collected, some more common than others. However, some of these pieces can be incredibly rare and incredibly old, pushing up the price tag as a result.
By definition, an antique is anything that is around 100 years older or older. Considering this, finding anything that has actually lasted this long is in itself pretty impressive. Many people have taken to the challenge of finding these almost ancient relics, some with rather unique specifications. Of course, the more unique the collection, the more it is worth.
Many people consider themselves book collectors but there are few who painstakingly gather valuable works. Some books are obvious collectors’ items while others are only appreciated by very knowledgeable connoisseurs – these five examples allow you a glimpse into the world of antique publications.
Perhaps, it’s the hint at prestige which chipping paint seems to mean given that anything old—money or a half-moon table—is in some way better than the same thing, new. Or perhaps it’s mystery, of past as well as and lives gone by, or that layers can be so rich that they’re just as much watercolours as rot and rust.
Antiquing a favourite hobby, the world over. It’s easy to see why. The pastime can be both exciting as well as profitable. However, while money can be made from buying and selling antiques, for many the hobby is also about craftsmanship, nostalgia and personal connections to items.
Action figures were all the rage during the late 1970s and into the early 2000s. Usually based on famous movie franchises, collecting action figures was one of the most popular pastimes of the age, where young children especially would scramble every year to get a hold of the latest release.
Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or simply testing the waters, there’s no arguing that finding a bargain deal is the ultimate find. You can find albums online, at your local music store or even your nearest charity or second-hand shop. Part of the thrill is never knowing what you’ll find – there could be a limited edition hiding amongst it all.
Swords are one of the best items around to collect. They display well, they’re extremely hardy, and they come in an almost endless variety of shapes and sizes. Choosing the right kind of swords for a new collection can be something of a challenge for a beginner. They might want to choose franchise-only swords, or they may be after ones that have historical value.
Do you want to make some extra money by investing in jewellery, or do you just want to make sure that when you do make that once-in-a-lifetime buy that you are spending your hard earned cash wisely? The gemstone market can be a maze to navigate as a beginner with many an unscrupulous dealer ready to make a quick buck. And, often, while certain jewellery might look beautiful, the stones included therein are only as valuable as the modern market and fashions.
There are many sayings that have been given birth to because of precious stones and jewellery. From ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ to Jackie Kennedy’s advice that ‘Pearls are always appropriate’, jewellery has always formed a centrepiece of a woman’s identity.