Article: Melissa Phera from Ideas
Image: AFP

Cultivate an eye for good craftsmanship and a taste for antique or vintage items.

Antique basics
Items that are at least 100 years old are termed antique, while items between 25 and 74 years old are commonly known as vintage. Before you buy an item, do your research and make sure it’s an original.

Speak to an established, reputable dealer and ask as many questions as possible. Be prepared to pay good money for quality items. Flea markets, fairs, auctions and websites also sell antiques, but prices will not necessarily be less than at antique shops. ‘Bargains for good antiques are fairly rare these days. Familiarise yourself with current prices and trends and you’ll develop a sense for quality later,’ advises Fiona Noy of Herman Noy Antiques in Cape Town.

‘Good antiques will always be an investment,’ says Fiona. ‘Antique English hallmarked silver is popular, as are Georgian antiques from the 18th century, which are becoming rare. The Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods are also extremely popular,’she adds.

Learn to appreciate the workmanship and beauty of antiques and vintage items, says Melissa Phera.

Antique savvy
Examine an item carefully. If it has drawers, open them. If it’s a chair, sit on it to make sure it’s sturdy. Also check for wobbly legs, burns, visible nails, poorly patched veneers, missing pieces and sloppy repair jobs. If the piece has a fairly new look about it or if you can’t spot any wear on it, make sure it’s genuine. If it has been refinished, the value of the piece will drop. Pamela Wiggins, author of Buying & Selling Antiques and Collectibles on eBay (Course Technology) says damaged items with chips, cracks or excessive wear are worth less than items in mint condition. ‘Gently run your fingers around the rims of glasses and ceramics to check for chips. Although some damage can be professionally repaired, it’s best to avoid items with major chips.

Glasses also need to be examined for scratches and etching. Check whether ceramics are cracked by placing the item on a flat surface and then tapping it with a fingernail. If you hear a dull sound rather than a ring, the item might be cracked.

‘Also check for missing items. For instance, check if a jewellery piece has all its stones intact or the china pattern of the cup matches that of its saucer. This is also known as marriages,’ says Pamela.

Start a collection
You may decide to collect anything from furniture or paintings to jewellery, glasses or ceramics. Start by visiting auctions and antique shops and try to obtain tips and advice from experts.

Antique collector and British fashion designer Paul Smith, has this advice: