| Old is not always gold. It is a common misconception that something old is valuable but, in many cases, it is just that &sndash; old. There are many factors that come into play when determining the value of art and antiques. |
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| A good starting point is to determine the provenance. Provenance is basically the origin or history of the item, including previous ownership, exhibition history, point of purchase, age, country/region, etc. If you have a family heirloom, ask family members whether they know who or where it came from to pinpoint an approximate origin and age. Or if it is something that you personally acquired, go to the point of acquisition and ask questions there. |
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| The next step would be to determine the artist or the maker of your item. Look for a signature, or maker's mark. Do remember, creating fakes and forgeries is a centuries-old practice. There are and always will be counterfeit items on the market that can deceive even the most trained eye. So just because it is signed, "Picasso," does not guarantee its authenticity. This is not the definitive factor to valuing an item, but it can lead you in the right direction. |
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| The next determinant is condition. The condition of art and antiques is quite important in the valuation. For example, works on paper depreciate substantially if they are damaged (water damage, tears, etc.). Even after proper restoration, they still can sustain a loss in value of 50 percent or more. |
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| Restoration can save or irreversibly damage art and antiques. Even good restoration can depreciate the value of a fine item, especially metal, furniture and rugs. In some cases, removing the original finish or patina can reduce the value by half. Always consult a qualified professional before any restoration attempts. |
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| There always are exceptions to every rule, but these guidelines are a good way to get on a path to the valuation of your art and antiques. |
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