Monday, September 16, 2013

For The Best Antiques Appraisals Tucson Professionals Are Tops

By Dawn Williams


A surprising number of people treasure one or more possessions that they have inherited or bought in the belief that it is very old. Many families pass objects, art and jewelry from one generation to the next. Others enjoy browsing second hand shops and garage sales, believing that there is a chance that they will be able to buy something valuable at a bargain price. However, for professional antiques appraisals Tucson specialists should be approached.

Some people use the terms antique and vintage as interchangeable. This is not the correct use of the terms, however. It is commonly accepted that antique refers to an object hat is very old. In fact, to qualify it must be at least a hundred years old. Vintage has nothing to do with age. Rather, it refers to a specific period. One would refer to vintage sixties sports cars, for example, implying cars dating from that period.

To be called an antique an object must not just be old but it must also be desirable. People collect an astonishing variety of objects ranging from snuff boxes to dolls, art, jewelry and sometimes very strange items such as instruments of torture. The desirability of an object is determined by its rarity, its beauty or its origin. Many collectors specialize in a very narrow field of interest.

There are so many different types of collectibles that it sometimes becomes very difficult to place a financial value upon a specific item. The value will depend upon a host of factors such as its origin, its previous owners, its place in historical events and the materials used to fashion it. Desirability and rarity also play a large role in determining the value of an object.

It is always a good thing to know what the value of a possession is. Many collectors collect for their own private pleasure and do not really see their collections as investments. Many other people possess stems that may be very valuable without them even knowing about it. Having such items valued may be important for insurance purposes and most definitely when the owner contemplates selling it.

Finding an appropriate specialist to value an item is easier said than done. Many professionals specialize in specific fields and will not venture an opinion outside their particular field of expertise. The best course of action would be to contact an antique association and to ask for references. Most reputable dealers and collectors are members of such associations and will gladly supply the contact details of a qualified colleague.

Lay people should be careful when asking professionals to place a value on their prized possessions. Unscrupulous dealers have been known to offer low values in the hope of obtaining a real gem at rock bottom prices. It is always better to rather consult with at least two experts and to insist upon a written valuation that is recognized by a formal industry association.

For peace of mind when in need of antiques appraisals Tucson specialists should most certainly be approached. It is vital to be aware of the value of all personal possessions. Valuable items should be insured and it would be foolhardy to sell any object without knowing what it is worth.




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