post Factors That Can Affect The Value Of Your Antiques

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Antiques

Factors That Can Affect The Value Of Your Antiques

Is your house brimming with antiques? Or perhaps you just happen to own one antique item and you've always wondered about its value? Maybe you have thoughts of cashing in by selling, or you may just want the opinion of a valuation so that you can arrange adequate insurance. Whatever the reason, you need to be sure that any antique valuations are accurate.


Whether you are opting for one of the many online valuations, a free valuation, or heading over to one of the valuation days that are held, we want to give you the details that you'll need to be aware of to ensure that you're given the best information and advice.

The different types of antique valuations


Whether it's antique furniture, gold, or any other valuable item, it's important that you use specialists who are able to accurately value your item. You will find that one valuer may specialise in ceramics while another may offer advice and valuations on just furniture. You may find some companies that offer several services as they have a team specialising in a range of antiques from art, to gold, to whole collections of jewellery and other items.

Whether you're looking to sell or get an antique valuation for any other reason, here's a look at some of the options available to you:

Online valuations


With online valuations, the good news is that you won't need an appointment. Everything can be done at a time, and pace, that is convenient to you. Online valuations rely on the upload of some great images/photos that really show your antiques in the best possible light.

Whether you're looking for a sale, or an insurance quote, the photographs you upload are all that the valuer will have to go on. It's important that you capture every little detail, such as marks and any damage.

Free valuation


There are plenty of opportunities to have your antique items valued for free. These kinds of services will usually see you having to visit a valuer on a set day and date so that they can examine your item. During your appointment, you should find that there is a complete examination of your antique. There should also be a complete look into the story behind it and how it came to be yours.

If you do opt for a free valuation, just be sure that there is no obligation to take things any further. If you don't want to sell and don't want your antique added to an auction, be sure that there is nothing that ties you into doing this. Being forced into selling an heirloom is sure to be the cause of some family division!

Valuation days


Rather than having a strict appointment time, you may find that an auction house will hold days where anyone can attend for a valuation. You may be limited to a certain number of items that can be valued purely because of time constraints, but it is possible to have whole collections valued at these days too.

Again, these valuation services can be used when looking at a potential sale price at an auction but can also be used when looking into insurance and the level of cover that you may need.

What can impact my valuation?




Whether it's your gold antique jewellery or your famous work of art, you need to be sure that the valuation you're given is accurate. When you visit an auction house, or other specialists, they will consider a wide range of things including:

The age of your antiques


Of course, when it comes to any valuation, the date from which your piece originates is going to be a factor. However, as specialists will tell you, there is more to valuations than just age. There is a need to look into the quality of an antique, whether it is a single item or part of wider collections, and how scarce it is.

Condition


Valuations will always explore the condition of your items. Any obvious damage could have a real impact on a potential selling price - as well as on the insurance value just to keep it safely in your house. If you're looking at items such as furniture, any major damage can have a real impact on just how much it's worth - regardless of its age and scarcity.

Provenance


As part of your appointment, you are sure to be asked about the history of your item, amongst other details. What can push up a valuation, and see a higher sale price being achieved, are provable links to someone who is famous. It could be that the previous owner is a celebrity or that they owned huge collections of important antiques.

What's in demand


Of course, if you're wanting to sell an item, it is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Like everything else, antiques go in and out of fashion. It could be that at one point a particular style of art is in high demand, but a few years down the line this has changed. This means that the time when you sell can be crucial to the valuation you are given.

Famous names


Knowing that a famous maker produced those ceramics, or that a famous painter produced that piece of art can have a real impact on the valuation that you'll receive. As part of a valuation, items will be examined for any telltale marks that give away who is behind the item.

Final thoughts


Antique Dealers Auction Gavel


There are plenty of reasons for seeking valuations and finding out just how much a piece is worth. Sometimes this is around selling or insurance. Other times it is linked to family, probate, and solicitors. Regardless of the reason, what matters is that valuations are accurate.

While it may take time to find the best team or auction house to carry out your valuation, this is time well spent, especially when you may stumble upon something highly valuable. We have clients who possess a wide range of antiques. Make contact with us today so that you can ensure that your items are fully covered and protected.
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