A Guide to Sourcing Hidden Gems in Antique Shops & Other Places

If you are an avid collector of fine antiques, there are numerous ways that you can source potential acquisitions, which we will examine in this article.

When looking to acquire fine antiques, it is essential that you have at least a basic understanding of the periods you are interested in.

Fortunately, there are many free online resources for people who would like to gain knowledge and you should spend some time researching online.

Forging An Alliance With A Reputable Antique Dealer

This is the best way to source genuine antiques. If you are concerned about COVID-19, you can view the extensive fine antique jewellery catalogue from Kalmar Antiques, for example, which you can easily find on their website. Sourcing specific pieces is very easy with the online antique dealer; you can search by period, item, or even price range, and as antique dealers are networked, you get to see a wider range of pieces. When you find what you are looking for, you can book a private viewing, or simply make a secure online payment and the item will be packed and delivered by courier to your home address.

Small Auctions

If you know what you are looking for, there are some hidden gems to be found when people auction the content of a home that is left to them in a will. It has been known for a collector to stumble on a very rare piece and end up getting it for a very low price, but take note that this is also how many antique dealers source items, so expect some competition when bidding. There are many instances when a person wishes to auction off the entire contents of a deceased relative’s home, and auction houses handle such sales. You can easily search online for local auction dates and places, which is a great way to spend your free time.

Bidding At Auctions

You are advised not to bid for anything, at least not for a while, rather sit back and observe how the dealers first inspect the lots, then they make notes and bid accordingly. You will likely make friends with other collectors and, of course, antique dealers, as they look for bargains, and this will help you to create a social circle of like-minded people, which will help you in many ways.

COVID-19 Pandemic

There’s no escaping the global pandemic we are all seeing. Thus, it is always preferable to shop for items online. This way you are minimising the risk of infection by eliminating human contact. Once on the antique dealer’s website, you can quickly find what you are looking for, and if you would like further information on a specific item, you can ask via the website. In the event you would like to view an item, you can arrange for a private appointment and with social distancing guidelines in place, you can make the purchase if all goes well.