I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm trying to get into antiquing for the first time ever, and I'm not sure where to begin. I looked at some ebay options for a particular item I'm searching for (any well-made ring box not made of plastic) and they ranged from obviously not antique to obviously overpriced antiques.
I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for reputable online antiques dealers, or general tips for folks just getting into the hobby! Thank you!
Heya, welcome to antiquing! I got into it by going to a lot of antique fairs, malls, and estate sales. In-person shopping is still my primary form of antiquing.
I research what interests me (sometimes starting with a google lens search) and ignore what doesn't. My pocketbook is very happy that I like eras and objects that aren't very trendy.
The number one rule: Just because it is old doesn't mean it is valuable or uniquely historically significant.
Buying antiques as an investment is a great way to go broke.
Prices and availability vary wildly based on regional supply and current trends. Don't be afraid to buy online, as long as the shipping doesn't kill you. (I've found lots of cool things from eastern european etsy shops.)
There are fakes everywhere, most notably in cast iron (especially figures/banks) and architectural "salvage" (especially signs). You may still like the fake and that's ok, just don't pay authentic prices.
Once an item has hit the antique shop, it's gone through several vendor hands, which increases the price.
Get in at the ground level at estate sales (auctionninja.com is a fav online clearing house), then social media marketplaces, then antique fairs, then actual antique shops (online and off).
It really helps to buy in-person as much as you can, because age inconsistently effects the quality of an object. You'll need to learn what can and cannot be fixed, and how certain materials deteriorate over time. The better you get here, the better you get at online-only shopping.
The last day of in-person antique fairs and estate sales means lots of bargains. Vendors hate carting merch home.
Haggling is not required to buy antiques. Sometimes I just hold an item and raise my eyebrows, and the dealer will either offer a lower price, or ask me if I'm ready to buy.
You should treat antiquing like gambling -- go in only with cash, and tap out when that cash is gone. FOMO + a credit card is a recipe for financial disaster.
Also: Older folks assume anyone under 50 is a dirty reseller. Indulge them in conversation and how you intend to use the antique in your home and their demeanor will change quickly. I can't tell you how many people I've made happy to tell them that grandma's embroidery or sewing machine is going in my study.
You don't have to know anything about an antique in order to enjoy it.
But you should know if it is physically dangerous/illegal to own, or ethically frowned upon. Once you learn some terminology for your antique, you are likely to find an enthusiast's online database all about it -- so it really helps to learn what objects are properly called (this really just happens via exposure).
You can't save every antique and it's fine if you don't want to.
It's fine to use an antique for its intended purpose instead of just displaying it. It's also fine if you alter an antique.
Most antiques (the sort you or I can afford) are just mass-produced items from another era. They are not inherently sacred. Their meaning will vary wildly based on audience, including you, personally.
Buy antiques because they look cool, connect you to the past, you want to be a steward, you want to strip them for parts, whatever. Clean them, paint them, alter them, use them, put them behind glass - it's up to you.
There are more antiques than we know what to do with, and if you really do think you have a find that's worth sharing with the public, contact a local museum. But otherwise, most of what the general public sees in antique shops is just old household/industrial crap.
Cool crap, and I adore domestic culture -- there are some truly revolutionary objects when seen through a lens of women's liberation, etc. -- but still remember to view these objects for what they once were. A lot of the price tag is an attempt to cash in on daydreams of idealistic and imaginary days of yore, so go in with your eyes open if you're sentimental (I sure am).
As for your current search - while it isn't a ring box per se, do a search on "jewelry casket" (a term I learned last year). There are some very sturdy, cool looking pieces that are also very affordable.
anytime i travel i like to visit local antique shops, and today’s did not disappoint. i went into a booth and happened upon THE Patrick Jane teacup by complete coincidence! huge find for me, i am over the moon!!
