Antiques - A Good Investment During a Recession?

Antiques - A Good Investment During a Recession?

By John MceThe current economic downturn has meant many traditional investments such as property and equity are failing to provide investors with worthwhile returns, and many people are looking to alternative investments, and antique dealers are seeing an increased interest as a result.Recent announcements by auction houses Christies and Sothebys have highlighted a ten per cent jump in the sales of art and collectables in the UK last year. And why not revel in a stable investment which can be admired and appreciated as well as grow profit?Antiques enjoy a steady price appreciation, and these prices are not too volatile or subject to unrelated fluctuations in the financial markets. There is also the ability of the investor to appreciate his or her investment in terms other than financial. On top of being a sound financial investment in uncertain times, it is incredibly rewarding to surround yourself with nice objects, with a warmth and charm. Try cuddling up next to your stock certificates or premium bonds.Antique furniture is sheer quality. A higher level of workmanship is associated with antiques, and because the quality is high their value was observed and protected by owners. If you invest in an antique it is imperative that you look after it if you hope to gain a return on your investment.Antiques teach history, they are a piece of our past. As well as offering a safe investment opportunity, they are material history and are the best indication of what everyday life was like in the past.If you're thinking about investing in antiques during the recession, there are some options which are safer than others. It is usually agreed that it is better to buy a high quality object from a lower price range than a damaged or poorly-maintained object from a higher price range.Beware of fakes and forgeries, antique fairs are full of them. Forgeries are big business and sometimes even experts are deceived. Reputable dealers will be happy to supply further information on the history of the piece and point out any retoration work which may have been carried out on it.Also, if you really are investing in antiques purely for economic gain, then diversify your antique investments. Since one type of furniture or era of pottery could quickly become unfashionable and uncollectable it makes sense to invest in a range of different antiques to reduce the impact that trends will have on your investment. Article Source: Articles Engine
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