If you enjoy collecting and have been looking for a creative way to invest, consider buying antiques. Purchasing antiques as an investment can help you broaden your portfolio while bringing charm to your home decor. Before you start scouring antique shops for treasures, though, keep these tips in mind. 

How to Make Smart Investments in Antiques

1. Look for Rare Items

Just because something is antique doesn’t mean it has monetary value. The most valuable antiques are items that are rare. Things that are readily available on the market tend to be worth less and won’t increase in value. Although some experts suggest only buying objects that you like, maintaining a balance between your taste and what’s valuable is key to successful investing.

2. Buy From Reputable Sellers

Although estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets might be fun to explore—and may even reveal some treasures—it’s typically better to purchase antiques from an established source.

Antique stores, auctions, and art museums, for example, are more likely to have valuable items that are worth the investment. Buying from a reputable seller also ensures you can have the item authenticated and appraised, so you know you aren’t buying a reproduction or overpaying. 

3. Have an Investment Strategy

Building a collection of antiques as an investment requires a strategic approach. You need to establish goals for your desired return on investment and determine when you should cut your losses and sell. The fact is that not all antiques will increase in value.

Establish your own parameters to determine when to sell an item and be willing to accept some losses. This requires keeping track of supply and demand for similar items, building relationships with antique shops, and keeping track of sales and pricing via dealers.

If you’re looking to invest in antiques and art, visit Queen Street Gallery  in Martinsburg, WV. This antique shop is the place to go for unique objects, including African tribal artifacts, sculptures, antique maps, and prints. They have more than 20 years of experience in art and antiques and can help you start a new collection or add to an existing one. To learn more about their inventory, call the shop at (304) 263-9495.