From an article published in Gentry Magazine, 1995

Designing and Investing with Antiques

by Teresa R. Beltramo

Antiques have always been artistic centers of attention as well as keen investments. And with today's emphasis on mass production, the desirability of handcrafted antiques continues to grow.

Classic antique designs have been reproduced in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, attesting to their timeless appeal. Authentic antiques with good design and craftsmanship will always bring lasting beauty and investment value. When you design a room with antiques, it will be in style, regardless of what the current design trends may be.

The flexibility of antiques allows for great freedom in decorating. Designers now use antiques in ways that go beyond their original function. For example, a hand-wrought iron balcony can be made into a decorative table with a glass top, or a buffet deux corps can make a perfect entertainment center. The creative use of antiques can lead to unique and interesting interiors.

An eighteenth century armoire can be both the highlight of an antique-filled room or the focal point of a room with contemporary furnishings. Designers often use large-scale pieces to create a sense of expansiveness. A large piece will make a ceiling appear higher by drawing the eye upward.

Correctly dating and authenticating antiques is a challenge for antique dealers. The large number of fakes on the market makes it especially important to have a trained eye. A good dealer will be able to tell if the piece is hand-planed, hand-doweled and hand-dovetailed. And, for a piece from a given era and origin, the experienced dealer knows what the correct proportions should be, which woods would typically be used, and how much shrinkage and patina the wood should exhibit. Dealers will also judge the consistency of the wood through the entire piece to determine whether the piece has been 'put together' with old wood.

To protect yourself from buying a fake, only purchase from reputable dealers, and make sure that the age of the piece is written on the invoice.

Enjoy the adventure of bringing treasures into your client's homes.

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