The value of an antique is considered to increase with age and depending on its social use or symbolic appurtenance in the course of societal development. Usually, a piece older than 100 years is considered an antique. The condition and rarity of the item are also key points that drive a buyer or collector to manifest interest. It is important to pay close attention to detail when one decides to purchase a collectible or an antique. As in any other trade based on authenticity and exclusivity, these items can be counterfeited or reproduced and passed on as rare pieces of history.

Antiques can be purchased from auctions, estate sales, fairs, resort towns, antique districts, antiques oriented websites or even garage sales. The choice depends on the buyer’s financial possibilities or authenticity interest they have. The collection preferences vary from furniture -Arts & Crafts, Georgian, Regency or Victorian -, paintings – Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Fairy Art, religious, Romantic-, jewelry to books – first editions, Incunabula, miniature, comic books series and so on-, china, maps, tools and pottery.