What to do if your antiques become damaged
Do you panic when you discover a damaged antique in your collection? Have you ever actually damaged a ring by accidentally scratching it on a wall or metal? This has happened to many people. Many have thought that those pieces wouldn't have much value anymore. Well, in many cases, they may experience a surprise; the “repairman” tells them that their pieces would have more value after some “fixing.” In fact, certain vintage items---whether furniture, jewellery, decorations, etc.--- actually increase their value should they become damaged.
A Lifelong Pleasure
Patination, or the formation of a layer of tarnish on an antique item, can make your antique worth a lot more than it was before it was damaged. Patina can also add a particular style and character to your antiques that is sure to make it a lifelong pleasure to own. You'll also want to think about other types of damage as somewhat good for your antique’s value too. This is true to many antiques, especially on home decors, furniture pieces, and certain types of jewellery. Now that you have an idea what patination is, it is easy to understand now that not all types of damage can de-value an antique item.
Some antique enthusiasts or restorers even apply patination artificially to increase the value and authenticity of the item. Artificial patination can be done by deliberately oxidising or tarnishing the item, leaving burn marks (in case of wooden decors and furniture), peeling flecks of paint, etc.
Water Damage: Good or Bad?
Most of us do not want any of our items to become water damaged. However, this kind of damage may be what antique enthusiasts and collectors are looking for. For sure, you can have them fixed professionally, but such stains may actually make the item look better and, thus, more valuable. Bronze or copper jewellery, for example, look excellent when clean. But they exude an “aura” of uniqueness and mystery if they have a thin layer of greenish oxidation caused by being exposed to water. As you can see, water damage may not be so bad at all.
Scratch Marks, Cuts, and Wounds
We have already mentioned that damage may actually increase the value of an antique item. Unfortunately, some types of damage do more harm than good. Scratches and cuts, for instance, can severely affect the look and lustre of the jewellery piece. Loose gems and damaged prongs can seriously de-value an antique piece.
If your antique jewellery shows these signs, your best remedy is to send it to a professional antique restorer to have it fixed.
Fixing Antiques
Of course, you do want some vintage jewellery items to be gleaming. Think about it: would you buy antique bangles by Kalmar Antiques (or by any other antique or jewellery shop) that are damaged or tarnished? Probably not!
You can new jewellery items to replace your old, damaged antiques, but there is another option. Simply go to an antique jewellery expert and have them professionally fix or clean that piece. In many cases, antique jewellery that looks new can be mesmerising to look at.
Look for Reputable Providers
There are reputable, licensed, and respected providers that offer the best deals when it comes to antique repair, restoration, or patination. Such providers may also offer an array of antique diamonds, engagement rings, and other such items that you may want to have in your collection. If so, always do your research to take advantage of the best prices on the market. By doing so, you'll be pleased with your purchase and the company’s after-sales services.
A Lifelong Pleasure
Patination, or the formation of a layer of tarnish on an antique item, can make your antique worth a lot more than it was before it was damaged. Patina can also add a particular style and character to your antiques that is sure to make it a lifelong pleasure to own. You'll also want to think about other types of damage as somewhat good for your antique’s value too. This is true to many antiques, especially on home decors, furniture pieces, and certain types of jewellery. Now that you have an idea what patination is, it is easy to understand now that not all types of damage can de-value an antique item.
Some antique enthusiasts or restorers even apply patination artificially to increase the value and authenticity of the item. Artificial patination can be done by deliberately oxidising or tarnishing the item, leaving burn marks (in case of wooden decors and furniture), peeling flecks of paint, etc.
Water Damage: Good or Bad?
Most of us do not want any of our items to become water damaged. However, this kind of damage may be what antique enthusiasts and collectors are looking for. For sure, you can have them fixed professionally, but such stains may actually make the item look better and, thus, more valuable. Bronze or copper jewellery, for example, look excellent when clean. But they exude an “aura” of uniqueness and mystery if they have a thin layer of greenish oxidation caused by being exposed to water. As you can see, water damage may not be so bad at all.
Scratch Marks, Cuts, and Wounds
We have already mentioned that damage may actually increase the value of an antique item. Unfortunately, some types of damage do more harm than good. Scratches and cuts, for instance, can severely affect the look and lustre of the jewellery piece. Loose gems and damaged prongs can seriously de-value an antique piece.
If your antique jewellery shows these signs, your best remedy is to send it to a professional antique restorer to have it fixed.
Fixing Antiques
Of course, you do want some vintage jewellery items to be gleaming. Think about it: would you buy antique bangles by Kalmar Antiques (or by any other antique or jewellery shop) that are damaged or tarnished? Probably not!
You can new jewellery items to replace your old, damaged antiques, but there is another option. Simply go to an antique jewellery expert and have them professionally fix or clean that piece. In many cases, antique jewellery that looks new can be mesmerising to look at.
Look for Reputable Providers
There are reputable, licensed, and respected providers that offer the best deals when it comes to antique repair, restoration, or patination. Such providers may also offer an array of antique diamonds, engagement rings, and other such items that you may want to have in your collection. If so, always do your research to take advantage of the best prices on the market. By doing so, you'll be pleased with your purchase and the company’s after-sales services.
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