Antiques and collectibles are generally rare, sought-after items that are often acquired for their investment value. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the antiques and collectibles hunt, which is perhaps why connoisseurs are delighted by the idea of finding that fresh, unique piece to complete their home’s decor, budding collection, or even their alternative investment portfolio.
By going antiquing you may find an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind piece that can add interest to an overly styled room or make a collection worth displaying. Perhaps that’s why hobbyists continue to scour antique shops, yard sales, and thrift stores for the ultimate purchase.
What is an antique exactly? Perhaps surprisingly, the term is defined under U.S. law. According to both the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Customs Service, an item must be at least 100 years old to qualify for antique status. That’s because bona fide 100-year-old imports of quality craftsmanship can be imported into the U.S. duty-free.
A collectible, for example, denotes an item that was once meant to be collected (no misnomer here!) – and can vary dramatically in both physical size and cost. Collectibles can include baseball cards, coins, classic cars, beanie babies, vinyl records, and even older furniture that hasn’t yet reached the legal antique threshold (think mid-century modern case goods).
In general, “the more history and documentation you have about the piece, the more it is worth,” says Beverly Solomon, antique collector and creative director of Austin-based 
Common antiques like dishes and porcelain have been manufactured and available to the middle class for centuries. This means there are a lot of pieces still floating around, available for easy purchase by those with a discerning eye. Depression glass, highly popular in the 1920s, is about to reach the coveted 100-year-old mark, which makes it a great find for antique collectors.
Members of the industry trade group, 
Many antique store owners also may offer a verbal estimate of an item, with the hopes you’ll sell the piece through them. A would-be seller isn’t obligated to such a sale, however; in fact, it’s often wise to obtain two or three informal assessments of price, particularly if you’re planning to sell. Before heading to the store, however, make an appointment, be prepared to answer potential questions about the item’s history, and be upfront if you plan to have the item assessed by more than one dealer.
While an antique must be at least 100 years old, a collectible typically falls within the 50-years-old or less category and is generally an item that was once mass-produced, often for the purpose of collecting. Nineteenth-century perfume bottles, then, could be categorized as antique collectibles; 1950s-era vintage soft drink or gasoline advertising signs would not.
Art and antiques powerhouses Sotheby’s and Christie’s maintain offices across the globe, buying and selling some of the world’s most exceptional objects. Still, even for those with premium items to sell, “those firms are fussy and turn away most inquiries,” says Rivkin.
In many cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost of antiques, up to a certain value. If you have a considerable collection – or even one high-value piece – it may be worth the cost of an additional policy or an umbrella on your existing policy. To insure an antique or collectible, most insurers will require a certified appraisal – those online assessments and estimate valuations won’t be enough here. “I often advise my clients to have the insurance company send an appraiser of their choice before you pay for antique insurance,” says Solomon. “That way, there are no questions asked when you file a claim.”
