The Expert's Eye

You don’t have to bid on a famous painting for a world-record price to truly appreciate the auction experience. Skinner offers myriad opportunities to learn more about the world of antiques and fine art. Here, specialists and executive staff offer tips for seasoned collectors and novices alike -- from basic cleaning and care suggestions to the more esoteric aspects of collecting:

Video Vignettes
Learn directly from our expert appraisers as they introduce you to select items and highlight import details. Each Expert’s Eye Vignette runs between one and two minutes each. Click on the picture to launch a new window and watch the video.

Antique Jewelry	Antique Furniture	Wedgwood
You will need RealPlayer 10 or better to play these files. To download the latest version of RealPlayer click here.

Appraisals May Vary
Be savvy about appraisals: they can vary depending on type and timing. Probate appraisals reflect the fair market value of an item (and the associated demand for that item), while insurance appraisals indicate the retail replacement cost. Since fine art and antiques can appreciate over short periods of time, keep written appraisals current. And note that typically, appraisals offer not a single dollar amount, but an estimated value.

"Certifying" Certifications
When purchasing diamonds or colored stones, be sure the certification documentation is current. Any report created over ten years ago is most likely outdated given the existing technology in certification.

Furniture Refinishing (Not Made Easy)
Restoration of antique furniture is not a do-it-yourself project. Improper techniques, such as sanding or stripping, can greatly diminish worth. A trained professional knows how to restore the original finish of exotic woods without damaging the piece.

However, should you wish to refinish furnishings in the home, a general rule of thumb is to avoid polyurethane. Instead, use thin layers of shellac with a top coat of wax. By this method, you will have the option of removing the finish.

Provenance Matters
Provenance is an object's history, which can include its period, owners and maker. An antique with an impressive provenance -- for instance, a piece that can be connected to a specific creator or collector -- is often of much greater importance than an identical piece without such origins. Hence, provenance is an important part of the investment.

Protecting Prints and Watercolors
Prints and watercolors are extremely light sensitive and should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Have your investment pieces mounted on acid-free paper, as acidic mats from 30 or 40 years ago can cause brown lines around the print.

Repaired Or Not?
A responsible dealer or auction house will identify any defects or repairs in a piece. Repairs to objects such as antique furnishings, when done successfully and professionally, can enhance period craftsmanship, and often the value, to the consumer.

Untouched Oils
Preparing to sell an oil painting? Take this tip: don’t touch it. Appraisers and buyers prefer to see a work in as close to its original condition as possible. Therefore, the mystique of an untouched painting can help produce a greater return.