While there will always be a need for new custom or modern furnishings, I cannot stress enough the importance of, also, investing in fine ANTIQUES and ART. Time and time again when people have come to me to sell their belongings, I feel pained to have to explain to them why their lovely, expensive NEW furniture should go to the neighborhood thrift shop rather than my antique store. Their purchases are now merely "Used Furniture" and have absolutely no antique value! No matter how much carving, gilding or faux marble the pieces possess, we are still looking at "Used Furniture". These poor souls leave my store angry and frustrated, and a week later, I see their items in the windows of local thrift shops at almost give-away prices. Alas, if people would first consult with me, an antique specialist, then listen, and buy antique pieces, they would always either get their invested money back, or even better yet, sometimes even make a little profit.

Just yesterday I was shown a beautifully carved huge mahogany china hutch, probably made in the Philippines last year. I found myself once again shocking the owner with my honest opinion. I offered $1000.00 and said, "If it were at least '75 years', I would have gladly given far more - $2500.00".

Fine old paintings are the same. Beware of "Paper Art" and modern prints. It's always best to buy a painting that you like on which "a real person actually applied paint to" rather than a machine made print. Even such prints with Picasso, Chagall or Dali signatures are fraught with peril as to authenticity; however, that's another article.

If at all possible, buy items from the "Art Deco" period (1930's) on down to precious furnishings of antiquity. Buy European, Continental or Asian - whatever you can afford and love. Your money is very well spent in fine antique shops rather than in modern furniture galleries. TRUST ME!

Experience amazing fine art at its best by visiting Gentlemen Antiquarians' Art Gallery, 2333 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003 or call at: (805) 653-1593. Read more about Michael Olivas's memoirs and experience by clicking here!

Posted To Town Biz 101: 11/01/08