Antiques, Vintage & Classics & Collectibles…What’s the Difference?
A quick note on our definitions.
If you have a Christmas Tree, you probably adorn it with ornaments. Many of these ornaments, have special memories attached. Some of us have “Vintage Ornaments”. Some of us, have ornaments, that have been passed down through our families, and are considered antique. Maybe your family is fond of “Disney everything”. Maybe, you love “Hallmark” ornaments. What you love is usually reflected, in what you place, on your tree. Whatever they are…they are there, because you chose, to put them there, which makes them invaluable!
To understand age and value of ornaments, or anything you find here at a Vintage Address, we want you to have our explanation, of a few terms. For us, the word antique, comes in to play, only when an item is 100 years old, or older. So… until January anything created during 1917 and before is an antique. The word Vintage is used, when accompanying a certain decade, that is not antique. For example: Vintage 1950’s, or Vintage 1930’s. Another term that is used is “Circa”, which means, about or around the time listed, like circa 1992.
We use the word “classic” quite a bit, here at A Vintage Address.com. This does not denote a time period. For us, it is defined as “an item judged, over a period of time, to be of the highest quality, and outstanding of its kind.” For example: a strand of pearls, is a classic, but may also be vintage or antique. A cardigan sweater may be classic. Even a brand can become classic, such a Ralph Lauren, Burberry, or Tiffany.
The last thing we hear a lot of is “Collector’s item or collectible.” Anything, and I mean anything, can be collectable! This is strictly a matter of personal taste and sheer number. I know people who collect milk glass, Cracker Jack toys, and vintage fur coats. It just means a group of items that have some similar characteristic. Many companies have created “Collectibles” in an effort to market their product. Collector plates, villages, figurines and dolls come to mind. These items are great, as long as, you truly appreciate them, and find value in them, but never purchase them, just because you here the word collectible. That word does not guarantee an increase in value, that is sustainable.
We hope this helps you understand how we reference things and we hope you fall in love, with Antique, Vintage, and classic items, like we have!
