By Don Riggott

One of the great advantages of collecting antique furniture is
that it is not only a good investment, but it is something that
can be used and enjoyed every day. To protect your investment
and insure it’s continued value, it is important to care for it
properly.

There are three areas to consider when caring for antiques:
proper cleaning, proper protection and maintaining a proper
environment. When it comes to caring for antique furniture,
dust, direct sunlight and improper environment are furniture’s
worst enemies.

Regarding dust, if it is allowed to remain on the surface of
your antiques, it can actually damage the finish of wood, brass
and other surfaces. Therefore, it is critical to make dusting a
part of your weekly routine. You should dust every few days, and
at the very least, once a week. How often you dust may also
depend on your environment and location.

When dusting, it is important to “do no harm”. Never dust with
anything that may scratch the finish of your furniture, whether
a dusting or cleaning compound or cloth that may have abrasive
properties. Use only a soft cloth, and avoid sprays of any type,
including furniture polish. The chemicals used in many of these
products that are designed to repel dust and dirt may cause a
weakening of the antique’s finish or even stain the wood.
Remember, cleaning should protect and preserve your pieces, not
cause damage. No matter how good one’s intentions may be,
efforts to clean antique furniture, if done improperly, may
actually do damage.

Spills should be removed immediately. Water may be simply wiped
off with a soft cloth until the surface is dry. However, other
spills should be treated more carefully. Rather than wipe away
the spill, dab at it with a soft cloth until the spill has been
removed. Wiping the spill may damage the finish of the furniture
by spreading the spilled liquid over a wider area.

Another enemy of virtually all antiques is direct sunlight. To
protect the surface and fabrics of antique furniture, keep them
away from windows – especially windows with a southern exposure.
Sunlight will not only fade or discolor upholstery, but it is
hard of wood surfaces as well. If a piece of furniture such as a
table is exposed to sunlight, it is very important to take care
when placing lamps or other objects on them. Be sure to change
the position of these objects. This will prevent spots from
forming where a lamp or other object has been sitting. Once a
piece of furniture has faded or been discolored by sunlight, no
amount of cleaning or polishing can restore it to its original
color and beauty.

Finally, to preserve and protect your antique furniture, it is
important to control environmental factors inside your home.
Because wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in
temperature, it is important to keep temperature changes to a
minimum, and take great care to avoid temperature extremes
during summer and winter months. However, even more important
than controlling temperature is controlling humidity.

Air that is too humid may cause wood to warp, drawers and doors
to stick and veneer to swell. In extremely humid conditions,
mold and mildew may occur and cause costly damage. Extremely dry
air may cause wood to crack and joints to become loose.

If you live in a climate that is prone to temperature and
humidity extremes, it is a good idea to invest in a humidifier
and dehumidifier. During cold winters when temperatures plunge
below zero, the humidity level inside a home can easily drop to
as little as 5 percent. Room humidifiers are not expensive, and
can easily protect your antique furniture from unnecessary
damage due to dry air.

In extremely humid climates, humidity may be controlled by a
home’s central air conditioning system. However, when outdoor
temperatures are not high enough to make it necessary to use air
conditioning, a room dehumidifier will help maintain a safe
humidity level.

Antique furniture can be more than just an investment or hobby.
Many believe it is best when used and enjoyed. When properly
cleaned, maintained and protected these pieces can be passed on
for generations.

Copyright © DC Riggott Inc.

About the Author: http://www.dcriggott.com DC Riggott Inc.
specializes selling authentic architectural church antiques,
liturgical artifacts, and relics from around the world.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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By Benedict Smythe

An antique is prized for its rarity, artistry and age.
Experienced antique collectors have grown accustomed to the
basics of determining the value of an item. Moreover, they have
the ability to distinguish an authentic item from a reproduction
or a fake. For first time antique collectors, the skills of
seasoned collectors may not be acquired easily. However, there
are common guidelines to assist first time antique collectors.

Check the Manufacturers Markings

As first step, an antique collector should look for the mark or
stamp of the manufacturer or designer of the antique. This would
determine if the item is authentic or fake. An authentic mark of
the manufacturer, when proven by an antique expert, would have
considerable effect in the actual value of the antique.

With the help of the internet, a collector can use the net to
identify recorded marks and then seek an expert advice to
establish its authenticity in the item. Credible online antique
appraisers may also provide the needed information by simply
forwarding photos and descriptions.

Check the Condition of the Item

Take considerable attention to the condition of the item. An
antique that is in good condition will have greater value
especially if the collector plans to sell it in the future. An
item with complete parts is highly regarded. A cracked or
chipped antique is less valuable unless the item is very unique
and historical. While some antique’s cracks and chips have
significant value to its artistry and age, it is still advisable
that a collector search for an antique of his or her interest in
good and acceptable condition.

However, some antique collectors can go ahead and buy items
that have small defects if these have significant value in their
collection. A good antique collector may ask an antique restorer
to repair the antique item but extreme caution should be taken
here. Not all antique restorers have the right expertise to
restore these valuable pieces.

Evaluate its Rarity

Antiques are also cherished for its rarity or uniqueness.
Rarity, when used in the context of antiques, refers to the
quantity or number that is presently available in the market. A
rare antique increases its monetary value regardless of its
condition.

Therefore, it is significant to note that not all items which
are at least 100 years old will have similar values. The value
of any antique item is based on the marketing idea that when the
supply is low, the demand for the item increases and so does its
monetary value.

Prove its Authenticity

Authenticity is the most widely discussed subject when it comes
to antiques. Accurate reproductions of antiques have risen
through the years. An inexperienced antique buyer may have
extreme difficulty in distinguishing a fake item from the real
thing.

There are various sources which may help a first-time buyer to
determine the authenticity of an item. If an individual owns an
antique piece which belongs to the family heirloom, a
provenance, a proof such as a receipt or a photo which will show
the history of the item will significantly prove its
authenticity.

About the Author: Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of
quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a
freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize
your exposure online. http://www.driscollsantiques.co.uk/

http://yossarian.co.uk/

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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By Simon Oldmann

Antique Jewelry is often referred to as Vintage Jewelry, this
is the kind of jewelry that dates back a few dozens of years, or
in some cases even hundreds of years, it is clear that the older
the jewelry is the chances of it being worth more increases,
this is not only due to the age, but also due to the techniques
and craftsmanship that was practiced in the past.

Even today jewelry is considered to be a thing of wonder, each
piece of antique jewelry is regarded as unusual, and unique, in
many cases a real one of a kind. Antique jewelry is precious and
rare and is often used to make someone feel very unique and
special.

Today the market for antique jewelry is actually very large,
from the corner shop to auction houses and internet sites, one
must take care to get all of your investment’s worth. Many
people out there are ready and willing to take advantage of a
person’s naivety. Dealing with the amount of money required to
invest in antique jewelry needs a bit of finesse. Anyone who is
interested din getting into the antiques market must be willing
to do some research and learn about the pieces he is interested
in.

When purchasing a piece of antique jewelry you should be well
informed and practiced in checking the jewelry to make sure that
it is authentic and worth whatever price the seller is asking
for. The seams of antique jewelry often say a lot about the
condition of a piece. In fact, the very existence of a seam can
tell you that the piece may have had a previous life. It is
often the case that jewelers will cut a piece of jewelry out of
an antique dress or other old accessories in order to make them
easier to sell.

If you are done looking at the back, then you should check out
the front for any missing stones. Buy one of those special
magnifying glasses used to examine jewelry in order to spot
small flaws in any repairs done in the jewelry.

You should also check out the overall design and style of the
antique jewelry as this will give you a clue as to how old a
piece actually is. This, of course, can give you an estimated
value of the jewelry.

Of course, once you have found a piece of antique jewelry worth
buying, you need to take good care of it. You need to regularly
clean your jewelry and to keep it in a case where you can avoid
the effects of weathering. Antique jewelry can be very delicate,
so if you do not know the proper way to clean it, then have a
professional do it for you.

About the Author: Collecting Antique Jewelry is a passion many
know too well, these collections are valuable, unique and
interesting. If you want to know more about collecting and
dealing with Antique Jewelry visit the Antiques Pages at

http://antiques.zupatips.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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By Sarah Manners

The History of Silver

Century’s ago when silversmiths first started working with
silver they discovered that it was far too soft to work with and
had to be assimilated with other, more resilient, base metals
before it could be moulded. It is due to this discovery that
from 1300 BC all silver metals had to be tested to show that
they contained more than 92.5% silver.

This hallmarking system has survived to present day without
much change. It is these hallmarks that provide silver
collectors with their most important identification tool.
Hallmarks are stamped by the Official Assay Offices, together
with the marker’s own mark, so you can identify where, when and
who made the pieces of silver. You can also learn to tell if the
style of the piece is consistent with the date indicated by its
markings. Although this hallmarking system of marking was most
rigorously applied in England, most countries have some form of
identifying marking system. For example Mexico use numbers that
signify the quality of a piece.

Antique Appreciation

An antique is described as being an object which has reached a
certain age and has become a witness of a previous era in human
society. Antiques are usually objects that show a high degree of
craftsmanship and attention to detail and design. In a today’s
society an antique is above all an object whose atypical
construction and age give it a market value superior to similar
objects of recent manufacture. Silver is a valuable commodity
amongst those on the antique scene and despite changing
fashions, old silver pieces remain collectable.

Antique collecting is becoming more popular amongst society as
a whole, where as in the past collecting was thought to be a
hobby enjoyed only by those who enjoyed wealth and a certain
social standing. More and more people are becoming educated in
antiques and are beginning to see pieces of value in their own
homes. Television programming such as BBC’s “Cash in the attic”,
“Antiques road show” and “Bargain Hunt” have done wonders in
educating society about all things antique.

Researching Antique Silver

Determining whether your items of silver are valuable or not is
not as hard as it may sound, you could have it professionally
appraised or you could take the time to do some research at your
local library or on the Internet.

There are a number of facts that make your research easier,
particularly the official hallmark and the stamp indicating the
craftsman’s name. They immediately disclose the item in which
the item was made and by whom.

There are a few key items of information that will make your
research easier: what is the marker’s mark, the decade in which
the item was crafted and so on. There are many websites
dedicated to antique silver online and you could even enter into
a web discussion with its members who may be able to offer you
some valuable information about your silver collection.

Silver Plating

Silver plated articles also have considerable antiquarian
value. Good pieces can have up to 40 microns of pure silver
electro-plated onto a base metal, usually copper or nickel.
Years of abrasive cleaning may often have worn away some of the
silver plating, but this is looked upon as proof of age and such
items should not be re-plated or they will lose considerable
value. Silver service cutlery is all silver plated, with
traditional patterns like Kings or Queens being very
collectable.

Whilst silver plated pieces have obviously less value than
solid silver, they are often much sort after by collectors.

Silver Collectors

Some silver collectors devote their attention to a specific
pattern while others collect a particular maker, era or item.
The silver you chose to collect does not need to adhere to any
of these specifications – don’t be afraid to mix and match. When
purchasing silver, signs of use do not always detract from value
and damage may or may not. In fact slight damage on a rare piece
will not significantly reduce value, if at all.

Be wary of buying tarnished pieces as it can easily be hiding
wear, damage or repair. Ask yourself why someone selling such
items has not cleaned them to show them at their best. So
inspect tarnished items with particular care.

Having a monogram on an item will often detract from its price.
This is much more common on silver plated rather than solid
silver pieces. Sometimes attempts have been made to remove
monograms, damaging them as well as lowering their value.

Make sure that you are educated enough to be able to spot
repairs that have been made to items as well as forgeries that
do crop up at less reputable markets or websites.

Caring for your Silver

Looking after antiques is the most important part in owning
them. They need to be taken care of properly to ensure that they
remain valuable, attractive and collectable. Whether your silver
is modern or antique it is very important to take proper care of
it as it’s value and beauty are prized. Always maintain your
silver with a non-abrasive cleaner. Every time you buff and
polish you remove a fine layer.

Over the years such treatment removes hallmarks and eventually
removes the silver plated surface. Museums use an electrolytic
process which is quite harmless. These are available for
domestic use and remove tarnish in seconds.Tarnishing
(oxidisation) occurs when silver is exposed to the air. Items
that are not for display like cutlery can be kept airtight in a
drawer wrapped in a cloth – otherwise they will need cleaning
each time you use them.

Storing Silver

When storing silver the best way to keep it safe from harmful
sulphur in the air is to seal it in an air tight container. This
said it is not always practical to store your pieces in such
containers. In cases like this a sachet containing activated
charcoal can help to reduce tarnishing significantly.

Activated charcoal is effectively an air scrubber which removes
pollutants like sulphur from the air around your silver. It is
also a good idea to keep a bag of activated charcoal in your
display cases or jewelry box. Charcoal can only absorb a certain
amount of sulphur before it becomes ineffective so sachets must
be replaced at least once a year.

After prolonged storage, your silver will need to be cleaned,
but if stored correctly it will be a far less daunting task.
Don’t use ordinary newspaper to wrap the silver or use elastic
bands to bind several pieces together. After a while the rubber
will bond to the silver as the band deteriorates and rots,
leaving a stain, as will newspaper. Instead, use acid-free paper
to wrap items and store where it’s not damp.

Appreciating your Silver

To ensure that your items of silver remain in the best possible
condition whether they are antique or modern pieces it is
imperative that they are cleaned and stored correctly. Silver
crafts are valued works of art that should be treasured. Hold on
to pieces of silver and treat them well, it will only add to
their value in later years.

About the Author: Caring for your antiques is the most
important part in owning them but this doesn’t need to be as
hard as it sounds. The Qwicksilver company
http://www.qwicksilver.co.uk have patented a non-abrasive
electrolytic cleaning plate that quickly removes tarnish under
water in your sink. They also offer advice on proper care of
your antique

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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Thank you to the Blooming Bonnets for having lunch with us again on Thursday January 12! You ladies looked marvelous, as pretty as any bloom Shakespeare e’re wrote a sonnet for!

Thank you Blue Ridge Readers Book Club for having breakfast and lunch with us on January 10th! We thoroughly enjoyed your company while you met here to discuss your latest book! Come back for your next meeting please!

The Gap Deli will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Our regular winter hours will be 11-5 seven days a week!

Have you heard our radio commercial on WBRF98.1FM? Thank you Stevie Barr for picking your banjo and sending a shout out to The Gap Deli at the Parkway! When you get back from your tour with country music star John Berry, please stop by for lunch! We would love to have you over!

We will be closing at 4pm on Wednesday November 23, 2011. We will be closed to celebrate Thanksgiving and reopening at our normal hours on Friday! Come shopping with us!

We’d like to thank Paul Wood of Bicycling Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. for dining with us at The Gap Deli by the Parkway! Paul arranged for his group of cyclists on tour to have dinner last night and breakfast this morning with us. We sure were happy to be a stop on their tour! Paul, you and your cycling tour groups are welcome back anytime!

The Gap Deli welcomed Michael & his 2 buddies from FEMA for lunch with us! It was a pleasure serving you and we wish you good luck with your efforts in Greenville. We hope to see you all again!

We’d like to thank Rufus Edmisten, former North Carolina Secretary of State, Attorney General, and candidate for Governor in 1984 and his lovely wife for shopping with us in our antique shoppe. We hope you enjoy your purchases and hope to see you again soon!

On another note, we survived the Fancy Gap tornado and are open for business! Look for our fall menu at the deli coming soon!