Besides not being completely immune to the volatility that is patent in the market. The antiques sector presents itself still as one of the safest and more profitable, being pursued either by organizations or private individuals.
Private Investor
In the case of private investors, the search for profitable investments is associated with taste and the pleasure of owning pieces of art. The collector is interested not only in the monetary dimension of the piece. But also in a certain aesthetic appeal, the will to further enrich a certain collection, the desire to know its history and to share it.
A healthy antiques sector naturally demands processes and mechanisms that allow for proof of authenticity and provenance of the commercialized pieces. This responsibility passes through APA (the Portuguese Association of Antique Dealers), as this is the entity that aggregates the professionals of the sector. But also through each and every one of the commercial houses and brands that exist in the market. Therefore this is, inevitably, a joined effort.
Collector
It is requested to the collector that he/she follows some of the basic rules in the moment of investing. In the sense of protecting and having greater trust in the investment made.
Limiting the scope of the collection of investment enables to reduce the risk and diminish the information to research and consider. To find a respectable retailer that is in the market for a considerable period assures quality, knowledge about market tendencies and prices that are in line with the reality of the market.
The items of greater quality tend to remain more stable, even in moments of market downturn, and become a safer investment on the long run – the suggestion being to identify an area in which the maximum quality of the pieces is within the budget predefined by the collector. To obtain an evaluation or certification of a referenced evaluator allows the testing of quality and authenticity of the specific item, making its sale easier in the future.