Garlands put their earthly treasures on display
“Leave the sale of your antiques to accredited experts; online market sales could see you being swindled.”
Trinkets and heirlooms proudly stood on tables at the Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club’s monthly meeting on February 27, while the guests gushed about the origins.
From ornate butter dishes to crystal glassware, members and guests of the club waited in anticipation for the opportunity to have some of their prized possessions appraised by antique extraordinaire and owner of Bryanston Auctioneers, Jan Stekhoven.
It is said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, however, Jan shed some light on how modern-day trends are affecting the antique market.
With 20 years of experience, he explained that he is generally called upon to evaluate items which must be discarded due to emigration, downsizing and deceased estates.
“The antique industry is largely affected by growing global trends. Convenience trumps sentiment,” he said.
“Welsh dressers and Victorian era furniture sadly no longer holds the same value it did in the’90s.”
Jan explained that the minimalist movement, architecture and home-life dynamics have had a substantial influence on the value people place on antiques.
“Gatherings are now hosted around the braai. Fast-paced living has led to families relying on the convenience of food deliveries and dining out,” he said.
“Royal Albert sets sit in display cabinets no longer being delicately placed on family-sized tables for Sunday lunch. However this does not mean that those items do not hold monetary value, it is unfortunately not as sought after as in the past.”
Current trends have shown an upward spike in items including vintage watches such as Cartier and Rolex, Cape silver, pre-1970 coins, medals of honour, gold and silver.
Fur, ivory and other animal products such as Cameos hold little to no value.
“I often find the highest value items hidden inside jewellery boxes or at the back of cupboards,” he explained.
“You may be holding on to your grandmother’s diamond engagement ring, with the hope of passing it down to the next generation, but bear in mind that an item like that can no longer be confidently worn in public.
“As callous as it may sound, that ring may be worth more being sold to an antique dealer. Put the money away and if you like, contribute it to that loved one’s engagement or wedding fund.”
He said that Benoni is known for its wide variety of charity shops and urged these organisations to take the time to inspect items being donated towards its fundraising efforts.
“You may be sitting on a heap of potentially high-value items which in turn could bring in more cash than merely selling it at bargain prices,” he said.
Jan was frank saying that the antique market is fickle and ever-changing.
“As difficult as it may be, due to the sentimental reasons, antiques sitting in cupboards gathering dust because one day it may be worth something, is cluttering your home,” he said.
“If you are ready, enlist the help of accredited experts in the field and let it go. Use the money to make memories with your loved ones now, because your value and memory should not be attached to a dinner set.”
For more information about the Garlands, their monthly meetings or to become a member email club president, Margie Kostelac at margie.h@mweb.co.za
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