Antique shopping is so much fun, but it can get overwhelming and confusing when you’re presented with so many choices. Also, if you’re new to this, you might have a hard time distinguishing a rare piece that you should get immediately. Here are some tips to help you out: 

Trust Your Gut

When shopping for antiques, pay attention to what your gut tells you. Let’s say you walk into a shop, a specific item caught your attention, but you didn’t buy it because you still want to look around. If you can’t stop thinking of that item, that only means you want it, and it’s best you go back and get it. 

Be Informed

It’s important to research and be informed about period styles when shopping for antiques. Moreover, most shops have online websites you can browse to help you with the research process. Doing so will help you become more familiar with period pieces. So when you’re shopping, it’ll be easy for you to spot good finds from bad ones. 

Explore Other Time Periods

It’s likely you’re tied to a specific time period, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you need to be open to other time periods as well. Different periods have their own charm, and exploring these eras can help open up a world of possibilities when it comes to building your collection. Who knows, you might score a piece that you wouldn’t notice if you were too busy sticking to a specific period.

Be Ready to Overlook the Flaws

True antique lovers know how to overlook the flaws. If it’s only a crack, then it doesn’t mean it’s the end for that piece. When antique shopping, remember, you’re not shopping for perfection. Instead, you’re looking for pieces that have heritage. 

It’s normal to find antique pieces with defects, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely write it off. If it’s easy to get repaired, then it’s worth considering, especially if it’s a good piece. 

There are also times when you need to overlook the rough condition of a piece because these are usually the features that make them even more charming. 

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You can do a lot of things to revamp an antique piece, such as a fresh coat of paint. So, don’t take it too seriously and be open to the many opportunities you can have with it. 

Be Confident with Your Style

It’s all about your style when it comes to antique decorations, and that’s all that truly matters. There shouldn’t be a single rule about what you need to buy. If you connect with the piece and you think it’s a worthy addition to your collection, go and buy it! 

Start Antique Shopping Today

Now that you know these tips, are you more confident about going antique shopping? Doing so is a process, but it’s an enjoyable experience that will let you take home priceless and timeless pieces that will make your home look more stylish and personal. Antique shopping nourishes the soul—don’t forget that when you’re shopping for pieces!

Ready to bring home a new piece for your collection? Cavalier Antiques and Restorations is one of the best antique dealers in Adelaide, offering the finest quality pieces across different periods. Shop now!

Gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewellery always exudes a luxurious air, even for those who aren’t always on the lookout for shining, stunning trinkets. Whether it’s a sparkling pair of earrings, an attention-grabbing ring, or a statement necklace, jewellery can take your outfit to the next level and help you stand out from the crowd.

Most of us would happily accept receiving a brand-new piece of jewellery that still smells like the store it came from, although there is an undeniable charm in owning antique jewellery. They may not be as flawless, but they each have a unique story to tell that adds even more to their allure. Here are five reasons to start adding antique jewellery to your collection:

1. They’re Environmentally Friendly

It’s more important than ever to practice more sustainable ways of living to limit our carbon footprint and contribution to climate change. These involving more conscious decisions in how we consume or purchase things. Working towards a greener, healthier planet sounds like an overwhelming task, but you can do your part by starting with what’s in your jewellery box.

If you enjoy expanding your jewellery collection but hope to make more sustainable choices, buying antique jewellery in Adelaide is the way to go. You’re actively decreasing waste by giving these gorgeous pieces a chance at a second life instead of having them end up in a landfill. You’ll also be supporting small, local businesses!

2. They’re Full of History

Another reason to buy antique jewellery is the rich history each piece comes with, whether a few decades or centuries. Some may have survived through several wars, ended up halfway across the world, or carried through many generations. The older they are, the better, as they come with special characteristics and stories that you simply can’t find in a modern jewellery shop.

You’ll also have pieces made with old techniques that are harder to find right now, made by skilled artisans from a long-gone era. With so much character, these pieces do all the talking for you and bring you a ton of curious glances and questions from passersby to go with them!

3. They’re Incredibly Stylish

Nowadays, many jewellery makers craft jewellery in styles of a particular past era. The features of iconic, prominent jewellery trends throughout history are replicated in the pieces that are often propped up behind store window displays today. However, with antique jewellery, you’ll be getting the real deal, not an imitation piece!

Owning something created in the style of a specific era, with authentic techniques and materials of that time, would add even more value to your jewellery collection. You’ll own a relic of history before it was influenced by modern jewellery-making methods, quickly making it one of your most precious pieces.

4. They’re an Investment

Some big-ticket purchases, like cars, decrease in value once they are bought. That’s because they immediately lose their status of being brand new. However, with antique items like jewellery, you won’t have to face immediate devaluation because the pieces are already old. Still, antique jewellery is more likely to keep its value, potentially increasing, due to its collectable appeal and unique, in-demand qualities, like an old classic car.

For this reason, antique jewellery makes for an excellent investment. You won’t have to pay as much for it as you would with modern jewellery, and antique jewellery doesn’t come with manufacturing costs either since they were made decades or even centuries ago. Plus, they can appreciate over time, which means you can one day let it go for a hefty price.

5. They’re Unique

Lastly, the ultimate selling point of antique jewellery is its uniqueness. Mass-produced jewellery is the norm these days, which means that even your most favourite pieces (if purchased recently) are widely available to anyone who wants to buy them. However, this isn’t the case with antique jewellery, which means there is an incredibly rare chance that you’d run into someone else wearing the same item. 

Antique Jewellery Will Upgrade Your Collection

Antique jewellery carries a lot of history and unequalled style that you simply can’t find in modern jewellery stores. By opting for vintage jewellery, you’ll add more character to your collection while wearing a beautiful piece you can’t find anywhere else.

Cavalier Antiques and Restorations are antique dealers in Adelaide selling the finest quality vintage jewellery and secondhand furniture. We’ve been in the antiques and collectables business for thirty years and can restore your sentimental antique piece. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Due to the shortage of rosewood, proper care and maintenance of any items you already have is essential. Older furniture built from timber that can no longer be exported in any form cannot be easily replaced, and you’d be wise to maintain it well. 

The growing demands for rosewood have endangered the trees’ extinction, resulting in strict trade laws and higher rosewood prices in general. Furthermore, rosewood is becoming associated with premium and luxurious furniture due to its remarkable colouration and density.

If you own a piece of rosewood furniture, it is a must to ensure that you apply the best care. To help you,  here are five tips to always remember:

1 – Know What Your Furniture Is Made Of

When purchasing rosewood furniture, consider the wood quality. Padauk and rosewood, for instance, are classified as high-quality and precious materials. These types of timber are solid and durable, known for their beautiful grain. They are gleaming and silky and are not easily rusted or damaged. 

Padauk and rosewood are the primary components of high-quality rosewood furniture. If you know what your pieces are made of, it’ll be easier to determine what goes into their care. Take time to inspect the bottom and assess the character and grain of the wood to maintain each piece properly. 

2 – Know Your Climate

When relative humidity changes, rosewood furniture stretches and shrinks. It is a type of hardwood that thrives in subtropical conditions in many parts of the globe, making it sensitive to its surroundings. Tongue and groove construction in well-made rosewood furniture allows for natural movement of the wood without affecting the finish or longevity of the furniture. 

If it was not kiln-dried adequately before production, note that the finish might have a rippling look due to shrinking during humidity changes. Additionally, inspect the polish of the furniture before buying to guarantee a smooth, mirror-like finish. 

3 – Know Proper Furniture Placement

Do not store rosewood furniture in basements or attics, which are often humid and hot. The wood does not do well when placed in such environments. Following the same logic, avoid placing your pieces next to direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, heaters, or wood stoves, as extreme heat and dryness can cause the wood to split and crack. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade its beautiful colours. Periodically move accessories placed on the surface of rosewood furniture to prevent dark spots from forming underneath.

4 – Know How to Maintain a Beautiful Sheen

Lacquer, which creates a high-gloss sheen and helps preserve the wood from heat and moisture, is frequently used to polish rosewood. Eliminate dust using a soft, dry cloth or a gently moistened cloth followed by a dry cloth to remove any moisture accumulated. Although lacquer is moisture resistant, wipe liquid spills with paper towels or a clean cloth as soon as possible to prevent ruining the finish. Set coasters underneath beverages to avoid moisture rings from cold drinks or heat transfers from hot drinks since both may harm the finish. It is best to avoid multipurpose and silicone-based cleansers completely.

5 – Know How to Correctly Use Oil to Restore Your Pieces

Once or twice a year, apply oil to your rosewood pieces to gently restore them to like-new condition. Using a soft, clean cloth, apply a little quantity of furniture oil to the furniture’s surface, working with the grain of the wood. When too much oil is used, a greasy film is left on the surface, so apply it cautiously. Remember to oil rosewood furniture in the spring and autumn, when the humidity in the house is most likely to alter. However, only use oil on soft-finished rosewood furniture; otherwise, the oil will damage your prized piece. 

Final Thoughts

Rosewood furniture, like any other high-quality piece you keep in your home, requires love and care. The wood expands and contracts, and natural gaps may form. To keep them in control, it is suggested that you follow the procedures outlined above to guarantee your furniture piece is always in pristine shape.

Should you find yourself stressing over restoring and keeping your antique rosewood furniture in shape, you can always seek help from professionals. At Cavalier Antiques, one of the best companies that offer furniture restoration in Adelaide will help bring back your furniture to its priced condition. Drop us a message today to learn more!

Some objects are abandoned and discarded for not adapting to the current fashions, but these peculiar objects may become precious antiques when time passes. Many people have collections. You may still keep the box of keychains, coasters, miniature perfumes, and so on. Any object can be part of a collection, but this hobby can extend to antiques. 

Investing in art, vintage vehicles, stamps and, ultimately, any type of collectible with the hope that they will increase in value in the future can be very profitable as a hobby. Trends may change the prices of collectibles and antiques. However, the market for antiques can be risky as unscrupulous individuals may pass off certain fakes as the real deal.

This article will show you the common antiques readily available that you don’t expect and how you can recognise an antique.

What is an antique?

An antique must be at least 100 years old, but not all pieces over that age are antiques. The consideration of its authenticity as an antique is defined by other criteria, such as the rarity of the object in question, whether it was made by hand, the quality of its materials, and so on. 

Its state of preservation also counts. Some antiques are more valuable in their rugged, aged condition; others are more valuable the better they are preserved. Whatever the case may be, make sure to consult experts in that type of antique before sending it in for restoration. 

Antiques are not limited to furniture and can feature anything from clothing to old industrial machinery. There is an antique collection for every type of collector, and all it takes is finding your field of interest. 

Different Kinds of Antiques

Porcelain and dishes are among the most common antiques, easily found anywhere. One example is Depression-era glass, which was very common in the 1920s but incredibly rare today. 

Antique farm machinery is also incredibly popular as an antique for sale on social media sites and online stores. They tell unique stories of the development of industry in the area. Some can end up in museums, while others, in the hands of private collectors. 

The most common type of antique found in any home is furniture, as these can remain in good condition for a long time. If a home is taken care of and maintained, the quality of such pieces can withstand the test of time. Cabinets, chaises, and other furniture pieces can retain and gain value through the years. 

Find Valuable Antiques in Adelaide

It is not easy to identify the authenticity of classic collectibles. After all, things can look vintage without being a genuine antique. Not everyone knows how to recognise an antique. There are distinguishing marks and features that need to be identified before you can call any piece genuine. 

If you want to have a real antique, you can find them in shops like the Cavalier Antiques in Adelaide. These are places that usually treasure many valuable objects. Browse our selection today to find that heirloom you’ve always wanted.

Antique clocks are key items that antique collectors always find themselves delighted to have. On top of their aesthetic appeal, they are made with breathtaking craftsmanship. They range from cuckoo clocks all the way to mantel clocks. People tend to seek out and collect these pieces of antique furniture for a number of reasons. 

Read on to learn what you should know about antique clock care, style and value:

Care: Setting an Antique Clock

There is a high level of hand-craftmanship involved with antique clocks. In order to keep them in good working condition, regular maintenance is key. That involves having the timepieces set properly. 

• Clock Winding – Certain antique clocks require a wound spring; those need a winding schedule. Be cautious not to overwind, or the mainspring will have unnecessary pressure.
• Pendulum Adjustment – There is a proper pace for pendulums; they should neither be too fast or too slow. The weight by the end, called a pendulum bob, can be adjusted.

Value

Antique clock collectors are particular about styles and makers. Those are some of the markers they use when it comes to making informed purchases. Multiple facets of antique clocks are always closely inspected to ensure exactly what it’s worth. Several aspects can decide the value of antique clocks, such as:

• Clockmaker Marks

Clockmakers used to inscribe their insignia or trademark on the clock’s movement. This has become a key way to determine an antique clock’s authenticity. Simply attributing a clock to a certain maker without any proof like the markings or at least a label will bring its value down considerably. 

• Condition

This may go without saying, but mint condition antique clocks will fetch a far higher price. Even a single scratch can lead to a difference in the price. Over time, antiques can end up with scratches or chips due to a number of reasons. No matter what’s behind it, any damage, no matter how minute, will affect how much an antique clock is worth. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg because a beautiful exterior may not mean much if the clock movement’s bad. After all, that’s what it takes for the clock to function in the first place. 

The condition of the mechanism of weights and springs for the hands, called an escapement, will also hold weight. Inspection has to be done to every single element of an antique clock, and honesty regarding its condition is critical.

• Restoration

Is the antique clock fully original, glass and all? Has it undergone some type of restoration? Antique clocks with glass and/or original features in lovely condition will sell at a much higher price when they’re unrestored.

Conclusion

Antique clocks are made with lovely hand-craftsmanship by skilled makers. This is why they’re often sought out from antique dealers, especially by collectors. Caring for it requires setting it properly, depending on the specifics of the clock; pendulums should have a steady pace. Determining value lies in both the external and internal condition, with factors including the glass and clockmaker marks.

Looking for antique clocks in Adelaide? Check out Cavalier Antiques and Restorations! We offer a wide range of furniture, chairs, Mahogany, Rosewood and secondhand furniture from 1700 to 1920. Add another piece to your collection now!

It’s fascinating how antique-style pieces of furniture can still be popular around the world regardless of their age. They literally stood the test of time, being the classic representation of a timeless design that still goes with any modern piece or space. 

While we may not know how to incorporate the furniture that has been passed down to us, there’s no denying that it’s well-worth embracing as it adds a unique character and story to our spaces. As such, it’s time for you to utilise them and blend them with your new and modern space design! 

Even if you have vintage or antique pieces of furniture that are usually 20-100 years old and over, your relic can still add a classic and retro vibe that complements your modern aesthetics. It is just a matter of knowing how to mix and match without overdoing it to avoid having a museum-like design. 

To guide you on how you can incorporate your antiques into your traditional home design, here are some valuable tips that you can apply when redecorating your home: 

1. Incorporate Antiques Together with Contemporary Decor

Did you know that your outdated furniture design can turn your contemporary concept into a look of a home that’s collected over time? Yes, by simply layering multiple styles together, you create a mix that will feel unique. Unlike with a piece of furniture that came straight out of a catalogue, using antiques can give your home that sudden boost of texture and accent.

Some people recreate their antique and vintage pieces by repainting them. And while that can sometimes work, preserving the natural beauty is still recommended, especially if all is in good condition or has no damage. However, if you come across an antique with good bones but is quite beat up, consider refinishing it with a fresh coat of stain. 

2. Make a Bold Statement

If your antique furniture looks good and appealing, make it the centre of attention. Yet, you don’t need to make an effort to blend it in because it will be able to stand on its own. 

If your piece is in a reddish wood-tone—which actually shows up in a lot of antique furniture––avoid filling the rest of the space with similar tones since it may look overdone. But if you do incorporate different wood tones, make sure to keep light. Otherwise, just mix in other natural materials for added depth so that you can keep things simple in the rest of the room. 

3. Use Antiques As Accent Pieces

Keep in mind that antiques don’t always have to be the centre of attention—sometimes, it is enough to make it an accent to elevate the design of your home. You can make it stand out a bit by contrasting colours with your other furniture. By following these simple steps, you can elevate the appeal of the space and bring it to a new different level of feel and character!

4. Apply the Principle of Contrasts

With the old and new combined, you’re essentially creating a new era of style with your space. There’s no need to be afraid of using contrast as it will create quite a statement in an unexpected beauty and elegance. Just be mindful of the rest of your furniture and make sure it goes along well with your contrasting style. 

5. Repurpose Antique Pieces

You don’t have to force your antiques if it doesn’t really go well or it doesn’t make sense with your home’s current design. Fortunately, there’s a way for you to avoid throwing it out or placing it back in the storage. You can simply repurpose the pieces and give outdated furnishings a second life as a useful and even stylish item that blends with your traditional design!

Conclusion

Each antique piece of furniture offers distinct features that tell stories about history, art, architecture, and decorating style. It never goes out of style while ultimately making a historic interior mixing both contemporary and vintage pieces. It’s also an exciting way to give an antique a new life and purpose as it gives impressive aesthetics to your modern home. Now that you know how you can play with the design of your space with antiques, it’s better to look for that perfect piece. 

Look no further, as you can get them at Cavalier Antiques and Restorations! We are an antique furniture shop in Adelaide with various antiques for sale. We offer a wide range of finest quality antique, vintage furniture, and collectibles from 1700 to 1920. Check our collection today and contact us to learn more about our items in stock!

With technological advancements, mass production comes easy, allowing more households to have access to modern furniture of the same kind. However, not everybody will share the sentiment or the taste in curating their homes into a contemporary pad. Some people would prefer to stand out with antique furniture that has proven to stand the test of time in both design, structure, and durability. 

It’s no secret that furniture design has evolved from classic touches to state-of-the-art visions. But while the market is seen to be overflowed with a wide range of tasteful, upscale, and exquisite household items, rare finds like antique furniture still make it to the top of the crop—and if you’re watchful and lucky, you’ll be able to unearth an exciting range of treasured pieces, such as tables, chairs, and sofas, among other things, at affordable prices. 

Yes, antique furniture could be a luxury that’s accessible to you! So, why wait any longer? Begin the search in creating your dream home interior. Here are reasons why you should restore antique furniture:

Honour the Design

You can be guaranteed that well-preserved antique furniture brings life to any space. These unique pieces offer a timeless, one-of-a-kind appeal and intrigue, not just by its design but also by the continuous retelling of its backstory. And just like any kind of rich history, it calls for its preservation! 

As such, you’ll need the help of experts if you want to save the beauty of your most cherished antiques. They have the required equipment and materials to complete the repairs without affecting the item’s overall appearance.

Extend Its Life

Keep in mind that, like anything else, furniture are goods that degrade over time. Due to years of use, they may develop cracks, chips, or even have missing parts. If you don’t get them inspected or fixed, their charm may quickly fade! However, if you look after them properly, they will endure many more years in your home. 

Note that by extending its life, an antique can even be passed down to future generations.

Increase Its Value

Antiques are expensive because of their historical relevance, and they maintain their worth well. Moreover, if they are adequately cared for, their worth may rise with time! To add, maintaining an antique’s beauty and longevity is done through methods of repairs and furniture restoration. 

Only time can turn these beautiful pieces into prized possessions. And, along with restoration efforts, making antique furniture last for many years makes for priceless worth! So always look to repair and restoration, whether you are an antique collector or just wish to keep a family treasure.

Turn Your House Into A Home

Trends come and go—this is a reality that many homemakers and homeowners know today. So when it comes to creating your own space, invest in the quality of well-maintained antiques. The chances are that the unique craftsmanship involved in its production becomes a rarity—so once you find antiques that draw you in, make the splurge! They’re timeless, sturdy, and add character to any space they take up; and are ultimately worth the preservation and nurturing you’ll apply. Turn your house into a home by making an impression and, at the same time, giving a cozy feel for you and your family.

Are you interested in antique furniture in Adelaide? Cavalier Antiques offer a wide range of the finest quality Antique furniture in Mahogany, Rosewood, Cedar, and Walnut dating from 1700 to 1920. You will also find a wide range of furniture and collectibles, including beautiful coloured glass, china, clocks, spelter, and jewellery. Reach out to us today for inquiries at our mobile 0411 667 419 or email cavantique@adam.com.au!

Vintage furniture has a certain charm that modern furniture can’t even imitate. Yes, they may be old and faded compared to the set pieces of today; however, they have a particular appeal that still resonates with many homeowners and interior designers until now! 

Perhaps this may be attributed to their sentimental value? Or perhaps they just happen to reflect the lifestyle of the yesteryears? No matter the reason, they will always be a part of our homes, our walls, and even our living room—and they will remain there for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps you are curious to know about their inner appeal? What makes them extraordinary compared to modern furniture? Why do people still collect them? Are they even worth having around at home? 

If you want to know the answers to these questions, look no further than their following advantages.

1. They Are High-Quality

Not to discredit the integrity of modern furniture, but the vintage ones will always outlast them in the long run. Vintage furniture pieces are meticulously made, with only the most durable materials ever held by a carpenter. May it be wood, metal, or cloth, they will last longer than your average “manufactured” set pieces. On the other hand, modern furniture is usually made up of plastic, a material that may not endure the challenges brought about by weight, temperature, and moisture.

2. They Are a Reflection of the Past

Elegant furniture doesn’t always have to be new. The thing about vintage pieces of furniture is that they will never get any older since they are already well-maintained by you! So as long as you varnish them, maintain their finishes, and keep them dry from time to time, they will last you a lifetime. 

You may even learn about their origin and the stories of their previous owners just by looking at them! Some are marked with their original carpenters, while others are marked with the initials of their historical equivalents.

3. They Are More Affordable

Vintage furniture tends to be sold at a much lower price since they are already considered old. 

This fact may intimidate most people from buying them since they often equate the word “old” with “easily breakable,” however, that is not always the case! As mentioned before, they are usually made with high-quality, durable materials, and they are well-maintained by both their previous owners and even their current owners. Combine its durability with the price value, and you’ve got yourself a good deal.

4. They Are Unique

Modern furniture would often exhibit the same type of designs over and over again, with varying combinations of colours just to hide the fact that they are all the same. Vintage furniture went with a different route back then, showcasing the ingenuity of the carpenter by carving different designs and finishes on the furniture itself. This is what makes them unique, as no vintage furniture would ever look the same unless they are all a part of a small set. 

Other than that, you have varying, elegant designs that speak wonders, even to your guests.

5. They Are Eco-friendly

While most modern furniture are made of plastic, vintage furniture are made of hardwood, nails, and even bamboo. Our ancestors back then relied on the very materials that they had, and even then, they had some of the toughest materials ever used for a chair set. These materials are environmentally friendly and would not contribute to the overall production of pollution and free radicals.

Buy Vintage Furniture

Buying and owning vintage furniture has many benefits. While most people would love to match their indoor aesthetics with present-day set pieces, they do not really do much justice to the overall design of your home. 

With that being said, add a little bit of charm to your rooms and living areas with pieces of old furniture. Emphasise that warm, welcoming feel, walk down memory lane with your family members and guests, and enjoy the benefits of owning a piece of history.

If you are looking for antique furniture shops in Adelaide, look no further than Cavalier Antiques and Restorations! We offer only the finest quality of antiques, vintage furniture, and collectables, among others. Contact us for more information about our products and prices.