Why You Should Invest
In Collectible
Art Deco Figural Lamps?
At the Art Deco Lamp Gallery we believe that there has never been a better time to consider investing in collectible vintage art deco figural lamps. Today, at perhaps more than any point in history, a true emerging trend is the increasing ownership of collectible vintage lamps as a form of solid investment against typical historical venues and the volatility of open markets. This is not at all surprising to us in that you are able to make a great investment in a collectible vintage art work that is not only going to increase in value, but your friends, family and yourself get to enjoy the wonderful artistic and aesthetic beauty of your investment while the value increases. Quiet frankly, we can not think of another investment venue that provides such constant visual enjoyment. In addition, investing in collectible vintage art deco lamps instantly increases your estate value and provides a inheritable art object that will remain in the family to be enjoyed for many generations to come - until it is sold or handed down. Aside from the estate value of such items, to many family members, the simple fact that you gave them such a valuable collectible lamp, would make the value priceless.
Unfortunately, many people have a generic notion that investing in art or art objects is only for the aristocratic, sophisticated and wealthy, who already have large sums of cash. But this misinformed notion could not be further from the truth. Investing in vintage art deco figural lamps innately possesses value because of its historical importance, rarity, manufacture, composition, provenance or other characteristics for which a market of collectors has sprung. What happens with collectible art deco lamps, such as the lamps we offer, is that their inherent value makes them invulnerable to passing trends so that they are constantly rising in value. It’s these “real” vintage collectible art deco lamps, like any great artistic work, can make a sound investment while also proving to be a source of unsurpassed awe and beauty. We offer a no fee lay-away service for our clientele to assist in market place fluctuations if desired. Many of our repeat customers have taken advantage of this service and as a result, are able to invest in vintage art deco figural lighting at a level which accomodates their budget.
Collectible art deco lamps, and more specifically, vintage art deco figural lamps, has for the most part proved a very lucrative form of Investment for many individuals and organizations as well as banking and investment firms. While investments such as Stock Markets, may or may not, offer lucrative rewards over the long term, often the volatility is such that people can experience rapid losses (sound familiar) if the market sentiment quickly becomes negative! The valuations in the venue of collectible art deco lamps are driven primarily by the age old law of supply and demand, with composition, workmanship, rarity, authentication and provenance playing a major role. All these factors increase the likelihood that the item will become an ever more sought after commodity as time goes by. Buying a collectible vintage art deco figural lamp today will represent an asset value, which if cared for and preserved in its current condition, or professionally restored, can easily sell for many times the original cost.
So, what do you need to know about investing in collectible vintage art deco lamps to avoid major pit falls and costly mistakes as well as insure that your experience is a positive one?
# 1 Learn About Vintage Art Deco Collectible Figural Lamps
An informed buyer is always in a much better position to make sound investment decisions. Do your research and learn about what you are investing in. It’s fun and informative. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery will be more than happy to assist you in obtaining informational sources on collectible art deco lamps.
# 2 Invest What You Can Afford
Determine how much you can afford to invest in collectible lams and start your search. While you may have to part with more than you hoped for - at least you have a preset price range to work from. At the Art Deco Lamp Gallery you can take advantage of opportunities to utilize payment or layaway arrangement plans if necessary - but never spend more than you can afford.
# 3 Use a Reputable Dealer
One common denominator throughout collecting is quality and condition. If you have an amateur eye, you need to rely on someone you trust to point you in the right direction, and a good dealer will be more than happy to guide you. Always consider your purchasing source, especially when you are buying online and can’t personally examine the lamp. Aways ask questions about any damage or repairs and refinishing that may be completed. Look for a dealer that is a member of a professional association that specializes in antique or vintage lamps and lighting such as the Antique Lighting Dealers Association (A.L.D.A) as well as the Art Deco Dealers Association (A.D.D.A.) The Art Deco Lamp Gallery is a proud Charter Member in good standing of both associations and extends an invitation to allow us to be your trusted dealer.
# 4 Buy Collectible Art Deco Figural Lamps
The best work by a artist or manufacturer and not-so-great–appreciates in value more than mediocre or common place works. The same rule holds true for collectible art deco lamps. Even in a down market, prices hold-up better or hedge for great examples of workmanship - these represent collectible vintage lamps. As with any vintage item you’re considering, always take the pains and time to insure that the vintage Art Deco lamp you are considering purchasing is in fact - truly vintage - and not a modern day reproduction or even a hybrid lamp made up of many different non original parts. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery strives to acquire the very best examples of collectible vintage art deco figuralm lamps for our clientele.
# 5 Make Sure It Is Certified
A professional certification of authenticity automatically increases the value of any collectible antique and instantly adds to the resale value. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery provides a Certificate of Authenticity for each collectible art deco lamp we sell.
# 6 Buy Signed / Marked Collectible Lighting
While artist signatures and makers marks are not always visible or present, it is highly valued for obvious reasons. It serves a validation purpose and is key in determining value. However, not all artist or makers signed or marked all or any of their art pieces and in many cases, artist signatures’ or manufacturers marks were often copied or forged. A experienced honest dealer can offer a professional opinion as to the origin of the item in the absence of such marks. I can not tell you the number of disappointed buyers I have come in contact with who have been victims of unscrupulous sellers who have misrepresented an item. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery provides expert opinion based on experience and exposure to the venue in the absence of such markings.
# 7 Buy Collectible Art Deco Lamps That Have Provenance
While provenance of collectible art deco lamps is not always possible, purchasing such an item that has at least some of its history documented is always preferred. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery makes every effort to establish the provenance of each lamp we sell in our Certificate of Authencity.
# 8 Buy Collectible Art Deco Lamps That You Like and Is Useful
It is amazing that many people find this suggestion unusual. It makes perfect to us that if one is going to invest in collectible vintage lamps that it should be an item that is useful and is visually appealing to your personal taste. After all, looking at it every day is part of the enjoyment of having it. Not sure exactly what to buy for that special place you have in mind? The Art Deco Lamp Gallery can give you some basic pointers on what to consider before making that investment decision.
#9 Keep Your Collectible Art Deco Lamp in Good Condition
Simple attrition is one of the basic reasons antiques have value. Over time, fewer items survive and those that have survived usually deteriorate. If accidents ever happen or your lamp is damaged in any way - always use a reputable professional dealer to repair or refinish your collectible. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery provides professional repair and refinishing services for each of our clients. In addition, we send a list of routine care and cleaning recommendations with each lamp we sell. Your investment will have greater value because you take care of it.
#10 Insure Your Collectible Antique For Full Value
It never ceases to amaze us that many people will invest substantial sums of money into collectible vintage lighting but then turn around and not properly register the item with their insurance carrier or simply assume that the lamp will be fully covered by their company for its full appraised value. A reputable dealer will assist you in insuring that your carrier has all necessary and proper information to provide you with full coverage. The Art Deco Lamp Gallery provides that service for each and every client we serve.
The venue of investing in collectible antique and vintage figural lamps can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. However, it is also one that is filled with scrupulous dealers or un-knowledgeable sellers whose sole interest is profit at the expense of buyers. We hope that you will entrust us with your collectible vintage art deco lighting investing decisions. However, if we do not carry what you are looking for, we strongly recommend that at minimum, you purchase your lighting from an member in good standing of the Antique Lighting Dealers Association (A.L.D.A) or the Art Deco Dealers Association (A.D.D.A.).
Kindest Regards,
The Art Deco Lamp Gallery Staff