In an age of fast fashion and fleeting trends, antiques offer something rare: timeless beauty, craftsmanship, and in many cases, financial appreciation. Investing in antiques is not only a way to diversify your portfolio, but also a deeply personal journey through history and design. But not all antiques are created equal. So, what are the 5 best antiques to invest in and why? We take a look in our latest guide.
Antique furniture with provenance and craftsmanship
Classic Georgian period furniture, Victorian period furniture, Edwardian period furniture all remain a solid investment. Think antique mahogany chest of drawers, oak dining tables, and antique Windsor chairs. The value here lies in craftsmanship, patina, and provenance. Named makers — like Thomas Chippendale or Gillows of Lancaster — command premium prices.
However, size and condition also matter. With many contemporary homes on the smaller side, more compact pieces are in higher demand. A well-maintained antique writing desk or sideboard will not only serve a practical function but will often appreciate over time.
Our furniture blog has lots of helpful and informative posts for collectors of period furniture, including how to care for antique and period furniture, and how to tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture.
Antique art and antique prints
While Old Masters can be out of reach, British artwork from the 18th to early 20th-century, is more accessible. Watercolours and etchings by artists such as J.M.W. Turner or Samuel Palmer, for example, are highly collectable. Limited edition prints by modern British artists — like David Hockney or Lucian Freud — have also shown strong market performance.
Always buy pieces in excellent condition and, if possible, with authentication. Investing in professionally framed art also helps preserve value.
Our beginner’s guide to collecting antique art is a great read for the novice collector, while Is antique art a good investment? may help those not yet sure of their area of interest.
Antique ceramics
English pottery has a rich heritage. Collectibles like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Moorcroft pottery have long been popular. Studio pottery, particularly from post-war makers such as Bernard Leach and Lucie Rie, has seen a surge in interest in recent years.
The key is to look for rarity, makers’ marks, and pristine condition. Cracks and chips can significantly lower value.
Antique silver
English sterling silver, especially hallmarked Georgian and Victorian tableware, is highly prized. Whether it’s a canteen of cutlery or a finely engraved teapot, antique silver is both usable and collectable. Always check for hallmarks (How to read silver hallmarks will help), as these provide key information on age, maker, and origin.
With silver prices rising, high-quality antique silver not only holds intrinsic value but also offers a hedge against inflation.
Vintage watches and antique clocks
Timepieces are increasingly popular with collectors. Vintage watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, or Longines perform consistently strongly in the market, while antique longcase clocks and antique mantel clocks remain classic interior pieces.
Condition, maker, and originality are crucial. For watches, original boxes and papers can dramatically increase value.
Our top tips for buying antiques
• Buy what you love - trends come and go, but personal passion endures.
• Do your research - provenance, maker, and condition are key to value.
• Shop smart - auctions, reputable dealers, and antique fairs offer the best finds.
• Maintain with care - improper cleaning or restoration can damage value; check out our antique cleaning blog for some sound advice.
Buying antiques from Hemswell Antique Centres
Investing in antiques isn't just about financial return — it's about preserving pieces of history. With sustainability and authenticity becoming more valued in modern life, antiques offer a meaningful alternative to mass-produced décor. Choose wisely, care for your treasures, and you may find their value — both sentimental and financial — growing steadily over time. At Hemswell Antique Centres we are home to the stunning wares of over 400 professional antique dealers displaying thousands of pieces in our four buildings. Whether you have a chosen area of collectables or simply want to see what catches your eye, a day trip to visit us is well worth it.
For commercial and trade clients based overseas, or those unable to attend the centres in person, we offer live virtual shopping tours which are popular with clients around the world. You will be accompanied by our Managing Director, Robert Miller, on a guided tour of the centres where you will be shown pieces of interest, in close up detail. Please contact us to find out more.
