Antiquing Tips: How to Spot Authentic Pieces and Understand Value
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There’s nothing quite like a day spent antiquing. Whether you’re digging through a flea market or browsing a high-end shop, you never really know what you’ll find, and that’s one of the things I love most about it.
I’ve been sourcing antiques for over a decade. I’m not an antique appraiser and certainly no expert—just a girl that loves history, beauty, and the thrill of the hunt!
Still, over the years, I’ve learned a few go-to techniques that have really shaped how I source and select beautiful pieces for the shop.
So if you’re curious where to start, it begins with authenticity.
The Importance of Developing A Keen Eye For Authenticity.
When it comes to antiquing, authenticity matters. Before you fall in love with a piece, it’s worth taking a closer look to be sure it’s truly what you think it is.
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t automatically shy away from reproductions. Just because a piece is a reproduction, doesn’t mean it can’t still be beautiful in a space. However, the simple truth is that a reproduction is not as valuable, and often not as desirable, as an original piece.
It’s also worth remembering that not every piece you come across while you’re out hunting will be labeled perfectly. With so many unique items and different sellers involved, details can easily get mixed up or interpreted differently, even with the best intentions.
At the end of the day, the responsibility ultimately falls on you to research deeper, ask questions and sort fact from fiction, especially when you are purchasing pieces for resale.
Below are a few methods I use to make this process a little easier.
Quick Clues I Use Most Often When Determining Authenticity of Antiques.
Maker’s Marks: Your First Clue.
Looking for a maker’s mark is always the very first thing I do when I come across an interesting piece. If a maker’s mark exists, it will often be on the bottom or back of the piece.
A maker’s mark is a good indication that the piece is authentic and also gives you a jumping off point to start your research.
Metals: The Magnet Test.
Having a small magnet on hand to quickly test metals is incredibly helpful. (Here is the one I personally use that clips right to my keychain).
A magnet will stick to iron and steel, but it doesn’t stick to brass, bronze, copper, or silver. This is helpful for spotting genuine versus plated or painted metals.
If you’re lucky enough to come across solid brass, bronze, pure copper, or sterling silver, those are always worth paying attention to, as they hold higher value.
Art: Reading the Clues.
When it comes to art, I recommend flipping the piece over first, as the back will often be significantly more telling than the front.
Look for an aged canvas and backing material. A bright white canvas and staples indicate a modern day piece, while a true antique will feature aged wood and a brown canvas often nailed to the wooden stretcher.
Now flip the piece to the front and look for texture.
Original art will have natural texture created by brushstrokes and paint layers, while a print of an original will have a flat surface with no raised texture.
Additionally, a true antique piece will also show aging in the paint or varnish that will appear as small cracks.
Lastly, always look for an artist’s signature.
A signature is a strong indicator that a piece is an original. It also adds credibility and potential value, plus it gives you something concrete to research.
Of course, not every great piece is signed. I’ve found plenty of originals without a signature that are just as special, but when it comes to determining value, a signature is preferable.
Crystal or Glass? How to Tell the Difference.
Real crystal is heavier and catches light differently than regular glass. When you hold it up to the light, if the piece is crystal, you’ll often see a soft rainbow effect along the cuts.
I find the sound test to also be extremely helpful for determining if a piece is crystal or glass. If you gently tap the piece with your fingernail, crystal will have a distinct ring, while glass will have a very dull tone.
Furniture: Recognizing Craftsmanship And Age.
When it comes to furniture, I look for dovetail detailing on the drawers as a sign of true craftsmanship. I pay attention to weight as well. Solid wood pieces tend to be heavier and feel more substantial.
I also look for aged wood and hardware that reflect the kind of gentle wear and patina that only time can create.
Marble, Alabaster, or Resin? Here’s How to Know.
Marble and alabaster are often used in antique decorative pieces like sculptures, vases, and lamps. However, many modern reproductions use resin instead, so knowing how to tell them apart can make a big difference.
Both marble and alabaster are heavy and cool to the touch compared to resin, which is lightweight and feels closer to room temperature.
Resin also tends to have a more uniform finish. Marble and alabaster, however, are natural stone, which means they have texture and variation throughout.
To tell the difference between alabaster and marble, try the light test. If you hold an alabaster piece up to the light, you’ll see a soft, candlelike glow; marble will look more solid.
You can also try a quick touch test. Alabaster is softer to the touch and tends to scratch more easily, while marble is harder and more durable.
Putting It All Together.
These are just a few quick, on-the-spot tips to guide your eye, but they’re not independently conclusive. This is why it is always best to pair them with proper research to ensure a full understanding of the piece.
Do Your Research: Understanding Value and History.
Understanding a piece’s history is key to understanding its value, and both are important when you’re buying for resale. If you’re sourcing pieces for your personal collection, it’s okay to let feeling guide your choices, but having a sense of value helps you make smarter, more intentional investments with your money, which is always a good thing.
The key here is simple: do your research. There’s so much great information out there if you take the time to dig a little.
One of my favorite tools for researching pieces is Google Lens. I keep the app on my phone, and whenever I come across something interesting, I just snap a quick photo. Within seconds, it pulls up similar pieces online, giving you a better sense of what the item might be and helping point you in the right direction for further research.
Once you’ve found a few comparable pieces, and used some of the on-the-spot checks above, go a little deeper.
Learn a little about the maker or era, browse pieces with a similar look or material, and notice how they’re described or valued.
Over time, you’ll start to recognize patterns in pricing, style, and quality that help you spot true value faster.
And if your research suggests you may have found something really special, you can always consider getting a professional antique appraisal.
It’s not something I do with every find, but it can be helpful for learning more about a piece’s history and what it might be worth.
Final Thoughts.
Every antiquing adventure is a chance to learn something new about the pieces you find and the stories they hold. Even after years of sourcing, I’m still no expert, but using these simple tools has helped me develop a better understanding and more confidence over time.
And honestly, I’ve learned to trust my gut—if something feels too good to be true, it usually is. Your instincts, paired with a little research and experience, can become one of your best tools when antiquing.
I hope these simple tricks of the trade make your next outing a little more successful, and maybe even more enjoyable.
The more you go, the sharper your eye will become, and that’s what makes the hunt so rewarding!
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Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
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