Vintage fashion can provide a thrill for fashionistas, history lovers, and niche collectors alike, so it is no wonder that today the area enjoys such a lucrative market amongst enthusiasts.

written by Joanna van der Lande

Ancient Greek bronze sculpture, 2000 years old Roman marble bust or maybe a turquoise scarab amulet straight from an ancient Egyptian tomb? Although in general those things belong in the museums, the collector's market for antiquities is growing and is as fascinating as ever. Who would not love to have a piece of ancient history in their collection! Read our Antiquities Expert explaining the joys and hardships of collecting ancient artefacts.

written by Valerie Hammond

For centuries the world has been mesmerised with shiny objects and precious metals. Diamonds used to be “a girl's best friend” and a person was thought to be wonderful if they were “worth their weight in gold“. But we also had “the silver screen“,  “served on a silver platter“ and, of course, “look for the Silver Lining“ plus many other notable quotes about this wondrous metal. 

Gold, shiny bright and very expensive. So, if all that glitters is not gold, could it be silver? Silver, a precious metal, shiny, bright and far more affordable. 

written by Crispian Riley-Smith

It happens very rarely that the drawings by major Old Masters, such as Michelangelo  come up for auction sales. And yet, the Art Market is full of surprises! Read a first hand report from this historical sale last month!

written by Urszula Frick

Whether it is an old photograph of our late relative, a majestic depiction of a royal in a coronation suit, or one of the many unknown faces caught in glittering baroque frames in a museum gallery, portraits are one of the most powerful images humans can create. Not only because they show a specific person but also because they often are a reflection of this person in a certain moment of their life, through the eyes of an artist.

written by Patrick Morgan

In the process where Western World is trying to make amends for its colonial past, many of the artworks got caught in the dispute of where they belong. Art repatriation is a delicate subject and as the objects looted during colonialism or war should be returned where they belong, the matter seems to still lack the clarity. Read more about the processes of cultural repatriation of art ant antiquities to the countries of their origin, and the influence this process has on the art market.

Barbie doll has unarguably been one of the most monumental and influential phenomena of modern toys and children's media. From the first Barbie in 1959 to this day children across the world are able to enjoy what Barbie has to offer having successfully adapted to a contemporary 21st century context. And just as modern children are eager to play with the doll, collectors and enthusiasts of any age appreciate vintage Barbies as highly valuable collectors items.

written by Nicholas Skeaping

Terrier, Corgi, Dachshund, Poodle, Pug, Boxer, Shiba Inu, German Shepherd, Greyhound or Mongrel. The breed really does not matter, dog owners will love them all unconditionally, treating them as family members. Read our article and unravel the dog-human relationship through the history of art.

written by Jean Lafortune

Collecting stamps is probably one of the most popular hobbies there is. You do not need a great knowledge to start just your curiosity and some patience. Your collection can reflect you interests, personality, profession or taste. Read the article and learn more about collecting stamps from our VMS Expert.

Since the beginning of recorded history, people have entertained themselves by playing and listening to music.

written by Jasper Jennings

Once a scientifically valuable visual representation of flora and fauna, today vintage bird and flower prints are finally praised for their artistic value and are becoming one of the favourite genre for prints collectors. Read about the history of natural history prints and tips on how to get them!

written by Crispian Riley-Smith

Collecting Old Master Drawing is fascinating and very rewarding to the collector. Drawings are the often the first glimpses, the sketches of the first ideas of something that later could have become a masterpiece. Read more if you are interested in how to start collecting Old Master drawings, where to look for them and how to take care of your collection.

Annie Lebovitz, Cindy Sherman, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange or David LaChapelle are just some of the biggest names to know when it comes to collecting photography. But what to look for when you are just starting your photography collection? Check out ValueMyStuff's Buyer's Guide to Collecting Photography!

Written by Peter le Rossignol

What if you could enter a real treasure trove filled with the most amazing royal jewellery, glittering gems, diamonds and pearls, all in one place? Take a moment and let our Jewellery and Precious Stones Specialist guide you through the World’s most exquisite and famous pieces ever made!

Written by Patrick Morgan

Genuine, fake or forgery?  In the field of tribal arts, these are by far, the most common questions asked of experts, whether a piece comes from Africa, Oceania or the Americas. Ultimately all tribal art artefacts will fall into one of these three categories and knowing the difference before buying is a crucial first step in building a respectable collection. Here are the expert tips on how to tell them apart!

Written by Urszula Frick

For any book-lover a visit in an old antique bookstore is like a magical experience. Touching and looking through the old, dusty volumes, breathing in the specific sweet smell of old paper and ink, searching for old prints and finally finding one of the earliest editions of your favourite book is very exciting. But what would happen if you would find a book that is priceless? Read about 5 most expensive books ever sold!

Are you thinking about buying a classic car that not only fits your needs but also a budget? Our Expert explains the popularity boom of classic cars and why you need one!

Cartier is one of the most luxurious watches and jewellery brands in the world. Behind every piece made by Cartier lies a personal story of love, commitment and friendship dressed in a unique design inspired by the style of the long gone eras, even in their modern 21st century editions. Read more about the Cartier's absolute classics.

Considering the title of this essay, you might wonder how on earth an article of just a few hundred words could possibly do justice to a subject as varied and complex as the history of Chinese Art. And it would be quite right to think this, because to encompass the artistic history of the largest nation on earth over a time span of shall we say 3522 years, is not actually possible at all. What an odd number that is and how is it arrived at, you might ask?  The answer is that if you start with the Shang Dynasty around the year 1500 BC and then count the years back down to zero, then add to that the period from zero right up to 2022 AD. Keeping in mind that we are compressing such a great span of time in this China Travelogue, I am going to try to show objects which encapsulate the period in question. 

Chair is probably one of the most popular pieces of furniture our Furniture Experts get to value at ValueMyStuff. We get chairs from across all possible centuries and styles. Chair is one of the most basic but simultaneously one of the most important furniture pieces, from a royal throne to a simple wooden stool. Learn with us about 5 iconic chairs that pushed forward the History of Design