Go Back to the Home Page.
Purchase a gift certificate from 1stClassGems.com now!
 

Valuable Information for Art Collectors

Collect art for all the right reasons: There are many reasons to collect and love beautiful artwork. They are all pretty much the right reasons as long as they work for you. You can invest in art, decorate your home, much like a photo, you can save a piece of today for tomorrow, enjoy something creative and beautiful, hold a memory or help out a new artist.

Common Art Collectors Terms:

Original artwork: These are one of a kind pieces that the artist places an original value on. Although a new artist may charge less for their work, time will tell what their popularity will be and therefore the value increase for their art. A seasoned artist with proven popularity can command a higher price in the beginning, but again values will be determined by their popularity.

Reproductions: Reproductions are most commonly produced by the process of offset lithography, and lately, the giclee process. These terms refer to the process for reproduction and vary in price based upon the technique used.

Limited editions: A limited edition print refers to the artist's restriction on the number that can be produced. Typically artists restrict these to between 250 and 1500 and they are signed and numbered by the artist. The lowest number will have the greatest value because they are usually the closest to the actual size and color intensity of the original work. Limited editions can appreciate in value due to the age of the print, artist popularity and limited number of copies available.

Open editions: (Posters & Mini-Prints) - These artist works have no limit on the number of reproductions. They are often smaller in size than the original work or a limited edition. These don't typically increase in value unless the artist hand signs it.

Art Collecting Quotes:

Burt Reynolds says "The more the art dominated my life and my house, the more the house became a home."

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart….pursue those." Unknown

Barbara Tapp states in Art and Antiques…"We collectors know that art communicates with us on different levels. Language and culture are no barriers."

Tips For Beginning And Experienced Art Collectors:

Buy art because you like it, and because it moves you, and because it enhances your life.

Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.
Visit and join your local Art Museums and Non Profit Art Centers. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.
Attend National Art Expos and Art Fairs whenever possible.
If you know any art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting.
Read art and art history books or books on collecting art.
Subscribe to a few art magazines.
Read reviews by local and national art critics, but keep in mind that reviews usually just reflect one person's opinion.
Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art…..buy it, take it home and enjoy it!

 

Home | About Us | FAQs | Contact Us | Professional Women | Men | Travelers | Art Collectors
View Cart | Check Out | Site Map | Customer Service

 

1stClassGems.com
1402 Lake Tapps Pkwy. E. Ste. 104 #331
Auburn, WA 98092-8157
Local Phone: 206-228-5423
Toll-Free: 1-866-GOT-GEMS (1-866-468-4367)
Fax: 253-333-0996 Attn: #331
E-mail: info@1stclassgems.com

 

Copyright © 2002 - , 1st Class Gems
All rights reserved.

Website design, hosting and maintenance by New Tech Web, Inc.