Gloria,
I enjoyed your article regarding art and antiques as an investment. Well as we all know right now there is a cross-the-board downward trend in terms of prices for all antiques. Such activity has obviously been caused by our global state of affairs.

First of all we should buy what we like and can live with not only because it has great value.

If one is a private consumer and not buying a variety of merchandise as a dealer would, he or she has great option and choice. Dealers also have to follow trends to some degree to meet market changes and what the younger folks like to buy. Consequently he or she (the dealer) will experience upward and downward swings in market prices. We also must realize that in different market environments, the same item may have a larger demand and consequently demand a much higher price, sometimes a very substantial difference.

Antiques have always been a wise investment but swings in the market value of antiques is something like the real estate market but not quite so severe.

Just keep in mind that good quality antiques will always be cherished. Following too many trends of what is fashionable can lead to a disastrous investment, serious loss of money and disappointment at the end.