Old Antique Vases

To tell how old an antique ring is, you have two main options. First, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. If you know the maker of the ring or the ring has a maker's mark that you can use to identify who produced it, learning more about the designer, artisan or company and their styles can help with the dating process. When the maker is unknown, you can familiarize yourself with the characteristics of various antique jewelry styles, such as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian, to try and identify the period in which your ring was likely produced. The second option is to have a certified appraiser, experienced antique dealer or knowledgeable jeweler date your ring for you. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique rings.

To tell if a vase is antique, look for a mark on the bottom of the vase either a NIPPON mark or an overmark over the original maker’s mark.

The easiest way to identify an antique vase is to check for logos, artist's name or signature at the bottom. These marks may be painted, inked or inscribed. You can also check the edges to identify an antique vase — they are generally more smooth and polished than the rest of the piece. Find an extraordinary collection of antique and vintage vases and vessels on 1stDibs.

Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.

To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

The best way to identify an antique porcelain vase is to check for a maker’s mark. Gently flip the vase over and look for a signature or logo on the bottom. You may also find the name of the artist or designer. Old vases were also made in wood-based kilns, so an antique vase will likely have small imperfections such as coarseness, crackling or asymmetry. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your vase. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of expertly vetted antique porcelain vases.

There are a few ways to tell the approximate age of a porcelain vase, including identifying the maker's mark. These are usually located on the bottom of the vase. The maker's mark can help you find the era of manufacture once you know the company or studio that produced the piece. Look for imperfections, which were inevitable with wood-fuelled kilns of the past but uncommon with modern gas-fuelled kilns. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique porcelain from some of the world's top sellers.