Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Lori Verderame, the Ph.D. antiques appraiser who’s an internationally syndicated columnist and an author with 30 books to her credit. Dr. Lori specializes in helping people make money with buying and selling tips, as well as showing them how to spot valuables at thrift stores, charity shops, flea markets, estate sales, etc. and flip them for profit. She also runs a widely popular YouTube channel with 130k subscribers where she shares various tips about antiques.

Dr. Lori explained that “an antique is an object that is 100 years old or older. I determine antique status by looking at materials, condition, and design. I appraise an antique's value by comparing it with other similar items and using my decades of museum and appraisal experience to provide a value,” the antiques appraiser commented.

Turns out, Lori bases her values on actual sales records where similar items have sold recently. “I use my love of antiques to appraise value and value differs based on the type of object appraised. Many factors determine value depending on the type of object presented,” she explained and added that the most valuable categories of antiques typically include fine art, antique furniture, and antique and vintage fine and costume jewelry.

When asked if people are getting more and more interested in antiques, Dr. Lori confirmed that it’s true and added that young adults are particularly interested. “Because we can buy all types of antiques with ease now online, people are enjoying the thrill of the treasure hunt for antiques as well as the excitement of selling them or keeping them.”

“I show many examples of how I find the money for people on my YouTube channel series called Real Bargains. Young adults—my fans—are interested in antiques and vintage items because they are well-made, unique and interesting, and are conversation pieces,” she said.

“Many realize that they can buy a vintage or antique object for very little money and use my tips to flip for profit or keep it for their own collection and enjoyment. Many people are interested in antiques because of the memories they spark or for the connection to a bygone era,” Dr. Lori concluded.