To find out what an expert has to say about antiques and their value, as well as which objects are now most sought after by professional collectors, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Lori Verderame, a Ph.D. antiques appraiser who’s an internationally syndicated columnist and an author with 30 books to her credit.

Dr. Verderame 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 almost 200k subscribers where she shares various tips about antiques.

Having written many books and articles on the topic of valuing art and antiques, Dr. Verderame was happy to share what’s currently buzzing in the antique market. “Antiques increase in value over time and typically the most valuable categories of antiques include fine art (paintings, sculpture), furniture, fine jewelry, and historical objects,” Dr. Verderame said. She added that right now, it is a good time to buy fine art since now it is a buyers' market.

Meanwhile, collectors collect all types of art and antiques. “Some of the hottest collectibles now are 1980s toys, vintage clothing and accessories from the 1960s and 1970s, Art Deco sculpture and lamps, and costume jewelry, and color glass like Murano and Blenko pieces,” Dr. Verderame explained.

In our previous interview with Dr. Verderame we found out 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,” she said.

Moreover, Dr. Verderame 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." The most valuable categories of antiques typically include fine art, antique furniture, and antique and vintage fine and costume jewelry.

More and more people are getting interested in antiques, Dr. Verderame said, especially young adults. "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,” Dr. Verderame commented.

“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," she explained in our previous interview.