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5 Reasons Why Antiques Are Better Than New

12/23/2015

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“Do you ever wonder ‘why’ everyone is so mad about antiques, vintage and retro these days? There are plenty of great new items being made every day so what has started this whole movement of reusing pre-loved, older pieces?”
 
I asked around and found that for the most part, there are five main reasons why people are turning to antiques and collectibles over new store-bought products.

1. They cost less in the long run
This one is actually a bit hard to get your head around since most people envisage that antiques are expensive due to their scarcity or individuality.

The truth is, while there are some pieces which go up in value exponentially, a lot of pieces you find in your antique centre are a really affordable price and the best part: they are usually better made than the things you’ll find in the department stores these days!

So instead of needing to purchase new furniture every 10 years due to wear and tear, your antique items continue to endure with just a small amount of care and attention and the occasional refresh with wax and polish.

2. Antiques are eco-friendly
Yes, if you put your money back into a local business selling a second hand item, you are looking after our precious resources and reusing an item instead of buying a new one.

If everyone bought brand new items instead of second hand, we would soon be sitting on one very large pile of landfill. As I’ve said above, not only is it cost effective as your antiques will last longer, but that longevity means less new cheap items are out there in the world which will eventually be scrapped.

3. They are more interesting and unique
It’s part of the human condition to want to stand out from the rest! We love to have something interesting and special in our homes as a talking point and to show our impeccable taste and style.

By mixing and matching with newer items and from different eras and genres, you can achieve a unique and eclectic style which would be difficult using pieces from a well-known Scandinavian furniture store alone.

4. There’s a story to tell
Run your fingers over any antique piece of furniture and you’ll find hidden secrets from its past lives with other families and friends. The history of a piece can be the difference between liking and LOVING an antique piece.
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While you may not be able to find out every particular, sometimes just knowing the period from which the items comes from can evoke nostalgic feelings and make a stronger connection with you and your possessions.

5. They never go out of style
Yes, it’s true that certain types of antiques, vintage and retro can be the ‘flavour of the month’ but the best part about older items is that they aren’t stuck on an everlasting loop of popularity and decline.

To update a piece of antique furniture, you only need to change how you style the pieces that go with it to update its look. The smaller pieces you collect can also find their way into any style or fad with a little bit of styling knowledge and a refresh from time to time.

If you’re interested in how you can incorporate antiques, vintage and retro items, please come and visit us at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra.
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It's Christmas Time

12/17/2015

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Christmas has snuck up on us again and there’s only ten days left to get our gift shopping done. There’s still time though and there are an abundance of items in store that would make greats gifts. Here at Greene & Greene Antiques we hold unique collections for all ages and styles.

One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.

All over the world, families and friends give presents to each other. Most children around the world believe in a Christmas gift bringer. It's often St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but in Germany they believe that it is the Christkind, in Spain they believe it is the Wise Men and in Italy they believe it is an old lady called Befana.
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So we thought to show you just an example of our range for the men in store. A Tunbridge ware stamp box circa 1860; Gold cased quizzing glass circa 1820; Collection of various bone and perspex dice; HMSS aesthetic design vesta case Birmingham 1883; HMSS small box with engraved knight Birmingham 1895; Double nine whalebone and ebony dominoes from a complete set, 19th century.
For the women Plique-à-jour enamel, 18ct yellow gold and diamond set dragonfly brooch, circa 1970-80; Natural yellow sapphire and diamond 18ct gold pendant circa 1890; Moonstone and 9ct half-moon shaped brooch, circa 1890; 22ct gold Indian bracelet circa 1850; French 18ct yellow gold and diamond dragon brooch, circa 1900; 18ct gold mistletoe brooch/pendant with diamonds and pearls, circa 1910; Moonstone, diamond and 18ct gold brooch circa 1960; 15ct gold stick pin with a fighting cock circa 1850.
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(Above) For the Men & (Right) for the Women
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​Plenty more in store so come and find the perfect Christmas gift at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra.
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GREENE & GREENE
Antiques - Jewellery - Silver
86 Queen Street, Woollahra, NSW 2025, Australia
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