Did you know that grandma’s old ceramics are highly valuable?
Old ceramics that you may have inherited from your grandma are not the cheesy and outdated pottery and figurines you thought they were. They are items that pickers and collectors are always looking out for because they can hold good value if they meet certain conditions.
Moreover, they are actual collectibles and pieces of art, which can make you rich if you know what to look for. Let’s discuss the history of ceramics, their value and how you can spot a few in your grandma’s collection, or elsewhere, for a profitable resale.
But first…
What Are Ceramics?
Ceramics are typically inorganic, non-metallic solids made by shaping mixtures of earthen elements, clay, powders, metal or non-metal compounds and water. Once the ceramic is shaped as desired, it is hardened in a kiln, a high temperature oven, and then covered and decorated with waterproof glazes and paint.
Ceramics are beautiful and highly desirable pieces of pottery, art or tableware, which are categorized by three main types:
- Earthenware
These are ceramics made from clay and then fired to a porous state which are then glazed to be made impervious to liquids. - Stoneware
These are similar to earthenware but have a lighter color and are less porous, more durable and generally higher quality than earthenware. - Porcelain
These ceramics are typically more translucent than the others, non-porous, have incredible durability and, unlike the others, can stand ovens, freezers and microwaves at higher temperatures.
The value, quality and desirability of these ceramics become higher respectively with porcelain being the best and most desired.
History of Ceramics
Ceramics have been around for millennia and the industry is thousands of years old. The earliest known ceramic artifact is from the late Paleolithic period and dates back to 28,000 BCE (Before Common Era). It is a statuette, or figurine, of a woman, named Venus of Dolní Věstonice.
It comes from a very small prehistoric settlement near Brno, in the Czech Republic. Ceramic use shows up much later in China around 18,000 BCE. Many believe the use of pottery spread from China to other parts like far east Russia and Japan.
By 9,000 to 7,000 BCE, ceramics as pottery, containers, art and tiles or bricks had become common in Asia and spread to Europe and the Middle East. The first major change in ceramics came with the invention of the wheel in 3,500 BCE.
The wheel made it possible to produce ceramics with radial symmetry using wheel forming technique. During this time, ceramic pottery, because of its increasingly intricate paintings, became legitimate works of art.
The 6th century BCE pottery in Attic Greece is considered the height of the evolution of ceramics in art, because of their special effects achieved through oxidization during development. Ceramics, overall, continued to spread for both, practical use and art throughout the coming centuries.
Around 600 CE (Common Era), porcelain was developed by the Chinese, using kilns that could reach high temperatures of up to 1350 degrees Celsius. Eventually, porcelain was introduced to Islamic countries and later Europe owing to trade through the Silk Road.
It would not be until the 15th century that blast furnaces that could reach temperatures of 1500 degrees Celsius to melt iron were developed in Europe. By the Industrial Revolution of the 16th century, they were used to make ceramics along with other materials.
From here on, valuable porcelain and other ceramics further developed and became available to the world. They served as everyday utility items to complex pieces of art, collected by many throughout the world because of their high demand and increasing value as antiques.
Valuable Ceramics
While some may see grandma’s old ceramics as just dusty old pottery or figurines in her display cabinets, others like pickers or collectors, understand their importance and value in modern markets.
For collectors, pickers and enthusiasts, ceramics can be highly valuable and profitable. Many people inherit ceramics from their parents or grandparents and if these are in good condition, part of a valuable collection or generally antique, they can be very profitable.
Here are a few things to look for when picking or collecting ceramics for a profitable resale.
1. Look for Originals
If you want the best value out of any item, it must be authentic. Ceramics have many original and authentic producers that are well known for their technique, intricate artwork and demand in the modern markets. For pickers, they can start by looking out for originals like:
- Hummels
Hummels, also known as M.I Hummel figurines, are a series of porcelain figurines based on the artwork of Sister Marcia Innocentia Hummel and were first produced back in 1935. - Royal Stafford
Staffordshire is a place that was, and still is, home to many English porcelain makers. Royal Stratford is an industry leader and manufacturer of English ceramics that produces valuable ceramic items. - Lladró figurines
These figurines are world renowned Spanish porcelain, highly appreciated for their craftsmanship and unique beauty. They are genuine pieces of art that are showcased in many prominent museums.
Originals like these are valuable collector’s items and if your grandma’s old ceramics have any of these, they are worth much more than you may think.
2. Condition
As with any collectible item, antique or valuable, condition is a major factor and ceramics need to be in good condition to be valuable. No one wants to buy or collect a fragile or broken piece that may not last very long.
Pickers and collectors must assess these ceramic pieces and make sure there is no chipping or cracks to endure their top value in markets. Chipped or cracked ceramics can lose much of their value and be very difficult to sell.
If you are a picker looking to buy or sell ceramics, you will always want to stay away from fragile or broken ceramics. If, however, you can find or have inherited ceramics in good condition, you are in for a treat because of their high pricing in resale.
3. High Prices
Ceramics in good condition can fetch high prices for sellers in today’s markets. These prices can range from $50 for an M.I. Hummel Figurine in good condition to well over $4000 for a Lladró figurine in pristine condition.
Suddenly, grandma’s old ceramics displayed in the cupboard do not seem so dull anymore. Pickers and collectors can turn a very good profit if they have collected or inherited these valuable ceramics and extremely lucky if they have a wide collection.
What We Do
At ‘How to Become a Picker’, we specialize in picking and collecting all sorts of valuable items like ceramics and other pieces of art and antiques. We have successfully grown our picking company from scratch to now making 6 figure revenues a year.
This has all been made possible through picking, collecting and reselling valuable items from garage sales, estate sales and auctions. We promote and teach the picker lifestyle to interested individuals and enthusiasts who want to make money through picking successfully.
You can learn more about picking and collecting valuable items for a profitable resale or how to become a picker, by visiting our website today.