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Dry Roses and Diary

Terminology - What things mean to you and me

Here at Objetdart-stuff we sell a wide range of items, but what do all these categories and descriptive terms really mean?


Vintage


“Vintage” typically refers to items that are representative of a certain period in the past and possess a certain age or quality that sets them apart. The term is often applied to clothing, accessories, furniture, or other items that are at least 20 years old. These items are considered to have a nostalgic or classic appeal, reflecting the style and trends of a bygone era. The term “vintage” is also used more broadly to describe anything from the past that is of high quality and enduring interest.


Vintage jug

Antique


“Antique” refers to items that are old, usually at least 100 years old, and possess a certain historical or collectible value. Unlike the term “vintage,” which generally refers to items from a specific period, “antique” emphasizes the age of the item. Antiques are often considered valuable due to their rarity, craftsmanship, historical significance, or aesthetic appeal. The classification as an antique is often determined by experts, taking into account factors such as age, condition, and cultural or historical relevance.


Gramaphone

Collectible


A collectible item is an object that people choose to gather and keep due to its perceived value, rarity, uniqueness, or sentimental significance. Collectibles can vary widely and include items such as coins, stamps, toys, sports memorabilia, comic books, and more. The value of collectibles is often subjective and can be influenced by factors like condition, age, popularity, and cultural importance. Collectors may pursue items for personal enjoyment or as an investment, and the market for collectibles can evolve over time based on trends and demand.


Set of comic books

Curios


An item is described as “curios” when it is intriguing, unusual, or interesting due to its peculiar nature or distinctive features. Curios often encompass a variety of objects, such as small antiques, unique artifacts, or oddities that capture attention. The term is commonly used to refer to items displayed for their curiosity value rather than for their practical utility. Collectors may seek curios for their quirkiness or historical interest, and these items often evoke a sense of fascination or curiosity in those who encounter them.


Cassette tape

Retro


An item is considered “retro” when it imitates the style, design, or trends of the past, particularly from the recent past. Unlike “vintage,” which refers to items from a specific period, retro items are modern reproductions or designs inspired by the aesthetics of a previous era. Retro items often incorporate elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia for a specific time, reflecting a deliberate stylistic choice rather than genuine age.

For example, retro furniture might emulate the design trends of the 1960s or 1970s, while retro fashion may draw inspiration from clothing styles of the 1980s. The key characteristic is the intentional revival or imitation of a past aesthetic in a contemporary context.


Madonna and child painting

Objet-d-art


These objects are often considered valuable not only for their artistic merit but also for their cultural or historical significance. Objets d’art are frequently displayed for decorative purposes, and collectors may seek them for their beauty, uniqueness, or connection to a specific artistic movement or period.


Antique items on a tray

Stuff

“Stuff” is a colloquial and informal term used to refer to a collection or assortment of things, often without specifying them individually. It’s a broad and generic term that can encompass a wide range of items or belongings. For example, someone might say, “I have a lot of stuff in my closet,” without specifying the exact items. The term “stuff” is versatile and is commonly used when referring to belongings, possessions, or miscellaneous things in a casual conversation.


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