Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 15:34:10 GMT 7
Introduction
I am asked this question more than any other. I would like to offer some practical tips and advice based on personal experience.
However much you would like to think you know about amulets or what you might think others might know about amulets, there is not one single person living that has the ability to determine the authenticity of all amulets, it simply is not possible.
You will generally find that those people who are described as experts are thus called because they have developed an experience with a certain range or type of amulet.
Make no mistake beginners and experts alike can both be fooled by fake amulets, but through study and experience the risk is lessened.
This is experience based on years of study and it is not until a degree in proficiency has been developed in one area that you can move to another. The process does become easier and much of what is learned through specialization can be applied to other amulet groups. It is unfortunate that many avid collectors fail to develop any expertise at all or recognise the importance of doing so.
For the casual collector this is not really an issue but nevertheless there are a number of simple yet practical tips that I would like to suggest, which although not fool proof can be surprisingly effective whilst increasing the enjoyment.
Practical Advice & Tips
Probably one of the most important methods by which we can self-determine authenticity is that of comparison using a validated reference source as the standard. Such reference sources would include pims known to be genuine and commonly available literature and reference books.
For many of us literature is probably the easiest and most convenient. It is worth investing in quality books, with quality photography.
How often have I heard someone say to me, I don’t want to buy a book because its written in Thai. Unfortunately this can prove to be false economy. Photographs are a universal language, and in this scenario provide you with probably the most powerful tool with which to authenticate amulets. Why books are dismissed so readily is beyond me.
I would estimate that almost 90% of all fakes can easily be identified through close comparison with reference photographs. The top quality fakes are generally reserved for the most expensive amulets. The majority of fakes are typically what I would describe as good copies and nothing more. But if you have no reference to compare such a copy then costly mistakes are easily made.
This is probably the most important advice that I could give anyone. Other tips that I could suggest fall within the category of common sense.
1. Where possible consult an expert or experienced collector before you commit to a purchase. No reputable dealer will object to having someone else examine his goods. When purchasing on the Internet assure yourself that the amulet can be returned within a reasonable period of time
2. If a deal seems just too good to be true, it most likely is; so take your time
3. Become an expert on one type or group of amulets before you attempt to learn other patterns and styles. Write down what you learn in a little notebook. Take the book whenever you go amulet hunting. You would be surprised how many experienced collectors do exactly this, myself
I am asked this question more than any other. I would like to offer some practical tips and advice based on personal experience.
However much you would like to think you know about amulets or what you might think others might know about amulets, there is not one single person living that has the ability to determine the authenticity of all amulets, it simply is not possible.
You will generally find that those people who are described as experts are thus called because they have developed an experience with a certain range or type of amulet.
Make no mistake beginners and experts alike can both be fooled by fake amulets, but through study and experience the risk is lessened.
This is experience based on years of study and it is not until a degree in proficiency has been developed in one area that you can move to another. The process does become easier and much of what is learned through specialization can be applied to other amulet groups. It is unfortunate that many avid collectors fail to develop any expertise at all or recognise the importance of doing so.
For the casual collector this is not really an issue but nevertheless there are a number of simple yet practical tips that I would like to suggest, which although not fool proof can be surprisingly effective whilst increasing the enjoyment.
Practical Advice & Tips
Probably one of the most important methods by which we can self-determine authenticity is that of comparison using a validated reference source as the standard. Such reference sources would include pims known to be genuine and commonly available literature and reference books.
For many of us literature is probably the easiest and most convenient. It is worth investing in quality books, with quality photography.
How often have I heard someone say to me, I don’t want to buy a book because its written in Thai. Unfortunately this can prove to be false economy. Photographs are a universal language, and in this scenario provide you with probably the most powerful tool with which to authenticate amulets. Why books are dismissed so readily is beyond me.
I would estimate that almost 90% of all fakes can easily be identified through close comparison with reference photographs. The top quality fakes are generally reserved for the most expensive amulets. The majority of fakes are typically what I would describe as good copies and nothing more. But if you have no reference to compare such a copy then costly mistakes are easily made.
This is probably the most important advice that I could give anyone. Other tips that I could suggest fall within the category of common sense.
1. Where possible consult an expert or experienced collector before you commit to a purchase. No reputable dealer will object to having someone else examine his goods. When purchasing on the Internet assure yourself that the amulet can be returned within a reasonable period of time
2. If a deal seems just too good to be true, it most likely is; so take your time
3. Become an expert on one type or group of amulets before you attempt to learn other patterns and styles. Write down what you learn in a little notebook. Take the book whenever you go amulet hunting. You would be surprised how many experienced collectors do exactly this, myself