Generally speaking, anything that is at least over 100 years old is an antique. That s what the government officially recognizes as antique. Most people consider items over 50 years old to be antique. Older items are often described as vintage. Many Internet sellers use the term antique fairly loosely when a better description would be simply old or vintage.
Many shops carry antiques and collectibles.
A collectible is simply a newer item that is in demand or lends itself well to a collection. Jewelry is one category in which items made before 1954 are considered to be antique. In 1954, costume jewelry was recognized officially by the government to be American art. Collectors look for pieces that are marked or signed by the designer. I m often asked how a price is established for an antique.