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Probing the authenticity of antiques

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Everybody hates a fake. Things of high value must be proven authentic before they can be acquired because money and reputation are at stake. But how to prove it? In this article, Sadigh Gallery shares the fundamentals of knowing the real deal when encountering precious items. Image source: thehindu.com Rarity : It is common to hear the word rare on precious items that are no longer in the market, as they say. But what constitutes rarity for something to be considered one? The criteria include few were made, few original pieces remain, and an unusual feature. Aesthetics : This one depends on personal taste. The aesthetic value may vary from one person to another, depending on how informed they are, influencing their view. On the other hand, some items have what they call a universal aesthetic appeal. Image source: printabletemplates.com Desirability : What makes a product desirable is the unique background that is associated with it. Sadigh Gallery notes that a collector
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A look at some treasures from the Holy Land

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 Artworks and artifacts tend to fetch a high price because of the historical value they hold, Sadigh Gallery shares. This is why it comes as no surprise that the most coveted pieces also come from the most significant places in our history. In this blog, find out more about some beautiful treasures from the Holy Land. Image source: wsj.com 1. The Menorah In the biblical tradition, the menorah is described as the seven-lamp ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold used in the tabernacle set up by Moses in the wilderness and later on in the Temple in Jerusalem. Throughout the hundreds of years that followed, the menorah became a symbol of faith, which is why many of these were created in the Holy Land as objects of veneration. 2. Manuscripts People of the faith had always desired to reach the Holy Land, even when this required them to be on the road for a very long time. This is what has resulted in the pilgrimage tradition, which is practiced even to this day. Pilgrims
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The basics of caring for ancient metal artifacts

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  Preserving ancient artifacts is no mean feat. There are certain rules and guidelines to follow when it comes to keeping ancient metal artifacts pristine or even near mint condition. Caring for ancient metal artifacts require proper handling, transportation, and storage. Sadigh Gallery in New York says that all but gold is vulnerable to corrosion and oxidation. The number one objective of preservation is to prevent ancient metal artifacts from oxidation and corrosion which are often caused by moisture and oils and acids found on skin. It’s imperative that ancient metal artifacts are stored in a dry and temperature-controlled or climate-controlled environment. In the absence of these facilities, ancient metal artifacts are preserved better in living areas than in places that are too hot or too cold such as attics and basements. Image source: Vatican.com Rule of thumb: If unsure, seek professional help. Cleaning, handling, and transporting ancient metal artifacts requires pr
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Rare coins: How to tell if they’re authentic or not

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  In any endeavor in life that involves money, there will always be people trying to take advantage of others. Coin collecting is no different. Over the years, countless fakes have made their way to circulation, and so many coin collectors have been victimized. Fortunately, according to Sadigh Gallery, there are sure-fire ways to prove whether rare coins are authentic or not. Image source: westedmontoncoinandstamp.com Sadigh Gallery gives a quick refresher on how to spot fake rare coins. Choose personal over online transactions, as much as possible. Personal transactions will give you a glimpse of the actual coins. Legit sellers won’t have a problem with meet-ups. Online transactions sometimes yield results. However, if the seller is a reputable and established company like Sadigh Gallery, a simple check at their website will tell buyers all they need to know. Image source: thesprucecrafts.com Bring an authentication kit when meeting up with a seller. Of course, this is
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Five of the most astonishing ancient artifacts from all over the world

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  Archaeologists, both professional and amateur ones, unearth wonders from tens of thousands of years past. Every once in a while, their discoveries are incredibly puzzling that they remain unexplained. These invaluable artifacts spark conversations and further discoveries in order to prove and explain their existence. Image source: iraqicivilsociety.org The Antikythera mechanism was discovered in a shipwreck buried beneath 45 meters of water off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera, shares Sadigh Gallery. Built to calculate astronomical position, it is made up of a box with dials on its outside, with intricately assembled gear wheels placed within the box. The Saqqara bird was discovered in 1898 through an excavation in Pa-di Imen tomb in Egypt. Made from a sycamore tree, the artifact weighs less than 40 grams, with a wingspan that is over 7 inches. The Baghdad Battery is an ancient device consisting of a 5 ½ inch tall clay vessel, with a copper cylinder glued in
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Why the Japanese katana is a sought-after piece

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  Among many collectors of ancient artifacts, it seems that a common item on their wish list is an authentic Japanese katana from ancient Japan. The experts at Sadigh Gallery share their thoughts on what makes the Japanese katana is a sought-after piece.  Image source: wattention.com 1. Craftsmanship like no other There is something to the creation of the katana that makes it both a very effective tool for its intended purpose and a work of art because of its intricate design. The smelting process used is different from the modern mass production of steel, even made more complex with varying degrees of smelting on the blade's individual facets, from the spine to the sides to the edge. It takes up to five persons to complete the katana's construction, shares Sadigh Gallery.  Image source: en.wikipedia.org 2. Personalized creation A katana from ancient Japan is not the type that is produced in volume. A katana forger of old typically makes a sword for a specific warrio
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A brief introduction to the Cycladic civilization

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  Considered a Bronze Age civilization, the group of people who were a part of the Cycladic civilization lived in a group of islands known as the Cyclades. They thrived from 3200 - 1100 BC and were known for their distinctive art and culture. Sadigh Gallery carries a collection of Cycladic idols that collectors of ancient artifacts will surely love. This blog post aims to introduce readers to this civilization.    Image source: Britannica.com As residents of the islands of the Aegean Sea, the ancient Cycladic people were believed to be the first to settle in this region. First rediscovered towards the end of the 19th century, this ancient group of people were believed to have lived as fishermen and traders. Evidences show that they had houses and temples which were made of stone. However, it is also possible that they thrived in doing agricultural work and also raised cattle and livestock. Since they lived near the Aegean Sea, many archeologists assume that they were also a se
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