Many people love and admire antiques, not just for their age, but for their beauty. A piece that can survive for decades should be admired, yet it must have the right look. If it is ugly, people will tend to dismiss it or toss it out when remodelling. A beautiful piece will lend beauty to nearly any setting, and they are often the centre piece of a home. Their beauty makes them a valuable asset in any setting, and this is one of the reasons these pieces survive long enough to become antiques.

Good workmanship is also a factor in antiques, and it should not be discounted. Pieces that need repair lose their value as antiques, and they will also be discarded if repair becomes a continuing issue. A piece that has been made well increases its value, and this encourages the owner to retain it throughout the years.