What defines an antique? That is actually quite an interesting question. Theoretically, an antique is something that is an old, collectable item. Something that has some intrinsic beauty and value that may appreciate with time, due to its rarity or popularity.

Obvious things such as furniture and jewellery can be collected as antiques, and have been through the centuries. However, our tastes have changed over the last twenty years or so, and items have a more disposable nature. What then, will the antiques of the future be?

For example, would an item from a canvas art gallery become an antique in the future? If it fulfilled the criteria of being reasonably rare, in good condition and holding some form of aesthetic beauty, then the answer could be yes. That is no guarantee however!

Would children's toys such as Star Wars figures become collectable antiques in the future? One can argue that this is indeed the case now, as collectors already trade and sell with one another. It is quite difficult to see if this would be the case in a hundred years from now though.

So, if you are looking for heirlooms to leave to children or grand-children, then it is probably advisable to stick with those things known to appreciate over time. Fine china, jewellery and paintings are all examples of things that are more likely to gain value over time.