How to Become an Antiques Dealer
Antiques dealers buy and sell art, books, furniture, jewelry and other items that are usually more than 100 years old. Dealers come from a variety of backgrounds, including art, history and finance, and they compete in a field in which success is measured through the ownership of an antiques shop, an often short-lived venture.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Academic Counselings
- Art And Antiques Magazine Subscriptions
- Online Career Search
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1
Develop the strong interpersonal skills required of a salesperson. This career is about dealing with the public.
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2
Talk to antiques dealers in your area, if possible, to learn about the field.
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3
Decide which college major and minor would best complement your artistic interests and lead to future success. Discuss your options with your high school guidance counselor or college adviser.
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4
Refer to Petersons.com and the Princeton Review College Search (review.com) for a list of colleges. Look for schools offering fine arts programs, including art history courses, and review their catalogs carefully.
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Apply to colleges in cities where antiques dealers and auction houses are most plentiful.
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Pursue an internship at an auction house while you're still in college. This experience may lead to an entry-level job after you graduate.
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Remember that although a degree in art or art history can give you a solid base, you should also take business courses, especially if you want to open your own antiques shop. In addition, take courses in various types of research, a major responsibility of an antiques dealer.
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Expect to continue your education on the job for years and to take further courses on appraising.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Opening an antiques shop requires a large investment. While you are employed elsewhere, maintain an up-to-date list of clients who appreciate your work - they may become your future customers.
Subscribe to art and antiques magazines to remain current in the field.
Watch the experts on TV programs such as "Antiques Roadshow."
