After years in the antique business, We've learned that one of the most common questions customers ask is: "What's the difference between antique and vintage?" It's a fair question—and the answer matters more than you might think, especially when you're investing in pieces with history.
Let us walk you through how we categorize every piece at Sexy Antiques so you always know exactly what you're bringing home.
True Antiques: 100+ Years of Stories
When we call something antique, we mean it has survived at least a full century. These pieces have weathered world wars, economic upheavals, and countless changes in style and taste. That Art Nouveau jewelry box from 1915? That's an antique. The Victorian corset from the 1890s? Definitely antique.
These pieces aren't just old—they're witnesses to history. When you hold a 1920s beaded purse, you're touching something that might have been clutched during a speakeasy dance or carried to a suffragette rally. The craftsmanship is often extraordinary because these items were built to last generations, not seasons.
Vintage Treasures: 40+ Years of Character
Vintage pieces have lived long enough to develop real character—we're talking 40 years or more. That 1960s mod dress, the 1970s statement jewelry, or 1980s designer pieces all fall into this category. They're not quite antique yet, but they've earned their place in fashion and design history.
What I love about vintage pieces is that they often represent pivotal moments in style. A 1950s cocktail dress captures post-war optimism. 1970s jewelry reflects the era's bold experimentation. These pieces have stories, even if they're more recent chapters.
Simply Stunning: When Beauty Transcends Age
Here's where we break from tradition a bit. Sometimes we encounter pieces that are absolutely gorgeous but don't meet our vintage timeline. Maybe it's a beautifully crafted 1990s designer piece or contemporary jewelry that perfectly complements our older items in a photoshoot.
We'll always be completely transparent about these pieces. If something is 20 years old instead of 40, we'll tell you. If it's a reproduction made to look Victorian but created last decade, you'll know. We include these pieces because they serve our artistic vision and because, frankly, beauty doesn't always follow a calendar.
Why the Distinction Matters
Beyond the obvious—you deserve to know what you're paying for—these categories tell you about durability, rarity, and investment potential. That true antique has already proven it can survive 100+ years. A vintage piece from the 1960s might become tomorrow's coveted antique. And that simply stunning contemporary piece? It's chosen purely for its beauty and how it enhances our collection.
Our Promise to You
No matter which category your piece falls into, we'll always tell you its complete story. Age, origin, condition, and why we selected it for our collection. Whether you're a serious collector hunting for authenticated antiques or someone who simply loves beautiful things with a sensual twist, you'll never have to guess what you're getting.
Because at the end of the day, every piece in our collection—antique, vintage, or simply stunning—has earned its place by being worthy of the spotlight.