For most people, a rug is a way to spruce up a room, something they walk over to get from point A to point B; for others, they are a way of bringing history into the home and an excellent investment as well. Just ask the bidder at a 2013 auction at Sotheby’s who paid over thirty-three million for the “Clarke Sickle-Leaf,” a stunning example of Islamic artwork from the Safavid dynasty. (The price stunned even the experts, who had expected it to fetch “only” ten or fifteen million.)  While you may not be willing to plunk down that kind of money, an authentic Persian or oriental will come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few things you should know before taking that step. As with any collectible, you want to make sure your rug is the…

The 2004 movie Sideways was wildly popular for its humorous (and at times depressing) commentary on modern life, so much so that it actually impacted the wine industry, specifically merlot, which was disparaged by Paul Giamatti’s character. It also revealed a fascinating subculture of people for whom wine is not just a beverage, but an intellectual pursuit and a way of life – and no doubt inspired others to join its ranks.  Whether you are a veteran oenophile looking to move from sipper to collector, or new to the wine game altogether, there are important steps you must take in order to ensure that your investment is included in the inventory of your physical assets and properly cared for. As a collectible, wine is something of a hybrid – it can be used (consumed) like a sports car or…

One of the most common problems when it comes to managing physical assets is that people simply don’t know that they have anything to manage. Sure, they love their latest couture gown or new furniture, but they don’t necessary think of these things as part of their portfolio, or stay abreast of their fluctuating values. And that doesn’t begin to cover stuff that’s been stored away and likely forgotten. If it’s been a few years since you ventured into the basement, chances are there is something of value that you need to have appraised, whether it’s the antique chandelier you inherited or the painting by an unknown artist whose is now commanding top dollar for their work.  This becomes much more complicated if you have multiple residences, especially those you don’t spend much time in. Regardless of your circumstances,…