As Americans work their way to the other side of the Great Recession, their nostalgia for simpler times will be the driving force behind new trends in collectibles.
Appraisal guru Lark Mason, founder of iGavel Auctions and a former staple on the hit PBS series "Antiques Roadshow," says the key will be quality over quantity in the new year.
"Only those pieces in tip-top shape and the best quality will be in demand," he says. "Even the slowest markets have bright areas and in those, buyers will always be more interested in pieces that are the best over those that are not."
Mason was kind enough to share his predictions for the hottest collectibles trends for 2013.
Swanky timepieces
Among older men, checking the time on smartphones and tablet computers won't do. In the new year, they'll be clamoring for classic timepieces –– especially if the art scene isn't their thing.
"Watches make sense to guys," says Mason. "The engineering, appearance, materials all have value and communicate something to the other members of their particular tribe and they are practical."
Fine wines
Given the fact that we're on our way to a possible wine shortage, you can bet connoisseurs and amateur winos alike will be stocking up in 2013.
"Like watches, [wine] can be collected in quantity because of the size," Mason says.
"Both wine and watches are not limited to a particular age group. We all need to tell time and we all like good food and drink ... this market is going to continue to keep ticking."
Contemporary and modern art
Collectors around the globe who are flush enough to justify the soaring costs of modern art will flock to galleries this year, Mason projects.
"This market is international," he says. "The one tenth of the one percenters want the best and will pay to get it to fill all those empty walls of all those houses. This market will remain vibrant regardless of downturns in Greece or elsewhere."
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