Bloomfield Hills appraiser knows her antiques
Darlene Hines, owner of Nostalgia Antique Appraisal Services in Bloomfield Hills, has always had an eye for antiques and decorative art. The former high school teacher, community college administrator and health care supervisor, started doing research on antiques. In 1995, she opened a retail store with her husband Clarence for buying and selling antiques. She also served to help people determine accurate information on the value of their antiques and personal property.
Her love for antiques and decorative art grew and she began the process of becoming one of only five Certified Appraisers of Antiques and Decorative Arts in Michigan and the only African American with this distinction. To become a certified appraiser, structured courses and written examinations are required through the International Society of Appraisers, based in Chicago. Her business grew 20 percent in 2010 and she is projecting a 50 percent rise in 2011.
Though she has a 300 square-foot office at 7 West Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills and three employees, Hines does the majority of her work in people’s homes or in some cases, their offices. The process involves writing up item descriptions, recording physical characteristics, taking photographs, dating items, providing any historical information, and determining an item’s value.
“Clients use our appraisal services to determine replacement costs for insurance or to determine fair market value of personal property in estates for charitable donations, divorces, dividing property among heirs, and/or value confirmation and consultation for turning the items into revenue generating opportunities,” says Hines.
She added, “While the monetary value may sometimes be low, we make sure the sentimental value is not overlooked. This is the approach we take with servicing our clients.”
Hines has developed clients throughout Michigan and across the country, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Texas, providing insurance appraisals, estate appraisals, and collections for resale. She has even been asked to be on “Antiques Road Show,” “Cash and Cari,” and the Pax TV show “What’s it Worth.”
She is currently on The Board of Directors of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber and Childhelp Foundation of Michigan, and served on the Board of Director’s International Society of Appraisers from 2004 to 2010. She conducts several seminars on antiques and appraisal fairs for churches and civic organizations.
“Trends these days include folk art paintings, pottery, and other decorative items, including the contemporary design of sterling silver flatware and hollowware, especially with the 30 to 40 year old age group,” says Hines. “Good quality mid-century modern and art deco furniture, in my opinion, have a positive market, as do old clocks, art glass, pottery, porcelain, 60’s kitchen items, and estate jewelry.”
FYI: Nostalgia Antique Appraisal Services, 7 West Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills. Call 248-454-1062 or visit www.nostappraisals.com.
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