What is Antique vs. Vintage vs. Retro at LifeXplore?

If you're new to shopping for antiques and vintage, you might be confused by some of the terms used. One of the most common confusion points understands the difference between what's antique and what's vintage.

At LifeXplore General Store, we try to adhere by these following definitions.

In the strictest sense, the difference between an antique and a vintage item is its age.

Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means at this time of 2020, an antique item was made on or before 1920.

The 100-years-or-older rule applies to any of these items no matter what they are made of. So if an item can be shown to be older than 100 years old, and to have survived in condition of value, it is listed as such.

Items over 300 years of age generally fall into one of two categories depending upon whether they are manmade creations or natural finds. If they are not manmade, if they are the remains or impressions of formerly living things, they are fossils. If the items are manmade, they are called antiquities or artifacts. Generally, in our listings we note this but categorize as “Antiques”.

Vintage items are not as old as antiques. However, unlike the definition of an antique, labeling something vintage is far more subjective. The word vintage literally means "of age." With such an open meaning, there are many interpretations. Most antique dealers consider an item to be vintage if it is at least 40 years old. At LifeXplore, we follow the vintage definition established by Etsy which is at least 20 years old, or made before 2000.

Even though many vintage items are nostalgic, they are sought after for many reasons besides their age. This includes decorating and collecting. Vintage jewelry, purses and ladies accessories of design quality. And, because so many of these objects are still useable, they are often practical pieces with a unique flair.

In order to cover additional time periods, perhaps, many of those who buy and sell antique and vintage objects also use other words. Among them, the word "retro."

Retro is an affectionate shortening of the French word "retrograde." Like the word "retroactive," the original meaning references the past -- but is not from the past. Instead, retro goodies imitate the styles of the recent past. They are not copies or fakes; but items which give a nod to the past. Think of classics such as bowling shirts and letterman jackets.

However, over time, the definition of retro has also come to encompass things from the recent past -- things not old enough to be authentically vintage, but not merely "just used things" either. They are just old enough to be nostalgic. Many of these things still can be used -- or in the case of records, tapes, and CDs, played.

Typically, the term retro is given to items which are at least 20 years old (but not yet 40 years old). Again, this would be items older than the year 2000 but also have that design esthetic.

Additionally, many retailers sell collectibles and curios. Collectibles and curios need not be old at all. They just have to be desired.

At LifeXplore General Store - we strive to authenticate within these guidelines. When possible, the story of the item is provided, authentication photos or other providence materials. If you want further documentation, pictures, measurements or information, please email us.