We have all heard the adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” What this saying implies is that the value of an item is often relative to the worth placed on it by the individual selling it.

Whether you are browsing antique shops for enjoyment or hunting for a treasure, understanding the difference between vintage versus antique is important in the buying and selling process.

By definition, an antique is an object at least one hundred years old. Many are heirlooms that have been passed down through generations and often include furniture, china, silver, toys, quilts…. the list goes on and on.

Vintage, on the other hand, has several accepted meanings. One is that it implies popularity in a different era such as vintage clothing. Another is vintage = old, over 50 years but less than 100. Vintage is also used interchangeably with “retro” or classic.

Keep in mind, however, just being old does not make an item an “antique” or “vintage.”

Here is a list of some well-known antique shops in St. Petersburg. If you have a favorite that isn’t listed, please send along the information. If you are collector, we’d love to hear about your collection and your pursuit of it.

• Antique Galleries of St. Petersburg: 727.321.3331; antiquegalleriesofstpetersburg.com
• Patty and Friends: 727.822.2606; pattyandfriendsantiques@yahoo.com
• Adele’s Pickwick Antiques: 727.433.2550; earlyimage@tampabay.rr.com
• The Boulevard Shoppe and Garden (Gulfport): 727.327.9700
• Memory Lane Antique Mall: 727.549.0450
• Main House Antique Center: 727.522.2492; mainhouseantiquecenter.com
• Mis en Chic: 727.216.6316; misenchic.com
• Brocante Vintage Market: brocantemarket.com