If your story features a stunning, antique item and you need some words to describe something old and beautiful, we’ve included the following 10 words for your reference.
1. Charming
Definition
Pleasant and attractive.
Examples
“We drove through the charming village with its picturesque cottages and gardens.”
“Despite being almost 200 years old, there was still a charming quality about the brass pocket watch.”
How it Adds Description
“Charming” can be used to show how appealing an old item is in a more understated way. However, at the same time, the word implies some sort of magic, as if there is some sort of mystical quality that had kept it looking so good for all this time.
2. Distinguished
Definition
- Respected and admired.
- Stylish.
Examples
“The museum was a distinguished example of neoclassical architecture, with sprawling columns and elegant stonework.”
“The distinguished style of the Baroque period is still widely recognized and regarded today.”
How it Adds Description
Something that is old and can still be considered stylish even despite its age! Often, things that have this quality garner respect and appreciation from people about how they have managed to stay visually appealing for so long. If anything in your story fits this description, try using the word “distinguished” for it!
3. Exquisite
Definition
- Beautiful and delicate.
- Possessing good or great qualities.
Examples
“The exquisite detailing on the necklace had withstood the test of time, eerie detail still strikingly beautiful to this day.”
“The only way he could describe the inside of the tomb was exquisite. To think that such a treasure trove lay under their feet for all this time was astonishing.”
How it Adds Description
The craftsmanship of old items is often a lot better than what we see today. As a result, sometimes things can be “exquisite” in the detail, love, and time that has been put into them, which sets them apart from mass-produced modern items. The word helps to show your readers that you are not just describing any run-of-the-mill item, and it is likely to have some sort of significance in your story.
4. Intriguing
Definition
Interesting in an unusual or mysterious way.
Examples
“The manuscript was both stunning and intriguing in equal measure. She had no idea who had the time to write it, nor create its intricate illustrations.”
“Some antiques have intriguing backstories that elevate them far and beyond being simply used as home decor.”
How it Adds Description
Old and beautiful things often have a story to tell and may interest the characters within your story. Consider showing how they fascinate and grab attention both with their looks and purpose by describing them as “intriguing.”
5. Nostalgic
Definition
Making someone think back to past events, either happy or sad.
Examples
“Many might see it as a crumbling wreck, but to him, it was filled with nostalgic beauty.”
“Nostalgic memories of times gone by made the grandfather clock all the more precious.”
How it Adds Description
Old things often hold power and are seen as more beautiful thanks to the memories that may be attached to them, even if they may be sad at times! Try describing them as “nostalgic” to help to illustrate what they might mean to some of the characters in your story, even if others might not truly understand why they like them so much.
6. Precious
Definition
Of great value or importance.
Examples
“Sealed away in a glass case, the necklace was so precious that onlookers couldn’t even touch the protective panes surrounding it.”
“The beautiful scarf wrapped around her neck was so precious to her that it only made an appearance on two days of the year: the anniversary of her mother’s passing, and her own birthday.”
How it Adds Description
“Precious” can help you to describe something in your story in two ways. It could help to show the monetary value of an item or that it is made of expensive materials such as gold and gemstones. It can illustrate the value and importance that the item has to someone in your story who might view it in a different way than other people that might see it as insignificant.
7. Priceless
Definition
Something so valuable or rare that it cannot be given a monetary value.
Examples
“Nothing like the tapestry could ever be created again, making it truly priceless.”
“Although to some people the brooch was worth little more than its scrap value, to her, it was a priceless memento.”
How it Adds Description
Old items, especially those of great craftsmanship are usually one of a kind. This means that it will be unlikely that anything of its beauty will ever be seen again. Or, it may hold such precious memories or history that it has become “priceless” through its importance. Use the word “priceless” to not only show what the items mean to the characters in your story but also the true beauty and quality of it.
8. Revered
Definition
To be respected or admired.
Examples
“The Mona Lisa is revered as one of the greatest pieces of art ever created.”
“The grand halls of the school were as revered as the graduates that came from it.”
How it Adds Description
The older an item becomes, the more respected it appears to be, especially if it has remained in good condition or has built up a reputation over the years. If something in your story fits these criteria, consider describing it as “revered”.
9. Timeless
Definition
- Remaining unchanged over time.
- Remaining valuable for years to come.
Examples
“Something about the way that the painting spoke to him made it timeless, despite being painted over three centuries ago.”
“The beauty of Shakespeare’s writing and themes is that they still remain relevant to this day, and will likely be timeless classics for many years to come.”
How it Adds Description
Something very old and especially that has remained the same over a long period of time, either in terms of relevance, condition, or value, is likely seen as having its own beauty in a way that transcends time. These items are truly “timeless”.
10. Venerable
Definition
Commanding respect due to age of historical importance.
Examples
“The Statue of Liberty is a venerable icon of the New York City skyline.”
“The hall was filled with intricately carved busts of venerable leaders of the city’s past, each one seeming as full of life as they had been in their prime.”
How it Adds Description
As things get older, they often start to become more and more respected, especially if they are particularly attractive or important. Using the word “venerable” helps you to show what your characters think about the old items in your story, whether they see them as valuable, or choose to completely disregard them.