Bronze statues and sculptures are among some of the oldest works of art in history. This metal expands slightly before it cools down, allowing the sculptor to shape it however they like and add all kinds of details. Since the days of Ancient Greece and China, bronze has been shaped and sculpted in a variety of long-lasting artworks.

For any serious art collector, there's nothing like the gleam of bronze, whether the sculpture's big or small, and putting that shine anywhere in your home or office. But when you're going out to buy one or more bronzes for yourself, consider these guidelines to make an informed purchase.

1. Educate yourself about copyright and art fraud. It’s not always easy to identify when you're being shown a genuine bronze or something that an art forger whipped up for an easy price. Take some time before you go shopping for a bronze to learn about cases of art fraud and how to spot a scam from an art dealer.

2. Find out everything about the artist. When you're considering a particular bronze, it helps to learn everything you can about the artist or creator. Ask about the artist's biography and what year this sculpture was created. Look up other works by this artist and compare it to the bronze you're considering for purchase. The more you know about the artist, the more you might appreciate if this sculpture is the one for you (and, more importantly, whether or not it's authentic).

3. Obtain a certificate from the seller. If you go through a commercial art dealer, you might not be able to get certification about the bronze you're buying. Even so, a hand-signed certificate from the artist can make a difference when you want to buy the real thing. Not to mention you'll be able to impress your guests and visitors when you show them proof of your new bronze's value.

4. Examine the sharpness and size. An original bronze statue or sculpture will have very sharp and defined features, which means it's an original cast and not a reproduction. You'll also find that smaller versions of a bronze were made later than the original.

5. Buy bronzes from reliable galleries. While it's possible to find a good deal or a great selection from a private seller, you'll find it's safer to go with a group or institution that runs a verified gallery for sculptures and statues. Consider looking through antique stores, garden centers, department stores, established art galleries, and (for authentic Chinese bronzes) Asian memorabilia shops.

Image by Ben Rimmer on Flickr