How Stradivarius violins are valued: quick facts

The value of a Stradivarius depends on several factors beyond the famous name. Provenance — a documented history of ownership and performance — adds significantly to an instrument's worth, as does its physical condition and how much original wood and varnish survive. The period of an instrument's making matters too, with golden-period violins the most sought after. Authentication by recognised experts is essential, because the market has long attracted forgeries and misattributions. Many of the finest examples are no longer privately traded at all, instead held by foundations or museums and lent to leading musicians.

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Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.