A bit of both is right.
If you're looking at most photographers of high end portraits, you are more then likely looking at a faithful Louise XV frame..... it is still the strongest seller for formal portraits for the last 300 years. It was pushed out of favor for "trend" frames until about 1830 when the artist revolted and started framing for the piece instead of the fad.
Recently though.... certain manufactures just can't stand being "Copiers" so they throw random leaf motifs where egg and dart should be, hard hues where soft reflective surfaces should be......
And then there are the sumptuous deep aged gorgeous refined Tabernacle frames on mirrors and old prints in higher end antique "dealers" ("store" is so pedestrian)..... and you tap them and they are blown foam. Tell the owner and you will be summarily told that you are 100% mistaken, you have no idea what you are talking about .... then asked to leave.
Once I just looked at the guy and told him the name of the guy he bought it from, the price he paid, and the real retail price that Walmart was selling them for. I said that if I am wrong.... I'll buy it at your marked price.... then took out my pocket knife. We punch cut a small 1" square test core and withdrew the foam...... man that guy was mad. But not at me. He told me that lunch was on him and sent me down the street to his parents restaurant.... man I love suflakie.
