How does ‘patina’ contribute to the quality of an item?

The developing or forming of a beautiful surface on furniture over time, often centuries, shows how the item was used.  On metal surfaces, it usually darkens over time, often displaying deep rich tones of Verdigris for example, often displayed on bronze statues. For objects made of wood, the natural colour of the timber fades and becomes waxy or creamy.  Patination is the slow mellowing of layers of finish, it shows a historic resonance, it is an integral element of quality.