Start collecting, learn to research your topic in depth so you know what you are buying and what it is worth.
If you are a novice collector, there are a few things you should know. First, do research on your topic. You should know what you are buying and how much an item is worth. Buy reference guides and seek out information from your local library. Watch television shows on your chosen topic, buy magazines and join a club. Talk to other collectors in your area. They can answer any questions you may have on local markets.
Whether you collect diamonds, coins, stamps, baseball cards or postcards, be sure to buy the best you can afford. This will allow your collection to appreciate more rapidly. Memorabilia that is torn, chipped or stained will make the return on your initial investment much less.
You may already be a collector and not even realize it. Are you addicted to garage sales? Do you buy an item to replace something and still keep the original? Do you have more than four of things you never use? Do you turn an item over as soon as you pick it up to see if the bottom is marked? If it is marked, do you know what the mark means? If you do and have answered yes to two or more of the above questions, chances are, you are already a collector.
Collecting is considered by some to be addicting but it is a socially accepted addiction. If you collect as a hobby, remember to set a price for articles you wish to collect and stick to it. Impulse buying can often turn into disaster. Be sure to shop around for specific items, taking both cost and condition into consideration.
If you are into collecting antiques, don't be surprised if, after purchasing an item, you become interested in its history. Many antiques have an intriguing story to tell and with a little research you can discover where an item was made, in what year and if it is marked, who the craftsman was.
Beware of what you're buying. There are many reproductions on today's market that can fool even the most experienced collectors if they aren't on their toes. The chances of being taken in by a reproduction are even greater for novice collectors.
Glass is one item that is reproduced. It is being made today by the same methods and with the same materials as was used as far back as Roman times. It is not easy to distinguish old glass from new. Old glass usually has signs of wear on the bottom or sides. Reproductions are made with these signs of aging.
If you collect Depression or mould glass, be overly cautious. Though the new glass does not have the same crispness as the old, it is very hard to tell the difference. Today, new designs and colors are showing up on the market that were not originally produced. The
Other things to look for is the adding of signatures to new glass and the removing of modern day manufacturers. Forged items or those that have been tampered with are only valuable to the individual collector.
China, pottery and porcelain are also being reproduced. Roseville, Nippon and RS Prussia are being imported out of China and Japan. These pieces have fake wear and appropriate markings. I you are suspicious of a piece, leave it where it is unless the dealer will agree to an expert appraisal.
If you have a collection that you plan on selling, be sure to find out what it is worth. There are several ways to do this. The first and probably the most accurate is to put out a few dollars to have your collection appraised by an expert. You could save hundreds of dollars by seeking professional advice.
Price Guides are another good way to check out the value of either an item or an entire collection. These books list antiques and collectibles by category, often including photos. The prices are either listed beside the items or in the back of the book. Your local library has an extensive inventory of price guides on all aspects of collecting.
If you like, there are places on the Internet to check the value of your collection. Online auctions have thousands of items up for sale at any given time. Some are individual while others come in "lots." Check the listings on these sights. By doing so, you will get a general idea of how much people are willing to pay for specific items. Keep in mind that you may not be able to sell for a similar price locally.
Another thing that you need to know when starting a collection is how to detect damage and repairs. The most experienced collector may even overlook a good repair job, so be very cautious.
Never trust your eye to detect flaws. Run your fingers over all edges of glassware, searching for chips. Your fingers are capable of detecting flaws and chips that your eyes can't. Use a fingernail or a pen to gently tap areas and edges were damage usually occurs. Handles, edges and spouts are easily bumped and should be inspected thoroughly. A dull thud instead of the usual clink tells you that the item is either cracked or has been repaired.
Color is hard to match when repairing an item so inspect articles in the best possible light. Always carry a magnifying glass when buying. Use it to inspect every inch of an article you are going to purchase. If the dealer objects, he has something to hide. Move on.
If you are collecting for investment purposes and plan on buying high priced items, a black light is essential. Use it at shows or anywhere that does not extend return privileges.
Never assume the seller is aware that an article has been repaired. Even the most experienced dealer can miss flaws. If the dealer does know, never assume he/she will inform you. It is your responsibility to check each item that you purchase.
Using these tips, you are well on your way to a collection that will bring you many hours of relaxation and pleasure. If you make mistakes, so be it. Most every collector has been bitten at least once. Chock it up to experience and continue to collect the things you love. After all, that's what collecting is all about.
