| Collecting glassware can be a richly rewarding | | | | starting out collecting glassware don't stress too |
| past-time. Glassware can be both beautiful and | | | | much about it ... as your collection grows your taste |
| practical and bring joy to its owners and to those | | | | will evolve and you may choose to specialize in a |
| who see it. Plus you can often use items from your | | | | particular style or period of glassware. |
| collection in your everyday life, therefore gaining | | | | As your tastes change and your collection grows try |
| even more pleasure from your glassware collection. | | | | to buy the best examples of your chosen style that |
| You can collect antique glassware through to modern | | | | you can afford. Stretch the budget a little if you can. |
| glassware. | | | | Remember, quality is better than quantity and a |
| Whether you are collecting glass for personal | | | | quality item will hold or increase its value. |
| pleasure or purchasing as an investment, always | | | | So, how to you recognize a quality glassware item? |
| remember the collectors mantra: Condition, Condition, | | | | Buy and read books. There are many reference |
| Condition. The value of each piece of glass is in direct | | | | books available that focus on specific glassware |
| proportion to the condition of the item. The only | | | | manufacturers. The books will also help you focus on |
| exception to this rule would be if the glassware was | | | | a particular style of glassware and you begin |
| a one-of-a-kind piece or extremely rare example of a | | | | collecting. Learn which shapes are rare and which |
| particular technique. Even then, you would expect to | | | | colors were produced in small quantities. Also watch |
| purchase the glassware at a substantial discount. | | | | for information on one-of-a-kind pieces. Always take |
| Common items rarely sell well in damaged condition. | | | | your books with you when you go to shows so you |
| Beginning collectors often go for quantity rather then | | | | can recognize a bargain. |
| quality by buying everything in sight. If you are just | | | | |