| As we see on many of the popular antiques shows, | | | | cupboards or display cabinets. |
| people collect all manner of items from drink coasters | | | | While men tend to collect things like war memorabilia, |
| to teddy bears, toy cars to vintage clothing, | | | | weaponry, trains and the like, women are often |
| teaspoons to tea caddies. Some are high value items, | | | | drawn to painted porcelain, figurines, jewellery, |
| but a great deal of pleasure can be derived from | | | | antique laces and embroideries, dolls, teddies, |
| more commonplace objects. When amassed | | | | miniatures and so on. There are trends too, even in |
| together, even relatively mundane pieces can create | | | | antiques, and if you happen to amass a number of |
| a striking display. What you decide to collect is purely | | | | pieces that suddenly become the hot item amongst |
| a matter of taste, and also depends on what you | | | | collectors, then that would be the ideal time to sell, if |
| wish to achieve. Collecting certain items can be not | | | | profit is your aim. Or perhaps you just tire of one |
| only pleasurable but a form of investment for the | | | | thing and feel ready for a change. Knowing what will |
| future. | | | | be the next hot item is the tricky part. |
| If the chance of future gain is one of the driving | | | | Small silver objects can be bought for reasonable |
| forces behind your collecting, then you need to do | | | | prices, as compared to gold for example. And the |
| some homework before spending a lot of time and | | | | good thing about silver is that it should be hallmarked, |
| money. Take for example, antiques. There are trade | | | | meaning you can ascertain exactly where and when |
| magazines in Australia that you can obtain free from | | | | it was made. This will also show you whether it is |
| most antique stores or centres, which include articles | | | | sterling silver or (usually) much less valuable silver |
| on varied antique items. They often discuss the pros | | | | plate. British silver is a good choice as the hallmarking |
| and cons of collecting, as well as a little history of the | | | | system has been in place for hundreds of years. The |
| manufacturer. Of course the more rare an item, the | | | | remarkable thing is that quite a lot of exquisite |
| greater its value, as it will be more in demand by | | | | objects have survived in excellent condition for 100 |
| other collectors. You might be drawn to the style of | | | | years and more. And while an item should be at least |
| a particular period such as Art Nouveau or Art Deco | | | | 100 years old to qualify as a genuine antique, the |
| and your collection could encompass a host of | | | | good thing is, each year there is a completely new |
| decorative pieces you can display around your home. | | | | supply on the market. For more reading on the |
| Not all collections need to be locked away in | | | | subject, check out the websites listed below. |