Classic Cars

The Classic Car Club of America defines a classic automobile as a "fine" automobile or one with "distinctive" features. Such vehicles might include the venerable Ford Model T or Model A, the swept back and sleek 1948 Buick Eight convertible, or the classically elegant 1935 Plymouth PJ Touring Sedan. These beautiful vehicles are themselves works of art and are actively sought by enthusiasts and lovingly restored and maintained.

Jewelry

Personal ornamentation or jewelry, like furniture, is a collectible segmented into time periods, genres, and points of origins. Jewelry heirlooms may include an antique bracelet collection, antique necklace collection, antique pendant collection, or antique ring collection. These antique jewelry collection pieces can be crafted of precious metals and stones or be made of Bakelite "plastic." Often times the value of the collection is as much in its personal appeal to the collector as in its intrinsic monetary worth.

Six Tips before Starting an Antique Collection

• First, you should know that starting an antique collection can be expensive so pick an area of interest you can afford.
• If you are completely new to collecting, try to cultivate a relationship with a reputable dealer or auction house so you won't fall prey to fakes and reproductions.
• Do your research. Try to learn as much about your area of interest as possible and try to get to know knowledgeable dealers and collectors who are willing to help a "newbie."
• Always try to determine the provenance or origin of a piece in which you're interested and to determine as accurately as possible, its age.
• Work out a checklist of things to consider in examining each individual piece. What constitutes "excellent" condition versus "fair?"
• Depending on the items in which you are interested you may find yourself shopping at antique stores, flea markets, or auction houses. Find out the reputation of your local dealers and at first stay away from online sales. Until you know your field thoroughly, it's easy to get "taken" online.

From cars to an antique bangle collection this is a hobby that is about the joy of the hunt and those exhilarating perfect discoveries. When you start an interesting antique collection it should be because you have a passion for the item or items in question. With that core feeling, being an "antique hound" will give you a lifetime of pleasure.