Collecting 101
An informative collection of articles and columns curated to enhance your collecting experience. Learn how to effectively run an antiques business from Wayne Jordan, discover proper care and preservation of your antiques, take a master class in antique appraising from the experts at the Asheford Institute of Antiques, and much more. Class is now in session.
Appraisals | Book Reviews | Business of Antiques | Care and Preservation
Appreciating Vintage Ciner Costume Jewelry
Uncommon quality makes Ciner costume jewelry shine with collectors. Here's how to identify and date vintage styles.
How To Identify Hummel Trademarks
You can easily identify your Hummel figurines using this illustrated guide to major trademarks.
The Key to Authenticating Satsuma
How to tell the difference between an authentic piece of this distinctive Japanese pottery and a modern one depends on if there is an English marking or not.
Nixon's The One . . . who gave us Ted Hake
In a simple twist of political fate, Hake became a pop-culture collectibles auction house legend in part because Richard Nixon was elected president in 1968. Sure, Hake never got to meet Elvis, but he's done pretty well for himself.
Art + Math = Charles Csuri
Warning: Trying to understand the how-to equations of pioneering computer artist Charles Csuri will make your head hurt. But for Csuri, it all adds up to something special as art and math collide.
Faces give clues to cameos' age, materials
Cameos are often carved from shell, hardstone, and even glass. Learn the history of cameo jewelry, and what makes some cameos more desirable than others.
10 Fabergé Eggs We'd Love to Find in Our Easter Basket
Easter Eggs Made By Legendary Russian Jeweler Fabergé Are World-Renowned Masterpieces.
Fine Glass Paperweight Guide
Discover the history and value of these small, enchanting collectibles, with their colorful and complex designs that have charmed glass lovers for centuries.
The Complicated History of Mr. Potato Head
He was the first toy advertised on TV and has had a surprisingly impressive film career for a vegetable. But now he's the focus of how a toy potato identifies itself. For Mr. Potato Head, it's complicated.
Identifying Antique Furniture Styles
Learn about the sometimes subtle differences in various styles of furniture, and some history about them too!
The Phenomenal Peacock Dress of Lady Mary Curzon
Indian embroiderers and House of Worth combined forces to create the magnificent gown Lady Mary Curzon wore in 1903.
Chanel Costume Jewelry Basics
Coco Chanel introduced costume jewelry to her famous collections, turning something considered cheap and tacky into a symbol of modern style. Here's what you should know.
Tough Times Need Tougher Names
We are doomed. Today's little girl names are way too cute. Chloe? Luna? Riley? Yikes! To ward off chaos and societal collapse, we need a return to the strong, iron-fisted Mom names of yesteryear.
Snowball Fight From 1896 is Joyful Mayhem
Watching old-timey French people playfully pelting each other with snow is pure joie de vivre.
Solving Provenance Mystery
The history of a piece is critical in understanding its personal story and value. Here's how you can be the detective of your own collection.
