Everyone seems to have had a hobby at one point or another. For some it didn't last long, while for others it has held a lifelong fascination. People have collected stamps from across the world, others have been fascinated with baseball cards. There are a growing number who have decided to collect jewelry. A common thread links all of these different collectors, they are all passionate about their collections. If they have been growing their collection wisely, it could become very valuable.
Probably one of the most important decisions that you will make when starting a collection, is actually deciding what to collect. It should be something that holds a good deal of interest for you, If you try collecting something that doesn't hold your interest you will either become bored or come to see it as a task. For something that already interests you, it is quite possible that you have already signed up various groups online.
There is still plenty on your subject matter that you can learn. Some books and publications are better than others, but books can only teach you so much. It is so much better to be able to seek guidance from those who have had a long standing, active interest in the same field as you. Listen to them and try to learn.
The next thing that you need to decide is whether to begin a broadly based collection, or are you going to specialise in a particular area. Most begin with a wide outlook, and this slowly gains focus as they progress and gain experience. It can all be quite confusing initially, which is why it really is good advice to seek some tips and pointers from those more experienced.
Your confidence will soon begin to grow, and soon you will want to put your new found knowledge to the test. You might be lucky and have an auction house close by, if not it is a good idea to try your local flea market. Some might ask why not try an antique fair, the honest answer is that these dealers can easily spot a novice. The piece you end up with would probably be very nice, but you might have been able to have saved some money.
Some of the areas that others specialise in are items from the French and Italian fashion houses. Others concentrate on a particular era in history. As people have been making, and wearing, these items for a vast amount of time there is a lot to decide.
If you also decide that you want to focus on a specific time in history, try to find out as much information as possible. Discover how things were made, how stones were set in pieces, and also clips and fastenings. Look for signs of repair on damage when you examine an item, does the clasp or pin look right, looks for the maker's stamp. It is worth remembering that all pieces would be copied, often with inferior materials to cater to a lesser market.
Don't discount other areas of collecting. Many young people are building impressive collections of the more fun, or off-beat items. There are others who look for items that commemorate events. If you decide to collect jewelry you will be in good company, and you will not look back.
Probably one of the most important decisions that you will make when starting a collection, is actually deciding what to collect. It should be something that holds a good deal of interest for you, If you try collecting something that doesn't hold your interest you will either become bored or come to see it as a task. For something that already interests you, it is quite possible that you have already signed up various groups online.
There is still plenty on your subject matter that you can learn. Some books and publications are better than others, but books can only teach you so much. It is so much better to be able to seek guidance from those who have had a long standing, active interest in the same field as you. Listen to them and try to learn.
The next thing that you need to decide is whether to begin a broadly based collection, or are you going to specialise in a particular area. Most begin with a wide outlook, and this slowly gains focus as they progress and gain experience. It can all be quite confusing initially, which is why it really is good advice to seek some tips and pointers from those more experienced.
Your confidence will soon begin to grow, and soon you will want to put your new found knowledge to the test. You might be lucky and have an auction house close by, if not it is a good idea to try your local flea market. Some might ask why not try an antique fair, the honest answer is that these dealers can easily spot a novice. The piece you end up with would probably be very nice, but you might have been able to have saved some money.
Some of the areas that others specialise in are items from the French and Italian fashion houses. Others concentrate on a particular era in history. As people have been making, and wearing, these items for a vast amount of time there is a lot to decide.
If you also decide that you want to focus on a specific time in history, try to find out as much information as possible. Discover how things were made, how stones were set in pieces, and also clips and fastenings. Look for signs of repair on damage when you examine an item, does the clasp or pin look right, looks for the maker's stamp. It is worth remembering that all pieces would be copied, often with inferior materials to cater to a lesser market.
Don't discount other areas of collecting. Many young people are building impressive collections of the more fun, or off-beat items. There are others who look for items that commemorate events. If you decide to collect jewelry you will be in good company, and you will not look back.
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