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.
It should be obvious but one of the first things to do is to decide what you would like to begin collecting. It should be something that interests you, otherwise you will soon become bored and disinterested. If it is something that you are presently interested in, then you might already be a member of an online group.
There is always something new that people can learn about their chosen field. A lot of learning comes from books and publications, some of which might not be totally correct as information might have superseded them. It is always preferable to try and learn from people who have made the same journey before you.
Try to think of the limits of your new collection, do you opt for a wide ranging collection across the genres, or will you attempt to be more focused. For most people starting out the wider approach seems to suit them best, and then as they become more experienced then can start to focus. Anything new can feel slightly intimidating, but always try to get some helpful pointers from more experienced collectors.
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.
Many people try to specialise in the pieces from the major European fashion houses. Others tend to focus on items from a specific time frame. Remember there is an awful lot to choose from out there, as people have been wearing these items for as long as there have been people who have produced them.
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.
There are many genres within the field, so there seems to be something that appeals to most people. Some like the pieces that commemorate events, some like the pieces that promote products, others like the fun items. There is always someone wanting to share their experiences when you start to collect jewelry.
It should be obvious but one of the first things to do is to decide what you would like to begin collecting. It should be something that interests you, otherwise you will soon become bored and disinterested. If it is something that you are presently interested in, then you might already be a member of an online group.
There is always something new that people can learn about their chosen field. A lot of learning comes from books and publications, some of which might not be totally correct as information might have superseded them. It is always preferable to try and learn from people who have made the same journey before you.
Try to think of the limits of your new collection, do you opt for a wide ranging collection across the genres, or will you attempt to be more focused. For most people starting out the wider approach seems to suit them best, and then as they become more experienced then can start to focus. Anything new can feel slightly intimidating, but always try to get some helpful pointers from more experienced collectors.
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.
Many people try to specialise in the pieces from the major European fashion houses. Others tend to focus on items from a specific time frame. Remember there is an awful lot to choose from out there, as people have been wearing these items for as long as there have been people who have produced them.
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.
There are many genres within the field, so there seems to be something that appeals to most people. Some like the pieces that commemorate events, some like the pieces that promote products, others like the fun items. There is always someone wanting to share their experiences when you start to collect jewelry.
