Fun and Profit in Collecting Glassware
Collectibles come in countless varieties, and collecting glassware is one activity that can be both fun and profitable. The key is to find quality glassware, and that's not so easy. Take a little time and read on for some valuable pointers.
Collecting Glassware For Pleasure And Profit
Collecting glassware can be a richly rewarding past-time. Glassware can be both beautiful and practical and bring joy to its owners and to those who see it.
Plus you can often use items from your collection in your everyday life, therefore gaining even more pleasure from your glassware collection. You can collect antique glassware through to modern glassware.
You can find collectible glassware by shopping on the internet, and a good place to begin is right here at TablewareMall.Com where you can Shop for Glassware at discount prices, and find that special piece for your growing collection. There's a large selection of goblets, champagne flutes, beer mugs and much more.
Whether you are collecting glass for personal pleasure or purchasing as an investment, always remember the collectors mantra: Condition, Condition, Condition. The value of each piece of glass is in direct proportion to the condition of the item. The only exception to this rule would be if the glassware was a one-of-a-kind piece or extremely rare example of a particular technique. Even then, you would expect to purchase the glassware at a substantial discount. Common items rarely sell well in damaged condition.
Beginning collectors often go for quantity rather then quality by buying everything in sight. If you are just starting out collecting glassware don't stress too much about it ... as your collection grows your taste will evolve and you may choose to specialize in a particular style or period of glassware.
As your tastes change and your collection grows try to buy the best examples of your chosen style that you can afford. Stretch the budget a little if you can. Remember, quality is better than quantity and a quality item will hold or increase its value.
So, how to you recognize a quality glassware item? Buy and read books. There are many reference books available that focus on specific glassware manufacturers. The books will also help you focus on a particular style of glassware and you begin collecting. Learn which shapes are rare and which colors were produced in small quantities. Also watch for information on one-of-a-kind pieces. Always take your books with you when you go to shows so you can recognize a bargain.
The Internet offers many opportunities for glassware collectors to expand a collection, as you are no longer limited to visiting local shows and dealers. Check eBay and other auction sites on a regular basis to watch for items you'd like to add to your collection. And, remember, if there are pieces in your collection that you no longer want you can sell them on the internet and make space for (and money) for more desirable items for your glassware collection.
Alison Stevens maintains the website
Collecting-Glassware.com to
encourage and educate others in the collection of glassware for pleasure and profit.
Caring For Your Best Fine China and Flatware
August 14, 2008 by Roberta
Filed under Fine China
It's important to properly take care of your dinnerware and flatware if you want to keep it looking its best. Unfortunately, most of us haven't had the training to take care of silver, china, and other dinnerware. Here are some helpful hints to assist you in being sure that your tableware remains beautiful.
Hand Washing for Antiques and Vintage
- Antique or vintage china should never be put in the dishwasher. Always clean them by hand to prevent cracks, chips, and breakage. Plates should be gently scraped and washed carefully using only warm, soapy water. They should be thoroughly rinsed and air dried. Never use harsh cleaners or abrasive materials on fine china.
- Placing a rubber mat or dish towel at the bottom of the sink when you wash your dinnerware and crystal will keep them from cracking or breaking. If you're washing dishes by hand, start with glasses, and follow with dinnerware, flatware, and pots and pans.
Machine Washing is OK for Modern Dinnerware
- Dinnerware that's not vintage or antique can usually be machine washed. However, you should take care to load the dish washer so that the china won't be rubbed by other dishes. Flatware should be washed away from fine china, because it can leave gray streaks on the surface.
- If your dinnerware does pick up metallic streaks, a very mild abrasive should be used. Bon Ami is a popular choice. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleanser. When washing china, do it on the shortest cycle, and avoid lemon detergents.
-Whenever possible, cups should be stored on hooks. Plates and bowls should be stored with a cloth, paper towel, or dish protector between them. Earthenware should be treated with extra care, since it's a low temperature ceramic and is more fragile. Stoneware requires less care, and porcelain, the hardest type of china, is much less likely to chip. However, you should always look at the manufacturer's directions to find out what your china's care routine should be.
- If a plate or cup has metal trim, it should never be put in the microwave or dishwasher. That's because these trims can cause problems in these machines. If a dish is damaged or broken, talk to the manufacturer or retailer, or use a china replacement service to help you. If you get notice that your pattern is going to be discontinued, you may wish to quickly replace any items you're missing.
Proper care of your fine china and other tableware will help them last for many years. Remember that learning as much as possible about your dishware can help you treat it better. If you're not sure what to do, contact the manufacturer. When no information is available, gentle hand washing and drying is appropriate.
