Friday, March 21, 2008

So you want to collect jewelry...Real or Costume...

1.) Buy what you like! Don't buy a piece just because you think it might increase in value. Make your collection unique by selecting pieces that you personally like and enjoy. It will make a more interesting and enjoyable collection.

2.) Learn all you can! Start at your pubic library. There are jewelry bookds and catalogs on their shelves that can give you a wealth of information. Go to show and talk to the dealers. They also can be a wealth of knowledge, and can give you valuable tips.

3.) Stay within your budget ! If the item you want is out of your budget, save for it and buy it when you can afford to. Don't get carried away at auctions. You can make a hasty purchase in the "heat of bidding" that you will regret later. Set a price limit and stick to it!

4.) Look for the quality of a piece, not always the quantity ! Buy the best quality pieces that you personally can afford. A good quality necklace is a more solid purchase than a couple of mediocre necklaces.

5.) Frequent Yard/Garage Sales, Flea Markets, & Bazaars ! You can find some great buys at these events. Arrive early. Examine each piece carefully. Some items will be junk, but some items are a great find. Haggling is almost expected at flea markets, so ask what the dealer's lowest price is. You might be surprised! I once purchased a shoe box of jewelry at a flea market for $25. Some of the pieces ended up being "junk" and tossed in the trash. However, there were several military pins, collectible earrings, and vintage compacts that made the purchase worthwhile.

Collecting any kind of jewelry you like can be sooooo much fun. Happy Collecting! !

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