Numerous people enjoy collecting and decorating with antiques.
There are many possibilities from which to choose, from furniture to dolls and everything in between.
Regardless of the theme of your collection, there are five things that may help you enjoy it more.
First, never purchase any antique or collectible item as an investment.
The market is very volatile, and your item could actually lose value in a relatively short time.
There are exceptions to the rule; paintings by the old masters seldom decline in value, and solid gold artifacts tend to hold value as well.
However, a quick check on the Internet will reveal countless items for sale at a fraction of their original cost that were purchased in expectation of increased value.
Next, collect what you love.
If you think kewpie dolls are ugly, don't buy them even if you find them at a great price.
You are more likely to take excellent care of the things you treasure and ignore those that you dislike.
Much of the fun is in the hunt, but it should always end in happiness for you.
Third, know what you are buying.
For example, if your passion is carnival glass, familiarize yourself with the different manufacturers and the colors and patterns each made.
This will save you from purchasing a 1970s item at the price of a 1920s piece.
If your hobby is old currency, learn how to identify reproductions.
Keep in mind that antiques have been faked and reproduced throughout history.
Since some of the fakes are antiques in their own right, you may still want them, but not at the same price as an original piece.
Fourth, understand that just because something is old, it is not always valuable.
An item's value depends a great deal on its scarcity, which is almost always dependent on the number originally produced.
If millions were made, tens of thousands are likely available at any given point in time.
The item must also be something that a number of people want to own for its value to continue to increase.
This does not mean that you should not collect antique typewriters, for example, if you love them.
Just don't expect them to be a quick sale at an inflated price if you ever decide to sell.
Finally, don't perform any do-it-yourself restorations unless you are a professional.
All too often people destroy the value of an antique by cleaning it incorrectly.
Don't paint or refinish a wooden piece or take a wire brush to a metal item.
If it needs cleaning or restoring, take it to a professional.