For those who get into collecting antique knick knacks or figurines, the hobby can prove to become a little overwhelming. This is especially so when others jump on the bandwagon and begin buying for you. If, for example, you collect Lalique animal figures and everyone in your family thinks you just collect animals, that small prized collection can become quite large and cumbersome in no time. Plus, it could very well become filled with newer items and those that are simply undesirable by you as a collector.

What's a well-meaning collector to do?

The first step in avoiding confusion for well meaning gift buyers is for you to clearly state what your collection is. If you collect antique dog figurines, make that known. Should you be after Lalique animals, explain your collection to friends and family. The more pointed your collection, the easier it will be for others to understand. And, the more you explain it and the motivations behind it, the more likely it is you won't end up with the card shop's latest dog statue.

Be gracious in the explanation and do it at times other than five minutes after you received the wrong gift. Let family and friends know the hows and the whys and they might even find you a piece or two you've been unable to locate yourself. Be rude about the proposition and you might find the only antique dog you get is a dog house.

Collecting can be a fun hobby not only for the collector, but also for those around him or her. Family members, too, can delight in a rare find for their favorite son or daughter. But, if a collection isn't understood, the chances it can expand greatly with unwanted purchases remains high. Be honest and open about the collection and share the features that draw you to a particular time period or artist.

If all else fails, smile and be gracious. A gift from the heart is better than the most rare antique in the world. Just keep your prized collection items in a different display area and hold those unwanted gifts in reserve elsewhere.

Whatever the reason, antiques and haggling go hand in hand. Those who collect antiques in general or a specific type will soon find learning this art and mastering it are important to keeping the cost of collecting reasonable. Plus, when the art is practiced in a fair way, it's very fun to perfect!

Antique dealers expect a little haggling to go into most propositions. This can be hard for shoppers to get used to since bartering is not a way of life any more. The best way to get started is to jump in with these things in mind:

* In most shops, the sticker price has been set to allow some bartering. Of course the dealer will take the full price, but you never know how much less he or she will go down if you don't ask!

* Keep it friendly. Point out imperfections in a piece in a nice manner and use them as negotiating points for a lowering of the price. Or, simply state you'd like the piece, but can't afford the full ticket price. With a little luck, that price just might go down a bit.

* Don't give yourself away. If you're willing to pay full price because you've fallen in love with a piece, don't give that away. Acting indifferent can really help.

* Ask questions about pieces. This can help you determine its actual value and also perhaps net you a friend. Those who deal in antiques, love to talk about them and share their stories. Most collectible pieces have very interesting histories and they can really add to the fun of collecting.

Haggling is not something a modern day shopper will likely be good at coming out of the gate. However, with a little practice and a good attitude, the art can be perfected and it just might show big returns in decent prices for pieces you're after.

Just remember not every piece will be up for negotiation, but that many are. Dealers are willing to drop the price from time to time to help them make a sale or to make customers happy or both. Asking doesn't hurt. Not asking might result in your wallet getting a whole lot lighter.

Collecting, after all, is only half the fun. To truly enjoy a collection, it must be visible for enjoyment. It needs to be shown off a little. It needs to make a room or an entire house pop. It needs to show others that this is who you are and what you do!

Saying these things and achieving them can be two entirely different things, however. Getting a good display for antiques going can be an elaborate undertaking or a fairly simple one. Here are some ideas:

* Whole room displays. If you collect antique glass, for example, you can make a room or an entire house offer different individualized displays. If going with a full room display, consider buying also antique furniture to hold it on just to complete the look. China, for example, looks fantastic when displayed on an antique hutch. Or, if books are what you collect, add antique shelves as accents in major rooms in the house. Go with a theme and have fun following it through.

* Window boxes, special shelving. These are great for smaller or more unusually shaped items. Make sure to put them where they can be seen and do utilize proper lighting if it's needed to really make the collection stand out.

* Gallery walls. If you collect antique art or other wall hangings, set aside a wall or several to create gallery displays. Use lighting, high quality framing and other options to really make the pieces stand out.

* Corner cases. If you don't have room to go with an all out display, consider corner cases for making collections have their own space.

* Store/museum display cases. Antique jewelry, buttons and so on look fantastic in actual display cases. If you have the room, try these for keeping a collection safe from the elements and spills while still ensuring it can be seen and enjoyed.

Remember when displaying antiques some are more suitable than others for being exposed to the air. Paper pieces and other fragile items might be best behind glass and protected from the elements.

Whatever you collect, do make sure to show it off, since that's half the fun!

The advantages to shopping online for antique collectibles include:

* Variety. No single antique shop or even antique mall can compete with the variety that's offered through online auctions. With sellers coming from all over the world, it's a little easier to find just what you may be looking for by checking out these sites rather than running from antique store to antique store.

* Pricing. Since prices are at auction, buyers can sometimes get great pieces at a real steal. Not all sellers know the "value" of what they're offering either, so some great high-end pieces might be found for next to nothing.

* Ease. There's no reason to run from store to store when shopping online is quick and convenient.

With the advantages, of course, come some disadvantages, too:
When shopping online, watch out for these things:

* Broken items. Most sellers want to keep on selling, so they will be very clear about imperfections in their auction ads. It's up to potential buyers, however, to read the item descriptions all the way through. If it's chipped and the ad says so, your disappointment is your own fault.

* Fraud. This doesn't happen very often and sometimes it takes place because a seller simply doesn't know what he or she has. A piece of Sandwich Glass represented as such might be Anchor Hocking, but if the seller doesn't know any better, it's the collector's fault in this case for not asking the right questions.

* Bid battles. This is also half the fun of shopping at auction, but if you really want a set piece, these can get a little hair-raising.

When shopping online for antiques, be certain to ask questions, read the ads all the way through and look at the pictures closely. If you know a particular piece of glass should be marked with a set maker's signature, ask to see a picture of the marking. Don't be afraid to check out sellers and avoid getting into price battles you can't afford to get into.

If you do these things, you'll find shopping for antique collectibles online can be an absolute blast that nets buys that cannot be had anywhere else.

Getting started collecting cut glass, however, can be a little trickier than some might think. Since cut glass is so popular there are many reproductions and knock offs on the market. And while these examples might be beautiful, they are not antique cut glass.

Cut glass is nothing more than glass that's been blown on a wheel by a master craftsman. Once the basic shape has been created, the glass is etched or cut to display intricate designs or details. These details are what make good cut glass stand out from knock offs.

Cut glass of the highest quality is brilliant in appearance. The individual cuts help make light play tricks on the piece itself. The colors of the rainbow can come alive in a fine piece of cut glass as light rays play against the intricate details.

Most fine pieces of cut glass are made from leaded crystal. This means the glass itself will give off a distinct "ding" much like a bell if it's flicked with a fingertip. The sound is as unmistakable as the slight imperfections in the detailed designs.

When looking for American cut glass, antique lovers will find these pieces rose in popularity in the 1800s. To make American glass, master glassmakers would mark up a blank with the pattern. The cutting itself was done on the wheel and the glass was highly polished after the cutting process to ensure a fine finished product. Acid baths became a standard practice toward the end of the century, adding to the smooth feel of a highly cut piece of glass.

Whether they're vases, candy dishes, crystal glasses for drinking or even pitchers, cut glass pieces are highly collectible and well loved by those who appreciate finely crafted works of art.

To find the best in cut glass look for pieces that are brilliant in design. Avoid those that have "seams" in the glass. This means they've been made using a mold rather than having been hand blown. If the best is wanted, check for the signature leaded crystal ring.

Avoiding knock offs can be done, also, by learning different glassmakers' marks. Many of the old time factories had their own distinct signatures they'd cut into their glass pieces. These are the sign of good glass and the signatures are well known in the antiques world.

Cut glass is a favorite of collectors for many reasons, but sometimes it's almost impossible to avoid getting a piece of reproduction glass. If you know the qualities of a good piece and understand the makers' marks to look for you lessen your chances of buying a knock off. But to make sure you're happy with every purchase, buy items for your collection that compliment it and make you happy. You can never go wrong that way!

The crazy clocks with the little bird that sings in every half hour have been on the scene since the 1700s. Since their arrival, they've made quite an impression on the collectors' market and they're still doing so. Handmade generally down to the last detail, these little marvels can be hard to come by, which makes them the perfect collectible for serious treasure hunters.

Antique cuckoo clocks can be particularly difficult to come by, especially in good repair, but they're the find of a lifetime when a pristine example is come across. Some of the main features of these clocks that drive collectors to keep collecting them, include:

* Intricate, handmade clockworks. Although they're meant to be looked at, cuckoo clocks don't skip a beat when it comes to keeping time. Good lucks include excellent works.

* Unusual, hand crafted displays. These are what really make cuckoos stand out. The displays were generally carved by hand and were quite colorful and different. Since they were hand carved, no two clocks that qualify as antique are exactly alike.

* Cuckoo sounds and bird. It's an unusual choice, but the crazy cuckoo is just perfect for chirping in a new hour.

Finding great examples of antique cuckoo clocks can be tough, but with a little looking and a willingness to pay for repairs in some cases, these clocks are great additions for overall antique clock collections or even for collections that only include cuckoo clocks. When looking for an antique cuckoo, check the following types of outlets:

* Estate and garage sales might just net a clock that's been in a family for a while. Although they certainly won't be found in every sale or even every 50 sales, there's a chance they can be found.

* Antique shops. Probably one of the best outlets, if a store doesn't have one, the dealer on staff can be alerted to your desire to find an antique specimen. This puts an extra set of eyes on the case and eyes that happen to have contacts in the collecting world.

* Online. Also a good source for finding rare items, the Internet's stores are chock full of unusual items from the world over.

* Clock shops, repair shops. If anyone might know where a cuckoo can be found, these people will.

Not necessarily the easiest collection to start, cuckoo clocks nonetheless remain favorites among serious clock enthusiasts. Pristine antique clocks are worth a small fortune and can be considered one heck of a find when they are come across.

If you want to make sure your gift is one that will make your friend or loved one oh and ah, try these things:

* Before shopping, examine their collection, if possible. Take note of any distinguishing features and ask questions. Show an interest in the collection to learn more about why he or she collects and what, in particular, they might be looking for to round out the collection.

* Pay attention to auxiliary items that might help with the collection. If your special someone collects art, for example, maybe gallery lights or an antique frame would be in order? If they collect rare teddy bears, maybe a special display case or box for a particularly rare item would be absolutely perfect.

* Make a note of the time period/style collected. If your friend collects hand-painted flower vases from the 19th century, don't buy her a vase made yesterday. She might appreciate it, but it won't help complete the collection. The extra step to find a piece that fits the collection will be greatly appreciated, too.

* Look for rare and unusual pieces. If your wife collects hand-made dolls, check online and in shops for something that would go with her collection that she doesn't have already. Maybe she has quite a bit of European dolls and maybe even some from early America, but no handmade Native American pieces.

If careful consideration goes into the purchase, you are more than likely to make the find of a lifetime for your friend's collection. Be certain you have a good general idea of what you're looking for and check antique shops, garage sales and even online auctions for the right pieces to compliment the collection. Remember though that not all like items are collectible. For example, if your grandmother collects antique dog figurines, don't just pick up a dog statute at the local department store.

Ask a few questions of the collector, keep your eyes open and shop around and you'll be the one bringing the present to the party that nets the biggest gasps.

Considering hand-written diaries, letters and so on can never be replaced, protecting paper collectibles from aging and the elements is crucial. If you collect old letters from the Civil War era, for example, the worst thing you can do is just leave them lying around for air and fingers to get a whole of.

Any paper product over time will begin to break down and deteriorate. The cellulose in paper essentially gets attacked by the oxygen in air. This causes the darkening or browning of old paper. In addition, light, too, can break day paper. Acid can get into the mix as well.

Paper collectibles such as books, diaries and other articles should be stored in dry and dark places. Light and moisture are not friends to paper. If individual letters are to be preserved, for example, it's a good idea to keep them in acid-free, or archival quality, sleeves or envelops. Limit touching as the oils and acids from the finger tips can cause problems down the road.

Other storage options for paper collectibles include:
Polyethylene: Basically PVC sheets, these can keep some problems away from paper, but not all. They are ideal for keeping out dirt, oils and so on, but the PVC itself has elements that can lead to aging. If using this, make sure it's of archival quality and don't use it for the long haul.

Mylar: The stuff they make the vests out of is considered one of the best for storing papers. In fact, the U.S. Library of Congress swears by it. Mylar can be made transparent so documents held within its sheets can still be handled and read, as well.

Acid free items: Whether boxes or mounting boards or beyond, these are good for holding items, as well. Make sure they are of archival quality and do consider some of the better protectors for extremely rare or valuable pieces.

Not all antiques are made of glass. Some of the most interesting, in fact, are one-of-a-kind documents such as letters and diaries. To ensure these collectibles stay around for a long time to come, make sure they are properly protected for display or storage.

The key to getting started in collecting antiques is to first decide what kind of collection to pursue. Whether it's a specific item, glassmaker's products or pieces from a set period is entirely up to the collector, but once this has been decided, the fun really starts.

A collection isn't a collection without items in it. So, getting started looking for antiques that meet the muster is an absolute must. Knowing where to look and what to search for is vital to rounding out a collection with unusual and interesting pieces.

There are a few basic places to look for some serious finds on the antiques market, they include:

Antique stores: This one's pretty much a no-brainer, but there are advantages and disadvantages to looking in these. Antique stores are usually owned and operated by dealers. They know, or should know, the value of the items they have. So, it's more than likely collectors will pay top dollar for items found in these places. On the upside, dealers know, or should know, the value of their pieces and the stories behind them. Kind of a double-edged sword. In addition, dealers are also great for helping to locate specific pieces a collector might be interested in and sometimes they are even willing to haggle over prices.

Garage sales: These are fantastic for finding hidden treasures at reasonable prices. Average homeowners don't know the value of the items they have in actuality or to collectors.

Flea markets/junk shops: Similar to garage sales, these can be incredible for making unusual and lucrative finds.

Internet: Perhaps one of the best tools for locating collectible antiques all over the world, the Internet is a mish mash of the best of the best and the worst of the worst. The advantages here are being able to see items from just about anywhere. The disadvantages are not actually being able to inspect items before purchase.

Hunting for antiques is a fun and rewarding hobby that can pay off with some great collection pieces and even some buys that are worth a considerable amount more than some may realize. The prices on antiques change from time to time and are often driven by what collectors are willing to pay at any given point in time.

Collecting in and of itself is a fantastic hobby that can have friends and family all involved in the act. Those who collect are easy to buy for, generally, and the fun in making great finds for the collection simply can't be beat.

When choosing to get into collecting antiques, it's important to decide what to collect. The choices are so many and the outlets to find really nice and unusual items are plentiful, as well. Inasmuch, a fairly pointed "collection statement" is not a bad idea. Decide what to collect, how to collect and perhaps even a time period to collect it from so the collection that unfolds over the months and years is exactly what's wanted – otherwise storage can quickly become an issue!

Once a collection type has been decided – whether it's antique teddy bears or crystal glasses – the fun really begins. Collectors can tailor shopping trips, vacations and even garage sale runs all in the vein of finding unique and unusual pieces to round out their collections. In addition to making the finds, the other half of the fun revolves around displaying them.

Antique collections almost always lend themselves for some spectacular displays in a home or office. Whether it's antique paintings, furniture or even simple knick knacks or toys that are collected, these items are meant to be enjoyed and shared. Displays can be simply breathtaking, basic or extremely elaborate. The sky is really the limit here and the only constraints are space and the kind of collection itself.

One of the top benefits of collecting antiques, beyond the joy they bring the collector, is the potential value. Items that are purchased for $5 at a garage sale might just be worth a small fortune to a collector and their value may increase over time. Inasmuch, antique collecting is more than a hobby that brings a lot of "junk" into a home, it has the potential to be an investment and a big one at that.

From radios and turntables to chocolate pots and unusual vases, antiques are a great area to consider when looking to start a collection. Fun for the collector, friends and family, plus loaded with financial potential, this hobby is one enjoyed by literally millions the world over.

When it comes to decorating, tools are perfect for creating a set look. Whether it's a rustic hunting lodge look that someone's going for or an old country farm type setting, tools make great wall hangings, conversation pieces and more.

Depending on the antique tools purchased, these can really help complete a room's look, as well. Even tools like spinning wheels and old sewing machines can really lend themselves to giving a room an old-time feel.

Old farm and hand tools work great as interesting pieces to add to a man's study, a den or even a family room. What's more these pieces are fun to collect and they're even more fun to study. The conversations that can arise as people try to figure out what some of these old tools were used for can be fantastic.

On the antique end, old tools can be worth a lot of money. Depending on the rarity and the quality, these pieces can actually be worth a small fortune. Getting started in collecting them, however, can be addictive. It's fun to find them and even more fun to figure out their former uses. You've been warned!

Finding antique tools is not always an easy undertaking. Finding just the right tools to complete a look for a room can be even trickier. Here are some ideas on where to look and what to look for:

* Estate, garage sales. These are fantastic for finding heirloom pieces that have been passed down through the generations. Often mistaken as junk, old tools can sometimes be had for a steal at these.

* Barn sales. These take place a lot in country locales and are ideal for getting your hands on unusual pieces. Pay attention to these as in some locations they can net the best buys in hand tools, farm tools and even glass and other unusual antiques.

* Antique shops. These of course carry some usual tool items along with their furniture and glass items.

* Online. The Internet is wonderful for finding neat old tools and other hand items for use in collections or decorating schemes.

No matter the kind of tools you decide to collect, remember these can get pretty big. The best way to handle it is to decide what pieces you really want and turn the search into a scavenger hunt of sorts. Going from two tools to 100 with no place to store them can happen quickly, so some discrimination here is key.

Those who love it, love it so much, they've even created their own clubs to share finds, information and more. Carnival Glass clubs can be found virtually all over the world, with branches in America, Europe and beyond. It's a distinguished group that appreciate and swoon over this glass style.

What makes this glass stand out from others is its unusual appearance. This glass was made by companies between 1905 and 1930, when you're talking vintage Carnival. Makers came from all over the world. Although the United States was the prime production point, glassmakers in England, India, Germany, Mexico and Finland also made it.. There are others, too.

The glass appearance is different than anything else. It was pressed and iridized to give it a distinct shine. The look can range from something resembling a rainbow to that of an oil spot and beyond. Beautiful to some, gaudy to others, Carnival Glass comes in an array of base colors with the rainbow effect. Its very easy to distinguish from other types of glass due to its somewhat funky iridescent shine.

Carnival Glass pieces range from plates and glasses to pitchers and vases. They can include such things as compotes, hatpins and more, as well. Almost anything made from glass can have the stereotypical Carnival Glass appearance.

Carnival Glass has a big following on the collectors market. As we've said, those who love it really do so. The pieces of glass can complement almost any decorating style and range from gaudy to delicate in appearance. It all depends on a collector's style whether a piece of Carnival would be welcomed and appreciated or gawked at.

Finding Carnival Glass is a relatively easy undertaking. There is an abundance of replica items, however, so it's a good idea to brush up on makers' marks and other signs before heading out to buy. When looking for this unusual glass, antique stores, flea markets, garage sales and the Internet are some of the best places to turn up rare finds.

As it is with any type of antique, novices should stick with items they enjoy when looking to buy. Carnival Glass is a fun and whimsical style to add to any collection, but not everyone will appreciate its typically bold appearance.

Unfortunately, for those just starting out in the hobby, it's hard to decide what's worth the price tag and what's not. Whether you want to collect "antiques" in general or you're interested in a specific glassmaker's works or a toy company's dolls, the key to creating a good collection is to have fun with the buying process.

Remember, not every "find" would turn out to be a winner on an antique appraisal program, but if each buy fits the collection, makes you happy and compliments your home, you're doing good. The best rule of thumb for the beginner is to find items you like and go with those until you're more familiar with discerning values. If you like something, you can't go wrong.

To ensure you're happy with purchases for your antique collection, consider the following things before making the purchase:

* Do you love the item? If you don't, it's not going to make you happy whether it's worth 10 times its going price or exactly what you pay for it.

* Is the price reasonable? If you're just starting out or even if you have a little background in pricing antiques, if the price seems to high for what you're getting and you can't determine the real value, you might want to steer clear – for now. Go and research the piece, if you must, and go back if the price is right.

* Does the item fit your collection? If you collect dolls and you're buying a piece of satin glass because you think it's a steal, you might not be getting what you think. Unless the price is good, stick with what you know until you can research things further.

* Look for distinguishing marks. This goes especially for collectors of china and other glass type goods. Oftentimes, makers of fine china and good glass signed their pieces with either painted insignias, symbols, letters or some other such means of identifying where the glass came from. These marks are good for distinguishing authenticity. Look for them.

Getting started in buying antiques is a fun and rewarding process. Some buys are actually worth far more than the sticker price. Others may not be, but if they fit the look you're going for and you love them, the price is perfect!

Getting started in collecting is a big decision, however. Whether it's arrived at by chance or by personal determination, the hobby is one that can quickly become a favorite pursuit. Choosing what to collect and how to collect it can be tough, but for those who have 500 knick knacks packed up in the garage that don't fit the main collection just right, the notion of tailoring a collection is a good one.

If you've made the conscious decision you want to collect something here are some things to consider:

* Is there are particular time period you're interested in? If so, this can really help tailor a collection. The chances of boxes and boxes of discarded items sitting in the garage really go down if you choose to collect "dolls for the 1800s" rather than just "dolls."

* Is there a particular item? Some people collect "elephants" others collect propaganda posters from World War II and other such related items. Naming the type of items to seek out is a great way to keep a collection focused.

* Is an investment desired? If so, you'll want to pick antique items that have "value" to other collectors or those that might soon. Who would have ever thought a Pez dispenser could be worth a fortune?

* What type of display area do you have? There's no fun in having a collection and not being able to display it. If you're limited on space, take this into consideration.

* Do you have a specific purpose in mind for the collection? Are you looking to collect antiques of a particular period to decorate a home or room? If so, the careful transformation of a room over time can be a fun and rewarding pursuit with trips and holidays all netting new pieces for the "collection."

Choosing what to collect, how to collect it and how to display that collection is entirely up to the collector. However, narrowing down the collection's focus is a great way to avoid unwanted additions in the form of presents and items that simply just don't fit and end up collecting dust.

If you don't know what you're looking for in antique furniture, do make certain what ever you buy is something you in fact like. Pay attention to construction. Antique furniture was not made with pressed wood, staples or other such short cuts. Drawers oftentimes were made with a tongue in groove or dovetail design. Glue was pretty much a no-no. Craftsmanship and quality are often key hints at a piece's real value and age.

Even replicas on the market can be great additions, however, keep this in mind as you're shopping. As long as the look's right and the quality of construction is there, you should be happy with the purchase.

When looking for actual antiques, there are some things to check for. Real antique furniture pieces will have the following traits quite often:
Solid, handmade construction. The dovetail drawers, actual nails and not glue, and the use of solid wood are good giveaways for real antiques or at least replicas that are well made.

Signs of aging. Most antique pieces of furniture will have some signs of aging. Whether it's slight cracking, warping or minor signs of fading, some aging should be evident. Wood simply can't stand up in pristine condition over years and years.

Minor flaws. Since antique pieces were handmade and did not come from mechanized assembly lines, there will be minor flaws in the construction in most cases. Look for boards that are slightly off in width or length, pieces that just barely don't line up and so on.

When you're looking to buy actual antique furniture, be certain you know what you're getting. The price will generally be high, sometimes very high, so if research or an expert opinion is necessary, get it before putting cash down. There are some pretty clever replicas on the market, so if you're paying two thousand more for an authentic 17th century chair, you want to be certain that authentic means just that!

Antique furniture can lend some serious style and decorator flavor to a home. Whether you're looking to add a single piece or collect a whole houseful, do a little research before you buy. Even if you do settle for replicas, if they're well made and reflect your decorator style, you should be happy with the decision to do so.

This is where creating a strong network of friends can come in handy. Many collectors work with dealers, other collectors and friends to help them find particular pieces for their collections. The advantages to doing so are many and include:

* Knowledgeable extra sets of eyes and ear can really assist in the search for specific pieces. Dealers know where to look, who to call and what to look for oftentimes when even the most knowledgeable collectors don't.

* Familiarity with other collectors. Since dealers often work with multiple collectors, they might know another who has the right piece in their private collection – a piece they may be willing to let go for the correct price.

* Understanding of the pieces. A friend might come across a repro, but a good dealer should be able to tell the difference. Knowledgeable dealers can help collectors avoid knock offs and replicas and are willing to do so to keep collectors coming back for more.

* Possible speed up of the process. With extra eyes and ears on the case, the desired piece might be found that much quicker. There's no guarantee, especially with rare pieces, but with knowledgeable people on the hunt, it's more likely that set piece will be found.

* Knowledge of the market. When a relationship has been formed with a dealer, a collector can benefit from that person's knowledge – something a dealer is generally very happy to pass along. A good dealer will help inform collectors he or she buys for about changes in the market, trends and pieces to look for or steer away from.

Developing a rapport with an antique dealer or several is a very smart thing for a collector to do, especially a serious collector. Not only will the relationship or relationships help move the collecting process along, they may also result in better buys. Dealers who have a loyal collector following tend not to gouge their collectors and will do what it takes to make all parties happy. It's good for their business and their collectors. Plus, with a little luck, fast friendships can form between dealers and their collectors.

The Lalique sensation was born at the hands of French jewelry maker Rene Lalique. This master jeweler turned his attentions to glass at a late age and soon found himself at the helm of a sensation in the field. At the age of 50, Rene began the pursuit of glassmaking on the master level and since he was already an accomplished jeweler, his works were taken seriously, quite seriously.

It wasn't long before Lalique's glass pieces found themselves as the bottles for famous French perfume makers such as Coty and Guerlain. In fact, Lalique made more than 250 bottle types at his French factory. His passion, however, would also lead him into making inkwells, vases, clocks, tableware and more.

The love for Lalique's glass creations grew so strong, his modest factory at one point employed about 600 people. As time passed, Lalique's works in glass became considered premier art pieces. His name stood out in a field of artists that included the likes of Tiffany.

And although Lalique made everything from animals to clocks, he is best known for his vases. The Lalique vases and other works, in fact, remain major players on the collectible market today. His works can range in price from a few dollars to thousands, depending on what they are.

Collectors looking for Lalique pieces will find that those made under Rene's watchful eye were signed with a simple R.Lalique, generally on the bottom. When his granddaughter Marie-Claude took over the factory in the late 1940s, the style of glass changed, but its popularity remained. Her pieces are signed with Lalique h France.

Those who want to collect Lalique from either maker should learn the pieces and their looks. There are reproductions on the market that even bear the correct signatures, but these makers were not successful in mocking the appearance of the glass.

Lalique was and remains today a popular form of glass to collect. Those who do so appreciate the fine craftsmanship and the artistry behind the works. Just keep an eye out for those reproductions.

Turning a plain, everyday living room into a museum of antiques is not necessarily an easy undertaking. It all depends on what you have, what you want to have and how you arrange it. Those who go for period styles will find the process can be a blast, as looking for just the right pieces to flesh out the room's dcor becomes a treasure hunt of sorts. If decorating period style is desired, here are some ideas:

* If you're new at the antiques collecting hobby, don't expect to rush out and fill an entire room in a day. Antiques can be expensive and they can be quite rare. Finding the right pieces can take years, but that's frankly half the fun.

* Go slow and set a theme. A room doesn't have to be completed in a day. It can "evolve" over time with non-antique pieces being removed to make way for big finds as they come along. Picking a theme or period, however, will help focus the search. Whether you choose to collect pieces from the early 1900s, or Victorian era or beyond is desired, the statement of purpose for the room will not only help guide you in the search, but also others who might be looking on your behalf.

* Decide the extent of the collection. Do you want everything, maybe minus the TV, to be authentic? Furniture, artworks, glass, rugs and so on? Or, are you just wanting authentic accents like art and glass?

* Set a reasonable color/design theme. Period is very helpful, but to really get down to the nitty gritty, you need to decide what the room should look like. Are you wanting to go with a specific color or family of colors? How about patterns?

* Study antique books and magazines. Find items you like in these and look for them in the real world. Use the pictures to pattern your room and guide your purchases.

Collecting antiques is a fun and rewarding hobby. It's also one that can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. Paying attention to styles, time periods and even the choice of collectibles can help point the search in the right direction.

Remember, a room that's meant for antiques doesn't have to be finished in a day, a week or even a year or 10. It should be a fun process that evolves over time.

Some of the top reasons for getting started in the antique collection hobby and some of the top motivators include:

Fun: It is, without a doubt, a fun hobby to get into. Whether you collect antique elephant statutes or hand-painted vases, the hobby is like treasure hunting on steroids. You never know when a trip to the store will net a rare find or what hides behind that garage sale's rack of clothes. From local trips to international excursions to find the right pieces for a collection, the hobby can take its fans to faraway places.

Passion for history: Many collectors get started because they're interested in a particular period of history and enjoy surrounding themselves with things from that time. Few things can help a history buff "feel" the period like the implements people from that age used during every-day life. From the dishes and farm tools to pieces of art, furniture and beyond, period collectors get to step back into the past with each purchase.

Penchant for a particular thing: Collectors collect literally everything. From matchbook covers and political buttons to dolls and toys, whatever floats a person's boat, so to say, goes in the collectibles market. It's hard to say what will strike a particular person's fancy, but when it does, the bug can bite hard.

Inheritance: Many a collector got their start after inheriting old items from a family member. Not wanting to get rid of the cherished pieces, they learned about them and began adding to the look.

Investment: Also a top reason for collectors to start collecting, some hobbyists find their collections are actually quite a financial investment. Antiques are fickle in their pricing, but some things simply don't lose their value, or much of it. Hand-worked cut glass made by the masters of days gone by, original dolls, period furniture made by master craftsmen and so on can all be worth a fortune now and an even bigger one later. More fun than the stock market for some, antique collecting can be a lucrative hobby that's an investment in the future.

No matter their motivations, literally millions the world over enjoy collecting antiques of one sort or another. Perhaps it's for the money or to achieve a set look in a home or even just because, the reasons behind the hobby matter little to the collectors. It's all out of love for them.

Many creators of fine (and even not so fine) glass, china and porcelain and even furniture from the past signed their pieces. These signatures can be as simple as an after-making etching of the artist's name or as elaborate as a gold leafed stamp on the bottom of pieces. In some cases, makers' marks are hidden in the pieces so as not to detract from elaborate designs or overall hand-painted effects.

Learning these marks is a fun and interesting pursuit in and of itself. Sometimes glassmakers were so crafty with signing their pieces, looking for the marks becomes kind of a scavenger hunt in and of itself. Some cut glass makers, for example, added their signature into the elaborate design so only those schooled would even have a chance of finding it.

Not all makers of fine glass sign or signed their creations, but many did. Considering this, it's a very good idea to learn the marks, commit them to memory and seek them out before making purchases. Although it's certainly true the marks, in many cases, could be copied in reproductions, many times these marks can work in conjunction with other distinguishing factors to help make determinations about pieces.

Since all glassmakers who chose to use marks had their own distinct style, the best way to learn about them is to study the marks in antique books, online or in other literature about the glassmakers. Many antique books, for example, include a copy of what the signature would look like in an original piece right in the listing for the item. They even tell you where to look.

Even the most intricate pieces might just be signed and these signatures can really help antique collectors find the best and leave behind the knock offs. Learning the marks can be difficult, but it's worth it to make sure a purchase made for an antique collection is a solid one. Plus, it's just plain fun!