How to Start a Glass Collection

Educate yourself before beginning a glass collection. Narrow down what you will be collecting and begin your search.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Glass Valuation Guides
• Carnival Glass
• Cut Glass
• Milk Glass
• Depression Glass
• Crystal Ware

1. Ask yourself if you interested in a particular period such as the Depression.
2. Restrict your choice if you find yourself drawn to one color of glass such as blue or have a favorite pattern.
3. Consider limiting your collection to a variety of cups or plates or cookie jars. Perhaps you would like to start a collection of just glass animals.
4. Purchase a valuation guide that deals primarily with the type of glass you are going to collect.
5. Read through the guide and look closely at the photos. Get a feel for what types are the most valuable and what types appeal to you most.
6. Decide if your collection is going to be an investment that you hope will increase in value so you can sell it one day for a higher price or if it is just going to be for pleasure.
7. Talk to family and friends and learn if they have pieces of the type of glass you are interested in. Some things, like Depression glass, seem to be hidden in the back of people's cupboards without their understanding its value.
8. Go to garage sales, church bazaars, thrift stores and local junk and antique dealers to look for older glass. Use your guide to understand what a fair price would be.
9. Avoid buying from glass dealers - unless you have lots of money to spend - since you'll pay a lot more.
10. Check online auctions like eBay.
11. Find out if there is a glass club in your area or an online group you can join.
12. Gradually expand your collection as you gain knowledge and experience in the field.

Tips & Warnings

• Attend glass conventions to talk to experts and examine fine collections.