How to Start an Antique China Collection

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Porcelain and ceramics are often referred to as "china," as such items were originally made in China centuries ago. The term is normally associated with dinnerware such as plates, teacups and saucers, but it can also refer to vases, figurines and a wide variety of other things made with porcelain. China has been produced for hundreds of years, and as such, some pieces can be quite valuable. As a result, starting an antique china collection can be very interesting as well as lucrative. Read on to learn how to start an antique china collection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Antique china price guide

Step 1

Check out local antique shops. Look around for porcelain plates, cups, vases and figurines. Ask the salespeople for advice on how to start your collection.
Step 2

Know your budget. Some antique china can get very expensive, while vintage china may sometimes be purchased for only a few dollars.
Step 3

Start by browsing through an antique china price guide for pieces that strike your fancy, go with your decor or are in your price range. Bath Antiques Online has a price guide available. See the Resources section below for a link.
Step 4

Look for antique china in online auctions. You can often find rare, hard-to-find pieces online from private collectors just like yourself, all over the world.
Step 5

Be familiar with different types of china, such as Dresden, Haviland and Meissen.
Step 6

Get to know your local antique dealers. Visit the shops regularly, if not to buy, then at least to browse. The better you get to know them, the better you can trust them and the better deals you will get.

Tips & Warnings

Take a good look around local flea markets. If you are lucky, you may be able to find some beautiful pieces there for a fraction of what they are worth. They may not always be in the best condition, but a little cleaning and polishing can do wonders for your finds.
Always check to make sure that the items you have your eye on are authentic antiques, rather than just reproductions. A reproduction item will usually be labeled as such in an inconspicuous spot, generally towards the bottom or on the underside. Check thoroughly.
Beware of bull in the china shop. Before you buy a particular item, get opinions and appraisals from several different antique dealers to make sure you are paying a fair price.

Resources