How to Collect Plates

Plate collecting is an interesting and enjoyable hobby and if you're thinking about collecting plates, there are several things to decide before starting your collection. Some plate collectors base their purchases on a specific plate series, design or manufacturing company; while other collectors choose to build their plate collection based on the works of a certain artist or color palette.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Information on collectible plates

1. Decide what type of plate you would like to collect. Some collectors focus on plates one from one series, like "Gone with the Wind," while others base their plate collection on a particular artist, such as plates painted by the famous American artist Lena Liu. Many other people that enjoy the hobby collect whatever they like which makes a beautiful and varied eclectic mix of plates.
2. Purchase a plate collector's guide such as "Everybody's Guide to Plate Collecting" by Herschell Lewis or "The Official Price Guide to Collector Plates, 7th Edition" by Harry Rinker, to become familiar with the current price and market value of the plates.
3. Search local antique and collectible shops, flea markets and yard sales in your area for plates to add to your collection.
4. Browse online auction sites, collectible and antique shops in hopes of finding that perfect plate to add to your collection.
5. Become familiar with online sites such as the Bradford Exchange, one of the most well known sites for plate collectors.
6. Join an online group, such as a Yahoo group, of plate collectors in your specific area of interest. This is a great way to share your hobby with people who have similar interests.
7. Display your plate collection so you can enjoy it's beauty and diversity.

Tips & Warnings

• Many collectible plates are limited editions, which increase in value over time.
• Antique shops are an excellent place to find older collectible plates. If you are collecting plates such as Dresden, Royal Copenhagen or any other older limited edition collectors plates, be sure to let the shop owners know what you're looking for to add to your collection. When they visit other shops, go on buying trips or go to an auction, they will keep your collecting wants in mind.
• There are many beautiful display pieces available, which will make your collectible plates become decorative accents in your home.
• Never put collectible plates into a dishwasher, it could cause permanent damage.