A Beginners Guide to Collecting Smartly

Collecting is many times a decision that is made unconsciously. Chances are that you simply realize one day that you have a good number of vintage Christmas ornaments over the years or a significant number of Limoges porcelain boxes that can now safely be known as a collection.

Over a period of time, you may also convert this into a conscious effort to transform your existing collection into something meaningful and probably even valuable. If this is the road you intend to tread onto, you need to make sure you do it the smart way.

1.Is this Item Collectible?

A collectible means different things to different people. For some it may mean simply storing a collection of stamps or coins that they happened to own by chance. The more serious collectors will be able to give you a more detailed story behind the challenges they faced on their quest to create their Limoges porcelain box collection or authentic miniature car collection. The prospect of an appreciation in value is usually the determinant of whether or not an item is collectible.

2.Choosing what to Collect

While no one can really tell you what to collect, remember that your selection should be something you are personally attracted to and something you will love to look at. Also, it does not always have to be one item. It could be a theme that appeals to you as well. For example, if you love elephants, you may want to pick up paintings, porcelain boxes, kitchenware and other home décor items that follow that theme.

3.Buying with your Heart

The best collections are created when collectors buy from their hearts. If there is something you truly love that is affordable, do not deter while purchasing it. Your collection needs to be something you will be able to enjoy and live with. Leave the profit making to the experts.

4.Investing in Limited Editions

Depending on the item you are collecting, you may be able to pick up some limited edition items en route. For example, you may find vintage Limoges porcelain boxes with designs that are no longer in the making, or you can hunt for limited edition wine bottles, if that is what you are collecting.

5.The Condition of the Item

As easy as it may be to ignore the hairline crack on the porcelain plate, remember that the condition of your collection will significantly influence the value of your collection. Only invest in the items that come in the best condition.

In addition to this, while collecting items remember to keep the original boxes, be well informed about how you can maintain them and conduct comprehensive research before and during the collection process to make sure you are getting value for the investment you are making.

How are your Limoges Items Made?

Every Limoges item that you come across will be unique and exquisitely made. Its appeal comes from the meticulous process that goes into creating each one of the exquisite pieces. So the next time you are out purchasing Limoges boxes, knowing the process of how it got to the shelf is a great way to realize its true value.

Step I

The first step of making these exquisite collectible trinkets involves creating a design for the molding. Artists plan these design and they draw it by hand to get an idea on how the finished product will look. The design comes with elaborate features such as the proper curves the mold will take, the color scheme, and the images it will represent.

Step II

After a satisfactory version of the design is created, a mold is developed for the Limoges boxes. This mold will be used to handle the proper shape of the box or the figurine. Considering that this mold has a temporary life a new mold is made after it has been put to use over a few dozen times

Step III

After the mold is created, a thick porcelain solution will be poured into it. Rochard Limoges boxes and other Limoges products source this porcelain from a variety of places. Fledspar and Quartz are the most commonly used forms of porcelain. These materials are extremely durable allowing the creation of thick walls for boxes and figurines.

Step IV

Once the porcelain is poured into the mold, it is left out for one day for drying. On the completion of this process, the figurine or box will be taken in by the artist for hand finishing.

Step V

In this stage, the box or figurine will be smoothed out by hand in a way that all the jagged edges are gotten rid of. After this process, the Limoges item is placed in a kiln that burns at 900 degrees Celsius.

Step VI

Now it is time to venture into the painting process. Here, the material will be dipped in enamel before it placed in a kiln again, this time at1200 degrees Celsius. Paint can be applied on the material after this process is complete.

The darker hues such as blue and the brighter shades such as red will be separately handled. As each color is added on the Limoges item, it will need to spend some time in the kiln again. The heating process for darker shades is typically more intensive than that used for lighter shades.

At the end of this process, your boxes get hinges attached to it, to create memorable collectibles. Note that every authentic Limoges item is hand painted. Most of them come with extremely elaborate detailing that adds to its monetary and aesthetic value.