Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?Alex Miller

Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all." And don't we all agree?

Antique engagement rings have become all the rage in recent years, particularly with famous brides like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.

We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and many of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee. But before you rush out and buy that to-die-for antique engagement ring, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Tips when choosing an antique engagement ring

The settings used in the manufacture of modern engagement rings are very different from those used last century. Antique settings often involved fine filigree work and delicate designs that weren't meant for much wear-and-tear. These delicate settings will have become even more delicate over time and there's many a story about the starry-eyed soon-to-be-bride who has been heartbroken when her precious antique engagement ring proved even more precious than she had thought.

If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You may even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.

Diamond cuts have also changed dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when its been poorly cut, don't expect the same razzle-dazzle you see today from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.

Also keep in mind that antique engagement rings were often made with stones that don't stand the test of time. Turquoise is a gem to steer clear of because it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. As do pearls, which lose their sheen and opals, which will gradually wear away.

Another thing to be wary of is that lesser-quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in vintage engagement rings, so be sure to have your ring valued if you badly want a ruby-red engagement ring.

An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear every day in our rough-and-tumble world, but it's preciousness makes it a treasure that, with the right care, will give you pleasure every day for a lifetime.

Antique engagement rings have become all the rage in recent years, particularly with famous brides like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.

We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and many of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee. But before you rush out and buy that to-die-for antique engagement ring, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Tips when choosing an antique engagement ring

The settings used in the manufacture of modern engagement rings are very different from those used last century. Antique settings often involved fine filigree work and delicate designs that weren't meant for much wear-and-tear. These delicate settings will have become even more delicate over time and there's many a story about the starry-eyed soon-to-be-bride who has been heartbroken when her precious antique engagement ring proved even more precious than she had thought.

If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You may even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.

Diamond cuts have also changed dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when its been poorly cut, don't expect the same razzle-dazzle you see today from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.

Also keep in mind that antique engagement rings were often made with stones that don't stand the test of time. Turquoise is a gem to steer clear of because it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. As do pearls, which lose their sheen and opals, which will gradually wear away.

Another thing to be wary of is that lesser-quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in vintage engagement rings, so be sure to have your ring valued if you badly want a ruby-red engagement ring.

An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear every day in our rough-and-tumble world, but it's preciousness makes it a treasure that, with the right care, will give you pleasure every day for a lifetime.

Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has turned her passion into an informative website. You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com. The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online.

Collecting Antique Maps - A Beginner's Guide

California wasnt always attached to the west coast of the North American continent. It used to be an island. At least, thats what mapmakers, mostly European, believed for about 100 years, from around 1650 to 1750. So thats how they drew it on their maps.
The Island of California, as it is commonly called, is just one of the innumerable collecting niches that are possible in the increasingly popular field of antique map collecting.

Antique map collecting is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, which is perhaps one reason why there is such an enormous amount of material, from the affordable to the prohibitively expensive, in circulation today. Two reasons for the popularity of antique map collecting are that antique maps appeal to a broad spectrum of people (for a variety of reasons) and they make very attractive framed pieces that can be enjoyed by many.

The wide range of antique maps available today means that a novice can easily enter the field, although hopefully armed with a little caution and common sense. The best place to begin is with some reading. Two excellent books for the beginning collector are Collecting Old Maps by Francis J. Manasek, and Collecting Antique Maps: An Introduction to the History of Cartography, by Jonathan Potter. Both are available by visiting VintageMaps.Com at http://www.vintagemaps.com

Armed with a little guidance from these excellent books, the new collector is likely to focus on a particular niche within the map collecting field. This is an important step, since it is by narrowing the focus that a beginner is able to most quickly gain the necessary expertise for successful, and enjoyable, collecting. However, the new collector should also take some time to look around before jumping into a chosen area. There are as many collecting areas as there are collectors, and a little time and effort spent exploring the field may lead to surprising and unique choices.

What can a person expect to pay for an antique map? The price range is as wide, or wider, than almost every other field of antique collecting. Perfectly acceptable antique maps can be had for as little as $50. For those with a deep pocket, rare or hard-to-find maps can easily run into five or six figures. With the relatively low cost of entry, antique map collecting is an ideal choice for many individuals, combining wide opportunity for research and learning (history, geography, art, engraving, printing, politics, to name but a few) with the opportunity to display ones prizes in an attractive way. And for those who truly catch the bug, antique map collecting can become a passion that is limited only by the imagination.
The Island of California, as it is commonly called, is just one of the innumerable collecting niches that are possible in the increasingly popular field of antique map collecting.

Antique map collecting is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, which is perhaps one reason why there is such an enormous amount of material, from the affordable to the prohibitively expensive, in circulation today. Two reasons for the popularity of antique map collecting are that antique maps appeal to a broad spectrum of people (for a variety of reasons) and they make very attractive framed pieces that can be enjoyed by many.

The wide range of antique maps available today means that a novice can easily enter the field, although hopefully armed with a little caution and common sense. The best place to begin is with some reading. Two excellent books for the beginning collector are Collecting Old Maps by Francis J. Manasek, and Collecting Antique Maps: An Introduction to the History of Cartography, by Jonathan Potter. Both are available by visiting VintageMaps.Com at http://www.vintagemaps.com

Armed with a little guidance from these excellent books, the new collector is likely to focus on a particular niche within the map collecting field. This is an important step, since it is by narrowing the focus that a beginner is able to most quickly gain the necessary expertise for successful, and enjoyable, collecting. However, the new collector should also take some time to look around before jumping into a chosen area. There are as many collecting areas as there are collectors, and a little time and effort spent exploring the field may lead to surprising and unique choices.

What can a person expect to pay for an antique map? The price range is as wide, or wider, than almost every other field of antique collecting. Perfectly acceptable antique maps can be had for as little as $50. For those with a deep pocket, rare or hard-to-find maps can easily run into five or six figures. With the relatively low cost of entry, antique map collecting is an ideal choice for many individuals, combining wide opportunity for research and learning (history, geography, art, engraving, printing, politics, to name but a few) with the opportunity to display ones prizes in an attractive way. And for those who truly catch the bug, antique map collecting can become a passion that is limited only by the imagination.

Neil Street is the owner of VintageMaps.Com, which he founded in 1997. His website, an online destination for the antique map and antique print enthusiast, is at http://www.vintagemaps.com Send email to ncstreet@vintagemaps.com He can also be reached at (203)762-3474.

The Care and Conservation of Antique Prints

For many collectors of antique works on paper specifically antique prints the care and preservation of their valuable collection is the most vexing issue they face. It need not be. A little common sense, and sometimes a healthy dose of restraint, will go a long way toward making sure that your important, unique, and hard-won collection remains preserved for generations to come.

The production process used in the making of your antique print does not alter in any significant way the care that it needs. Whether it be a lithograph, copperplate engraving, mezzotint, or other process, the basics of caring for the print remain essentially the same. Broadly speaking, there are four major aspects of good conservation that the average collector should be aware of. These four key areas are: handling, repairs, framing, and storage. If you follow some simple rules in all these areas, your prized possessions should retain their good condition and value.

Handling damage is at the top of the list for a very good reason. In my opinion, as a dealer in antique prints, more problems are caused by careless handling than any other single problem. Great care must be exercised when handling an antique print, because the paper itself is so fragile. You only need to accidentally tap the edge of an antique print against a sharp corner, such as the edge of a desk, to cause serious chipping. If the print has little or no margin, an event like this can be catastrophic to the image area. Pervasive as it is, handling damage is an aspect of conservation that can easily be solved by common sense. First, do not work with your prints unless you have the time and space to do so. Handle them when things are quiet, not when your toddler needs attention. Second, make sure you have the space to put them down safely, such as a large table. Third, wear thin cotton gloves, available from framing supply stores. And finally, nless you are dealing with large numbers of very inexpensive prints, it is always a good idea to have each one stored loosely (not encapsulated) in a mylar sleeve. Mylar is a crystal-clear, polyester film, and it is very easy to find on the internet. Beware of imitations, and specify Mylar, because Mylar does not interact chemically with the print.

At some point in time, almost all collectors of antique prints are tempted to fix a defect by themselves. My response is: dont, dont, and dont. All of the things that are commonly attempted on antique paper the removal of stains, wrinkles, and pencil marks, the mending of a tear, the filling of a hole, or, heaven forbid, the whitening of a darkened piece of paper all these actions have the potential to cause irreversible damage, and to seriously reduce or eliminate the value of a given piece. Professional conservators spend years learning how to perform these complex tasks correctly and they will be the first to tell you of the perils they face with each job. Leave the restoration to the conservators.

Framing is another area that can often bring trouble. Yet, a few easy tips can usually ensure a successful framing project. First, use a good framer. Call a local museum and ask who they recommend. Ask friends or acqauintances for recommendations. Dont be afraid to shop around. Then, expect to pay a bit more. Good framing is expensive, but it should outlast all of us. When you are satisfied you have selected a good framer, you should be comfortable in being guided by them, but here are a few musts. You must use anti-uv or conservation framing glass. This will deflect most of the harmful light that can destroy paper over time. If you are using matboard, you must use archival quality matboard, so it does not, as time passes, chemically interact with the print. You must never allow antique paper to be adhered in any way to a backing board. You must insist on archival quality backing board. Insisting on these basic steps will take you a long way toward a successful framing job and finally, dont hang your finished piece in direct sunlight, near a direct heat source, or in a humid area such as a bathroom.

Framing, when done correctly, is one of the best ways of storing antique works of art on paper. But since it is both expensive and space-demanding, it is rarely the complete solution for most collectors. Good, long-term storage can be accomplished by keeping antique prints in mylar, stored flat, in a dry, cool space. Excessive heat and excessive humidity are enemies of antique paper, but many homes today are climatized to avoid such excessive conditions. If you need to store a number of loose prints, the best solution is to use one of the many excellent archival boxes that are available on the market.

After a little practice, even the newest collector can quickly master the basics of good care for antique prints. Common sense is your greatest ally, and most often, your greatest enemy will be the dangers posed by poor handling. So learn the basics, treat the antique paper with the respect it deserves, and always handle with care, and your collection will bring pleasure and joy for many generations to come.

The production process used in the making of your antique print does not alter in any significant way the care that it needs. Whether it be a lithograph, copperplate engraving, mezzotint, or other process, the basics of caring for the print remain essentially the same. Broadly speaking, there are four major aspects of good conservation that the average collector should be aware of. These four key areas are: handling, repairs, framing, and storage. If you follow some simple rules in all these areas, your prized possessions should retain their good condition and value.

Handling damage is at the top of the list for a very good reason. In my opinion, as a dealer in antique prints, more problems are caused by careless handling than any other single problem. Great care must be exercised when handling an antique print, because the paper itself is so fragile. You only need to accidentally tap the edge of an antique print against a sharp corner, such as the edge of a desk, to cause serious chipping. If the print has little or no margin, an event like this can be catastrophic to the image area. Pervasive as it is, handling damage is an aspect of conservation that can easily be solved by common sense. First, do not work with your prints unless you have the time and space to do so. Handle them when things are quiet, not when your toddler needs attention. Second, make sure you have the space to put them down safely, such as a large table. Third, wear thin cotton gloves, available from framing supply stores. And finally, nless you are dealing with large numbers of very inexpensive prints, it is always a good idea to have each one stored loosely (not encapsulated) in a mylar sleeve. Mylar is a crystal-clear, polyester film, and it is very easy to find on the internet. Beware of imitations, and specify Mylar, because Mylar does not interact chemically with the print.

At some point in time, almost all collectors of antique prints are tempted to fix a defect by themselves. My response is: dont, dont, and dont. All of the things that are commonly attempted on antique paper the removal of stains, wrinkles, and pencil marks, the mending of a tear, the filling of a hole, or, heaven forbid, the whitening of a darkened piece of paper all these actions have the potential to cause irreversible damage, and to seriously reduce or eliminate the value of a given piece. Professional conservators spend years learning how to perform these complex tasks correctly and they will be the first to tell you of the perils they face with each job. Leave the restoration to the conservators.

Framing is another area that can often bring trouble. Yet, a few easy tips can usually ensure a successful framing project. First, use a good framer. Call a local museum and ask who they recommend. Ask friends or acqauintances for recommendations. Dont be afraid to shop around. Then, expect to pay a bit more. Good framing is expensive, but it should outlast all of us. When you are satisfied you have selected a good framer, you should be comfortable in being guided by them, but here are a few musts. You must use anti-uv or conservation framing glass. This will deflect most of the harmful light that can destroy paper over time. If you are using matboard, you must use archival quality matboard, so it does not, as time passes, chemically interact with the print. You must never allow antique paper to be adhered in any way to a backing board. You must insist on archival quality backing board. Insisting on these basic steps will take you a long way toward a successful framing job and finally, dont hang your finished piece in direct sunlight, near a direct heat source, or in a humid area such as a bathroom.

Framing, when done correctly, is one of the best ways of storing antique works of art on paper. But since it is both expensive and space-demanding, it is rarely the complete solution for most collectors. Good, long-term storage can be accomplished by keeping antique prints in mylar, stored flat, in a dry, cool space. Excessive heat and excessive humidity are enemies of antique paper, but many homes today are climatized to avoid such excessive conditions. If you need to store a number of loose prints, the best solution is to use one of the many excellent archival boxes that are available on the market.

After a little practice, even the newest collector can quickly master the basics of good care for antique prints. Common sense is your greatest ally, and most often, your greatest enemy will be the dangers posed by poor handling. So learn the basics, treat the antique paper with the respect it deserves, and always handle with care, and your collection will bring pleasure and joy for many generations to come.

Neil Street is the owner of VintageMaps.Com, which he founded in 1997. His website, an online destination for the antique map and antique print enthusiast, is at http://www.vintagemaps.com Send email to ncstreet@vintagemaps.com He can also be reached at (203)856-1755

Antiques From Europe...

Goose That Layed the Golden Egg?"Michael Temple

Many dealers and auctioneers have been bringing container loads of antiques from Europe for years now. The lure of getting "fresh to the market" antique furniture and "smalls" is something that can bring renewed excitement back into your antique business.

Buying antiques by the container load can be a mental "rush", but is it the business builder some have made it out to be?

Back in 1998, while I was still in the antique and estate auction and liquidation business, I decided to purchase a load of antique furniture and smalls and have the container shipped to my facility in New York State.

Ill spare you the details of how exactly this is done during this article.

I received the load buy tractor trailer, and had friends help me unload the container. It was packed full and tight, and the furniture was quite impressive to say the least!

I was impressed by the high quality and good prices, and by the fact that I could have the load delivered right to my place of business.

There were twist leg oak hall trees, high relief wardrobes, dining room suits, chairs, bureaus, desks, marble top stands, dressers and much, much more. And that was just the furniture!

Inside the dressers and desks, there were smalls galore. Tucked inside one of the dressers was a hand-stitched sampler from 1861. The sampler was done by a mother who had lost a child at birth, and it achieved a high price at auction. I was most impressed with the condition and quantity of the smalls.

I have been in touch with auctioneers and dealers who have had both good and bad experiences with buying antiques in Europe. I have noticed that without exception, the difference between a good experience and a bad one rested solely on who they actually did business with.

Those that did business with the same company that I did business had a great experience. Those that didnt had a difficult experience.

There are various companies that ship antiques from Europe, and you can find their sites all over the Internet. I have however come to realize that not all of these companies are equal! Some of them are very condescending, while others try to speak to the common folk while doing business. None of this has a bearing on your bottom line!

There are a few things that you should look for when searching for an antique shipping company. Ill list them for you.

1.Per item price. Knowing your market is so vitally important to understanding whether or not you be profitable. Keep in mind that what is quoted from the company is never what the item actually costs. After you have paid ship transportation, duties, documentation fees, and trucking to your facility, the price per item goes up.

2.Reputation in your country. When the company is thousands of miles away, many of them will often tell you what you want to hear. Make sure that you have testimonials from people who have done business with them in your country! Call these people, talk with them about their experience, and tap their brains for more information about the company. Good shipping companies will always be willing to give you references from people that are satisfied with their services.

3.Company attitude. Keep in mind that you are offering to do business with them. Some antique shipping companies often come across as condescending and snobbish. Do not be afraid to ask questions, (even if they seem like stupid questions.) If they come across as rude or snooty, you may want to consider whether or not you wish to have a buying relationship with them.

If shipping antiques from another country seems like something that you would like to explore do your homework! It can be a lucrative move, but it can also empty your account quickly if you dont know what you are doing.

Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer and author of the e-book "Buying Fresh Antiques - 16 Ways to Increase Your Opportunities No Matter Where You Live." His web site Antique Power Dealer is popular among antique dealers and enthusiasts. Antique Power Dealer