That finished collection of antique trays and platters that you finally completed, you can bet you will not enough cabinet space to store each piece. To store the collection and to add a design element, find shelves with a rack that can hold them all. You will showcase your gorgeous finds, and it is beyond useful.

Turn your antique jewelry into art. Jewelry kept in a box typically gets forgotten about. Let everyone see your collection that you worked hard on by displaying the pieces. Decorate a cork board with fabric or wrapping paper and hang the antique pieces for the board with pretty pushpins. Add even more flair by putting the corkboard into an antique frame.

If you find that you are never truly finished with a collection, then a gallery wall will give you the ability to change out your treasures as you wish. Picture ledges across a wall will allow you to keep the antique finds you have on display, but it is not permanent, and it makes for easy switches.

Do not be afraid to use all the vertical space available. Tabletops can only hold so much without looking cluttered. If you tend to collect smaller antiques, then custom shelving is a great way to showcase your pieces. Be sure to keep your display interesting. Group together items with similar shapes, but do not keep every piece at one height. Alternate and spread out heights. You can even add books as riser to vary the heights of certain objects.

Mix the old with the new. If you are a collector of antique furnishings, then add some modern essentials to contrast with the older pieces. By doing this you will keep the room from looking and feeling dated and give it an updated vibe.

Add depth to your displays to give instant drama. On your bookshelf display, place taller, larger pieces in the back of the shelf and place the shorter, smaller pieces in front for added depth. Another way to add depth is to layer. Take a standard rectangular mirror propped on a table; if you add an ornamental antique frame over top, you create interest and depth immediately.

About the Author: P. Downing loves collecting antiques, and working with alliedsatellitetv.com helps to fund her hobby.

When considering protecting valuable artwork museum standard framing is the highest level of framing that is available and the greatest standard of protection that can be provided for any piece of artwork. Despite the suggestion of its name, such a high standard of framing is not merely confined to artwork contained within the walls of museums and galleries. Museum standard framing is available for any piece of artwork that holds high monetary or sentimental value and therefore must be preserved for the years to come. This standard of framing is second to none and is crucial in ensuring that valuable artwork remains in the very best condition for the foreseeable future.

Museum standard framing affords artwork that is in a stable condition protection against UV light, humidity, airborne pollution, physical or mechanical damage, insect damage and acid attack among many other threats. The process offers a high standard of protection including the filtering of 97% of UV light. Moreover, the process of museum standard framing is designed to be reversible for up to 35 years after completion with no damage sustained to the artwork during that period under normal conditions. What is more, original frames tend to be retained in the process as they can greatly increase the value of the artwork.

Companies that offer museum standard framing tend to offer a wide variety of glazing solutions that can be tailored to the individual requirements of the customer. They allow a high standard of protection while ensuring that the piece of artwork can still be enjoyed. Glazing options often include anti-reflective glass, laminate glass, water white glass, ultra violet glass and acrylic. These glazing solutions offer near transparency, a high level of protection during transit, colourless glazing, a high level of UV protection and a non-glass solution respectively. When selection the glazing to be used in museum standard framing customers should carefully consider the conditions in which the artwork will spend most of its time. For example, it should be ascertained whether the artwork will spend a lot of time in transit or in environmental conditions that would be detrimental to its preservation. Through careful consideration the owner of the valuable piece of artwork can ensure its preservation for the years to come with museum standard framing.

About the Author: This post was written by J. Harper on behalf of Ironbridge Fine Arts And Framing, experts in Museum Standard Framing. For more info on Museum Standard Framing please visit IronbridgeFraming.co.uk

This Vintage Penn #77 Ocean, Lake and River Fishing Reel was first manufactured in the 1950’s and was discontinued sometime in the 1980’s. Stats are as follows:

• Gear Ratio - 3:1
• Line - 36lb
• Capacity - 125 yards
• Weight - 9 oz

This reel would make a perfect addition to any classic fisherman’s collection.

See this listing on eBay here:
Vintage Penn #77 Ocean, Lake and River Fishing Reel! 2

Antiquing is the act of shopping for antiques. Many start out small, antiquing in their home towns, visiting yard sales, and antique stores. However, there are many antique enthusiasts who take to the open road and travel to find exceptional pieces to add to their collections. Antique stores are all over the United States, but some of the best places to find antiques are in the Southeastern part of the United States. If you are an avid antique collector looking for places to visit to find unique treasures, or just a beginner looking for ideas, here are three places in the Southeast that you should consider visiting to find some great additions to any collections.

Cameron, North Carolina - The small town of Cameron really came to life in 1875 when the railroad arrived. By that time, the Fayetteville Plank Road and the railroad offered many opportunities to those in the area. The turpentine distilleries and dewberry farming industries were notable businesses. At one time, Cameron was considered the dewberry capital of the world. Many of the points of interest in this town date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. What that means for collectors is rare and old finds. With ten shops along one road in Cameron, the town was named “Best Antique Area in North Carolina” by Our State Magazine. All of the antique stores are located in the original structures that were once general stores, homes, and offices. Throughout the year Cameron hosts antique fairs and festivals and invites even more dealers out to buy, sell, and trade antiques. If you love rare treasures and history behind pieces, then Cameron is a great place for you to visit.

Charleston, South Carolina - Charleston is the perfect place to find some uncommon antiques, as it was founded in 1670. At the time it was the most important port in the colonies, importing the best in 18^th and 19^th century culture. The influences of Europe and Asia are still present in the town today. The town itself was formed by many more influences as well. This includes the king for which the town was named, the “Merry Monarch,” King Charles II. Wars were fought within Charleston, as well as invasions of pirates, armies, and Indians. Each year the town hosts an international antique show that is inspired by the rich heritage of Charleston. Here you will find the best in period furniture and vintage pieces.

Asheville, North Carolina - The first settlers of the Asheville area arrived in 1784. Since then, the town of Asheville has boomed and along with the nation in the 1930s, struggled. During the Civil War, the area hosted a Confederate military hub, during the Roaring 20s, Asheville hosted presidents and famous authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe. This is also where the largest privately owned home, the Biltmore House is located. This rich history has a lot to offer antique lovers. The Biltmore antiques district offers a multitude of shops, and it features the Sweeten Creek Antique Mall. This antique mall has 31,000 square feet of antiques. You will find French, English, and American antiques from the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. Like other antique towns, Asheville hosts an antique fair. The Asheville Antiques Fair is one of the oldest in the Southeast and is going into its 65^th year.

The Southeastern United States has an abundant history that will almost transport you back into the time periods of the antique pieces you see while visiting. Although you may just be in the areas for the purpose of adding to your collection, but you will surely fall in love with more than the antiques. It is almost like these towns were created for the antique enthusiast.

About the Author: P. Downing loves antiques. Working at www.directsattv.com helps to fund her hobby of collecting rare treasures.

Image credits: Flickr User megananne

The sophisticated black face of the watch only shows the Roman Numeral XII with the Time Elements markings. The watch has no scratches or problems with the crystal. It appears to be in working order but does need a new battery.

View this gorgeous watch in the eBay Store:
Ladie’s Time Elements Quartz Watch

Designed by Learning Curve, the Toby piece is designed for children ages 2 and up. Toby’s wooden design makes him look like an electric tram car but he’s really a steam engine - and he’s one of Thomas’s main rivals!

Grab your Toby the Tram piece today:
“Toby” Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends Engine 2+ New

While antique insurance is certainly not required as is a more common type of insurance like car insurance (unless of course you are insuring an antique car at Hagerty’s or somewhere similar!), wise antique collectors keep excellent records, purchase specialized antique insurance, and are informed about the insurance coverage requirements.

Antique Documentation Proves Value

Experienced collectors keep the documentation associated with every antique within the collection to prove the origin and stated value of the antique at the time of purchase. All documentation must be kept in a protected environment where natural disasters cannot destroy it.

1. Certificate of Authenticity – Every object accompanied by a certificate will carry a market value that must be insured separately. The certificate creates value within the antique market that adds to the replacement value. Preserve the certificate in an acid-free sleeve to prevent ink deterioration.

2. Professional Appraisal – A written appraisal is required for any antique insurance policy. The appraiser provides a statement of replacement value within the antique market based on availability of similar objects and the rarity of the item. Accurate appraisals are required for coverage of the item to be approved by the underwriter within the insurance company. Acquire referrals to find a reputable appraiser and maintain contact with this person over time.

3. Receipts and Invoices – Every purchase is accompanied by the receipts and invoices that document the history of the antique. When proof of the purchase price many years ago can be provided, the antique retains more value on the market. If the item is removed from the collection and sold, the associated documents would be included with the sale.

4. Visual Record – Pictures and video must be kept current and protected from the elements for access in the event the item must be replaced. Insurance companies cannot dispute the existence of the item when pictures can be produced. Multiple angles of the item will provide the information required to replace the object with a comparable item in the event of loss.

Antique Insurance Rider

Homeowners insurance policies cover the contents of the home up to a certain aggregate dollar amount. Whenever a claim is made against the policy, standard replacement costs are paid within documented categories. Antique items are not covered at the replacement value of the object. A Chippendale chair will be replaced as a simple chair if the appropriate insurance coverage is not purchased.

1. Combined Value – Many insurance agents will recommend insurance for any item that is worth more than $5000. Special consideration must be given to the combined value of all the antiques in the collection. Ten objects worth $1000 each add up to $10,000 so each of these must be insured even though they do not meet the stated per item minimum value.

2. Irreplaceable Objects – One-of-a-kind items have monetary value that can be insured. Specialized appraisal information is required to cover these items because the object does not have a peer for replacement. In these cases, monetary value is assigned to the object and the insurance company will pay that amount in the event of loss. These policy riders are expensive, but for very valuable objects the annual premium expense is considered worth it.

3. Itemized Coverage – For full payment to be made by the insurance company, every antique must be listed separately on the policy. Maintenance of this level of detail may seem cumbersome until something damages one of the valued items within the collection. Detailed descriptions of each item are essential for coverage to be maintained.

Insurance Coverage Requirements

Antique enthusiasts learn quickly about the limitations of standard homeowner insurance coverage. Every collection presents challenges when the collector embarks on the journey to document and insure each item. Sufficient insurance information exists to make informed choices to pay the most reasonable premium for adequate replacement coverage (the Antiques & Collectibles National Association is a great source for detailed step by step information).

1. Specialty Insurance Company – Certain antique items must be insured by companies that specialize in underwriting replacement coverage. The cost of these policies is affordable for those with large collections that will require extensive maintenance efforts.

2. Homeowner’s Policy Rider – Collectors with just a few antiques to insure usually will choose to purchase a specialty rider to cover their collection. For the static collection where the inventory remains unchanged, the rider made be an easier choice. Premiums are included in the annual cost of the homeowners insurance rates.

3. Read the Fine Print – Certain types of damage fall within each type of policy and should be understood by the insured. Water damage may be omitted so the collector must be informed of the policy coverage limitations. Fire, theft, and destruction by natural disasters, excluding floods, are covered under most policies, but the documentation provided with each policy must be reviewed.

4. Add Every New Purchase – Antique lovers will purchase a beloved item at regular intervals throughout the calendar year. Every item must be added to the insurance policy and all documentation records must be updated. Set two dates per year to review the documentation and the insurance policy to validate the coverage of each item.

Maintaining the coverage on every antique in a collection may seem cumbersome until loss occurs. The sentimental value of a beautiful object can never be repaid, but monetary compensation allows the hunt for a replacement to commence. Reputable insurance companies provide rapid payouts in the aftermath of disasters. Experienced insurance agents strive to find better rates when risk pools are affected by increased claims in certain areas of the country. Remember to leverage multiple policy discounts and adjust the policy coverage when antiques are added to and removed from the collection.

About the Author: Patricia is the mother of 2 kids and a part-time writer. She contributes for a car insurance website and a website for comparing insurance quotes. When she is not writing or busing her kids around she can usually be found in her home garden.

The trays are perfect for a ladies luncheon, girls night in, or simply for adding to your collection of Anchor glass.

Visit this listing on eBay:
8 Piece Anchorglass ServaSnack Set, Anchor Glass MIB

Whether you own your own home or rent from a landlord, if you’re serious about protecting your antiques, your current insurance policy may need an upgrade. The typical insurance policy does not cover items over a certain value unless you add additional coverage to account for these possessions. Luckily, you can do so fairly easily and for not much additional cost.

Here are some FAQs about making sure your antiques are financially protected:

How much does it cost to ensure my antiques are covered?

That depends on two things: the value of your antiques you’re covering and the insurance company you use. If you want lower rates, you can also look into adding a security system, fire alarms, and other safety devices to your home or apartment, which will help protect your possessions and, thus, keep your policy rates low.

Will I receive the full value for my antiques in the case of a theft, fire, or other disaster?

It depends if your policy specifies that you’ll receive purchase price or replacement value. Antiques change in value extremely quickly in some cases. If your policy says that you’ll receive purchase price, save your receipt, because that’s the price you’ll be reimbursed. However, if your policy says that you’ll receive replacement value, you’ll be reimbursed the amount it will take to buy a new item. In most cases, you’ll pay more for your insurance policy if you want replacement value reimbursement, especially for antiques.

Do I have to work with my landlord to buy insurance?

If you rent instead of own your own home, your landlord has to purchase an insurance policy – but their policy only protects the building itself, not the possessions inside. You don’t have to know anything about your landlord’s policy at all to protect your antiques and other possessions. Simple look for “renter insurance” instead of “homeowner insurance.” Insurance for renter’s does not include coverage on the property itself, so it is usually a lot less expensive.

What do I have to do after buying the policy?

Some insurance companies require you to document your antiques if you add them to the policy, but even if this is not mandated, it is a good idea. Take pictures of each piece, and make copies of anything that verifies price, such as receipts and certificates of authenticity. Send copies to your insurance company if they request them; if not, make sure you have copies away from your home, such as at a friend’s house or in a safe deposit box.

This is a guest post from Allison. Allison works with RentersInsurance.org, where you can learn more about purchasing renters insurance.

We listed these earrings as used but they were purchased for our auction from the original owner. They’re in the original box and are in brand-new condition. They’ve never been worn.

Visit the eBay listing here for more details:
Jenlari 2Ct TW Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Earrings