February 3rd, 2012 — Antique Bottles, Collectible Bottles, Collectibles, Decorative Collectibles, perfume bottles

Perfume bottles are a highly collectible item, not just because of their uniqueness and beauty, but because they’re easy to store and display. They’re small, smaller than many other types of collectible items, so even those with limited space can enjoy collecting at least a few of their favorites. They can also be quite valuable ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the manufacturer and the design. Collecting them is such a popular hobby there are even organizations dedicated to the hobby and a number of books written about collecting different types of bottles.
Most people collect perfume bottles, not necessarily because of the value but because they find them beautiful. As long as there have been perfumed oils and fragrances for the body, there have had to be containers to hold them. While an ancient perfume container is a truly rare find, vintage perfume bottles produced over the last hundred years or so are easy to find in places like online auctions.
Perfume bottles from the 16th and 17th century will probably be Venetian and Murano glass, and can be valuable because they’re handmade, one-of-a-kind. Nineteenth-century bottles might be made from porcelain. Bottles made in the 20th century both benefited and suffered from mass-production. Now the bottles were uniform and exactly alike, allowing a perfumery to duplicate a bottle an infinite number of times, as well as produce more product more quickly for sale. But with that came the decline of hand-made, unique bottles.
One of the most famous perfume bottles created during the mid-20th century is the Lalique L’air du Temps, one any collector shouldn’t be without unless you choose to specialize in a certain type of bottle. This bottle features one or more frosted doves on top of the bottle. Empty bottles from the 1940s can go for anywhere from $50 and up at auction.
Other perfume bottles from these early years of mass production can be worth as much, or more. If you’re interested in the bottles solely for their investment value, it would pay to read some books about collecting them and how to judge the price of the items. Always look for bottles in the original box with any tags or charms still intact.
If you want to collect them mostly for the aesthetics, then it’s just a matter of deciding what you like. There are so many different types of perfume bottles that one could never hope to collect even a small portion of them, so it’s necessary to decide a direction, or decide just to collect a smattering of different styles.
You might choose to collect perfume bottles that held a certain perfume, or fragrances by a specific company. Lalique is a great example of a company that put out many beautiful bottles in different designs for its different scents. You might choose bottles that feature something specific, like flowers. Marc Jacobs’ Daisy has a beautiful flower-topped bottle. Or you might choose bottles from specific countries, or those produced during certain years.
Originally posted 2008-12-03 05:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 1st, 2012 — Avon Collectibles, Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles
The Avon Company has been a respected institution in the United States since 1886, and their line of decorative collectibles contain some of the most sought after pieces on record. The company first began producing Avon collectibles in the mid-1960’s and they were instantly a hit. The vast majority of Avon collectibles are containers that once held products, although you can now find plush and other forms that are all valuable.
If you come across an Avon collectible, there are a few ways to make sure that you are dealing with the real thing. First, the piece should have Avon’s mark on the bottom, and may also contain the date that the piece was made. Ideally, if it was intended to hold a product, this should all be there, but finding one of these pieces is rare indeed. If there is no longer product in the Avon collectible, it should be completely clean.
Most Avon collectibles came with a certificate of authenticity. The pieces that still have their original certificates are considered to be the most valuable, so start your search for these pieces first. While there are a few rare models on the market that do not have certificates, generally it is best to find one that does still have this authentication.
For the most part, Avon collectibles are priced in a range that allows most people the chance to get a few pieces. There are a few very rare pieces that will sell in the thousands, but generally, they will be priced anywhere from $50 to $500. The older pieces from the 1960’s will generally fetch more money than newer items, and there is always sentimental value to consider as well.
One of the best places to find rare Avon collectibles is online or at your local flea market. Keep an eye out for these brightly colored figurines, since you never know when you may come across a great value. Always make sure to inspect your piece thoroughly however before you buy it. A single crack can greatly diminish the overall value of a piece.
If you are dealing with an online seller of Avon collectibles, make sure that they include pictures from every angle so that you have a better idea of the overall condition. The pictures should be close enough so that you can see any surface imperfections. If they are not, you may want to ask the seller to provide better photographs so that you know exactly what you are buying.
Avon collectibles are a great way to introduce children into the world of collecting. Their bright colors, fanciful designs and overall lower price make them an ideal starter collection for just about anyone. Whether you are looking for a specific piece that you remember from childhood, or you are completely new to Avon collectibles, this is a fun collection that you can share with the entire family. Consider starting your own collection of Avon collectibles today and see how many great pieces you can find.
Originally posted 2008-08-25 05:00:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 31st, 2012 — Decorative Collectibles, Franklin Mint Collectibles

One of the most popular brands of collectibles are Franklin Mint Collectibles. This company is well known throughout the world for providing collectible editions at reasonable prices and they even offer payment plans for their more expensive items. This has allowed thousands, if not millions of people the ability to start their own private collections. No matter what you are interested in collecting, chances are there are Franklin Mint Collectibles that are perfect for you.
Here are just a few of the different types of Franklin Mint Collectibles that are currently available.
Coins
This is actually where the Franklin Mint Collectibles company got their start and they have produced many different collectible coins throughout the years. Most are in gold or silver, but there are a few commemorative coins made out of cheaper materials. For those looking for a higher end collectible from the mint, these are a good choice. Thanks to their payment plan, you can usually end up with a very valuable collection of coins.
Plates
These are probably the most common Franklin Mint Collectibles and hundreds of designs are available. They have plates for events, movies, television characters, singers and pretty much every other topic under the sun. While these may not be incredibly valuable, they are great decorative collectibles and they are fun to amass. For those on a budget, these plates offer a great way to decorate your home.
Figurines
The Franklin Mint Collectibles company also produces collectible figurines. Many of these are designed by the mint and are exclusive to their company, while others are licensed through other venues. These are a little more valuable and more expensive than the plates, but they are still considered to be priced at entry levels. The larger figurines are typically more expensive, but they will also usually be more valuable later on as well.
Books
Although these ended production in 2000, they are still quite popular. The Franklin Mint Collectibles company produced many different collectible books between 1973 and 2000 and offered collectors the rare chance to get some great literature. Although they are no longer made, you can still find these volumes at flea markets, auctions, online auctions and even through local garage sales. For those that love books, this is a natural collectible and there are some great titles that they released that can’t be found anywhere else.
Assorted Collectibles
The Franklin Mint Collectibles company produces numerous types of decorative collectibles, including pocket knives, chess sets and board games, Monopoly special editions, steins, and other common collectibles. Many of these feature pop culture icons and a few are actually quite valuable. These are still in production today and account for a large portion of the company’s business.
No matter what you like to collect, there’s a big chance that the Franklin Mint Collectibles company produces it. While these may not have the same dollar value as vintage collectibles right now, many will continue to grow in value as the years go by.
Photo Credits: kevindooley
Originally posted 2008-09-26 05:15:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 21st, 2012 — Collectibles, Decorative Collectibles, Faberge Egg

Almost everyone has heard some reference to a Faberge egg, though many people simply think it’s some sort of fancy, jeweled egg, without realizing the history behind it or its true value. Carl Faberge designed the first of these eggs in 1885, for the Russian Czar, Alexander III. Alexander wanted to give it to his wife as an Easter gift, and commissioned Faberge and his goldsmiths to create the egg. After that, a new egg was created almost yearly to be given to the Czar’s wife. His son even carried on the tradition, giving his wife and his mother, after Alexander’s death, a new creation each spring.
What made the first Faberge egg special wasn’t just that it was made from gold, but because once the egg was opened, a surprise was revealed. The first one held a golden yolk, which contained a golden hen, which contained a small crown with a ruby, in the tradition of Russian nesting dolls. After this, all the eggs made for the Czar had to contain a surprise. These eggs are known as the Imperial eggs, of which 44 still exist, and were the most extravagant ones created by Faberge and his craftsmen.
Faberge made more for private collections, but only 69 eggs in total were made, and as far as anyone knowns, only 61 still exist. These are museum pieces, commanding up to millions of dollars in value, with almost half them kept in Russia. The Faberge egg became little more than spoils of war in the 1920s, when Stalin has many sold. Until Carl Faberge died in 1920, not long after fleeing to Switzerland when the Bolsheviks seized power, the House of Faberge had created more than just eggs, but pieces that command millions of dollars at auction today.
The term Faberge egg is often used to describe any kind of whimsical, gilded or jeweled egg statue, often with a surprise inside the egg. While some of these may be beautiful, the reproductions of the actual Faberge eggs are the most sought out, and can command hundreds to thousands of dollars each, depending on the amount of gold used, and the original egg that it represents.
Of the eggs made by Faberge, the Imperial eggs are the ones most often created in reproduction, because they’re considered the most beautiful. The eggs that followed often mimicked those designs and were less original, so the Imperial collection is widely believed to be the most important. A reproduction Faberge egg makes a beautiful conversation piece, and allows us to appreciate the beauty and artistry that was created so long ago.
You can find a reproduction Imperial Faberge egg in a variety of places, though eBay and online sellers are easier to find than local stores that sell these gems. The most affordable versions are the miniature reproductions, which capture the colors and style of the original eggs in a smaller size. These allow you to collect several of the eggs and display them together in a relatively small space.
Originally posted 2008-11-12 05:00:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 20th, 2012 — Antique Jewelry, Collectibles, Decorative Collectibles

Most of us have heard the term Bakelite, even if we’re not entirely sure what it means. When we think of Bakelite we often think of plastic, as they seem to go hand in hand. But Bakelite is a type of plastic, most often used in costume jewelry in the early 20th century. It became most popular in the 1940s and 1950s, when costume jewelry in bright colors was prized over delicate chains and golden and silver charms.
Bakelite creator, Belgian Leo Baekeland, invented Bakelite in 1909, patented it in 1910 and sold it for a decade for industrial purposes before adjusting his factory to also produce Bakelite jewelry items. Bakelite was actually used for a number of things, including phonograph records for Thomas Edison. It was also now used for handles of things like mirrors, replacing the older more easily word celluloid plastic.
With mass production came the end of Bakelite’s popularity. But now collectors, and just fans of the jewelry, see out these earliest pieces for many reasons. There’s no shortage of Bakelite on eBay, but the problem is that you don’t now if something’s Bakelite or if it’s merely very good. Some people use Bakelite as a generic type term for plastic, which is incorrect.
Bakelite can be found online in auctions, in online stores, vintage shops and estate sales. Often in a batch of costume jewelry there will be some Bakelite items. Many of us who used to play dress-up often pulled those old pieces of Bakelite jewelry out of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ jewelry boxes and pretended to be someone we weren’t. This type of jewelry was most popular during the Great Depression.
The method of Bakelite production also serves to make the plastic unique. Instead of being melted and poured into a mold, the Bakelite often arrived in cylinders that required carving to reveal the design to be present in the jewelry. It could be melted down and poured in containers for shaping and coating, but most often it came in solid chunks. When manufacturers learned how to put color into Bakelite, it gave way to a period of bright colored furniture of the 60s.
It’s not easy to determine if a piece of jewelry up for auction is an authentic Bakelite or just vintage plastic. If you can handle the jewelry and do a hot pin test on it you’ll know. A heated pin touched to an inconspicuous spot on the jewelry should release a distinctive odor. Formaldehyde is an ingredient in Bakelite, so the heated pin should release that scent. Some Bakelite gives off a slight formaldehyde scent already. But when you can see it, you can ask the seller to test the item, if he or she sounds unsure.
A little research into the popular jewelry of the Depression era will bring you lots of info about Bakelite, and will make it easier to spot, even for the movie. Once mass-production began, Bakelite disappeared, but it can still find a place in your jewelry box today.
Originally posted 2008-12-02 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 9th, 2012 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles, Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade is a living, American artist whose work is so popular today that many people have no idea they even have Thomas Kinkade artwork in their homes in some form or another. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes his art. People either dismiss it as throwaway art, no more skillful than a paint by numbers, they revile it for the commercialism that has made it so popular, or they cherish the homespun and idyllic scenes, the soft, pastel colors, and the light glow inherent in the paintings.
Unlike any other artist in history, Thomas Kinkade has taken an active hand in marketing his creations to the world. He has sold prints of his artwork on television, through the QVC home shopping network. He’s even trademarked the phrases “Painter of Light” and “America’s most collected living artist.”
A Thomas Kinkade painting is recognizable by the subject matter. The images are distinctly American, with some of them even coming from his hometown. Nature is often depicted in gardens, running water like streams, street, stone cottages and other settings. His paintings are simple scenes with no hidden messages or subliminal symbolism, and much of mainstream America appreciates these images of home and country, while others criticize their simplicity and straightforward style, claiming its not true art.
Often, a Thomas Kinkade painting will contain images of his daughters, or their names. And the letter ‘n’ is often emphasized in tribute to his wife. Churches and other symbols of the Christian faith are often depicted in his paintings, as he’s a devout believer who says he wants to use his artwork to touch people of all faiths. These religious paintings have made Kinkade popular among the American religious community.
Thomas Kinkade has earned millions through his artwork, thanks to unashamed promotion of it. He’s often asked to help commemorate milestones like an anniversary at Disney, and he has helped the efforts of many non-profit organizations like The Salvation Army and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. While many criticize him for his commercialism, others argue that artwork that isn’t viewed and appreciated is pointless, and at least he’s brought art to the mainstream.
Because of his efforts to popularize his artwork, a Thomas Kinkade print is one of the most easily accessible pieces of art that exists today. Original paintings cost in the thousands, but prints are affordable, helping to make him commercially popular. They can be purchased online, in auctions like eBay, and in shops that specialize in artist prints.
If you’re looking for an original painting, buy it from a respected art dealer to prevent being sold a forgery. If the price is only a few hundred dollars, chances are it’s not a true Thomas Kinkade. Other items featuring his art range from things like calendars to collector tins, so if you’re a fan you can enjoy his art in just about any form you can imagine. You can also purchase a variety of items directly from the artist’s website.
Originally posted 2008-11-11 06:19:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 20th, 2011 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Figurines, Precious Moments Collectibles
With their distinctive designs and inspirational quips, Precious Moments collectibles are one of the most sought after decorative arts. Originally designed in 1975 by Eugene Freedman, it wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that the company hit full stride. Since then, these cute little figurines have had quite an impact on collectors from around the world. These are very popular gift items and many people have built up quite an impressive collection just from receiving these gifts on special events.
Precious Moments collectibles typically depict small children, and they are known for their large eyes, small faces and tiny bodies. The figurines are made of porcelain and are typically sized at less than five inches total. There are numerous societies and clubs that collectors can join and out of all of the decorative collectibles that were made in the later part of the 20th century, these are undoubtedly the most popular.
Quite often, the designs reflect certain milestones or achievements in life. For example, there are Precious Moments collectibles for birthdays, graduations, weddings and other big events that occur throughout someone’s life. There are also many figurines dedicated to inspiring their owners, and these will typically contain a small message that is attached to the figurine via a small plaque.
The success of Precious Moments collectibles has spurred an entire industry dedicated to these tiny figures and you can find everything from cards, posters, billboards and many other designs that now carry their likenesses. They are also popular online and you can find thousands of places to share and collect images of these figurines.
The rarest Precious Moments collectibles are the ones that are known as “exclusives.” These will typically denote a certain culture. For example, the Japanese kimono line, as pictured above, is considered to be very collectible and many people will spend months trying to locate them.
The advent of online shopping and auction sites has led to the furthered expansion of the Precious Moments collectibles craze. You can find many rare figurines on these auction sites and it is quite easy to locate the new editions that are published every year. For those seeking the rarest of the rare Precious Moments collectibles, these auction sites provide access that is unparalleled.
When shopping for Precious Moments collectibles online, it is important to make sure that they come with a certificate of authenticity. Although these figures are usually easy to find, there are those that try to pass off counterfeit figurines. Make sure that the seller provides a picture of the certificate, as well as a picture of the bottom of the figurine so that you can identify the marks.
If you are looking for a great little collectible that is fun to give or receive, Precious Moments collectibles may be the ideal choice. They are perfect for children and adults alike and as their popularity continues to grow, older versions and the exclusive series will continue to grow in value. The next time you see a Precious Moments collectible you may just decide to give it a try.
Originally posted 2008-08-28 14:00:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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