"Collector's Corner: Tips & Insights".

Argy Rousseau Art Glass      Gabriel Argy-Rousseau worked in Paris, France in the pate de Verre (paste of glass) style. He is generally considered one of the top five best art glassmakers to work in the pate de Verre style. He started his own workshop in 1906 and was active until the 1940s. Most Argy Rousseau pieces are either large and exceptional vases or smaller items like paperweights, plates, and bowls. He also did lots of glass pendants. The best Argy Rousseau vases can sell for between $5,000 and $30,000. Smaller, less desirable pieces usually trade for $1,000 and...

It Surprises Many to Find out that Baseball Cards have been Collected Since Long Before Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb or Joe Dimaggio were Born. A Young Ruth may have Found an Old Trade Card in The Attic and Marvelled at Its Age. A young Ty Cobb may have Been Given a Tobacco Card of Cap Anson and Wondered who was that Old Geezer. Click here to Read - Beginner's Guide to Baseball Cards  

CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPAL   When you are choosing your Opal it is VITAL that you know how the Opal will be worn, as some Opal will look brighter when viewed vertically whereas others will show more colour when viewed horizontally. This section sets out the factors used in determining value. There is no governing body which has set the prices for Opal. Opal prices are a result of what the international market is prepared to pay in order to obtain the gem. As with any other commodity, Opal is subject to the laws of supply and demand. The supply...

FAQ How is opal valued? What makes a good opal? What are the different patterns in opal? What faults can opal have that detract from its value? What is the play-of-colour? What should I look for in a good opal? How are opals valued? Why are some opals more expensive than others? The value of an opal depends on many factors. The type of opal, body tone, brilliance, pattern, colour bar thickness, the play of colour, and faults all play important roles in determining the value. Other important factors include the quality of the cut & polish and the size of...

Here Are Some Tricks and Tips, on Collecting That I've Learned Along the Way.   If you are new to collecting antiques and have had the misfortune to have already purchased a "fake" or reproduction that you were led to believe was the "real thing", don't despair. Even the most experienced dealers have, at one time or another, been taken in by good fakes... you're in good company! Train your eye to look for quality. Quality and craftsmanship are the main reasons that Carnival glass values will never equal or exceed that which it tried to copy...Tiffany's Favrile glass! The...