Unlike many collectors who grew up surrounded by antiques, or were lucky enough to have collecting parents, Miller said her parents were of the formica generation and no antiques were in her childhood home. But she was fascinated by history and when she was still a student, she started collecting, never paying more than a few cents for things.
Miller reiterates what many experts say -- we collect because of nostalgia, a way of looking back to our youth. In these uncertain times, many people now collect as a way of cocooning and creating a safe environment in their homes. This is one reason why she feels Teddy Bears are incredibly popular, they make us feel safe. "Frightened boys go back to their toys."
Miller is typically in the States about one week a month, not slowing down her traveling a bit.
"If you don't travel because of recent events, you are letting terrorism win!"
At the time we talked, she was in New York while her staff was spread around the world -- in Germany, France and Canada. Traveling constantly is the norm for her staff of fifteen photographers and appraisers as they continually work on new books and updating the annual books.
Miller acknowledges the Internet has brought about a big change in collecting. Now we can buy anywhere around the world and people are exposed to many different types of collecting that before they might not even know existed.
She shared a few tips for collectors:
- Do research yourself, don't expect to watch Antique Roadshow and become an expert.
- Learn by going to collections, museums, auctions and antique fairs before you give up your hard earned cash.
- But, if you really like something buy it -- if you can afford it!
Miller talked about fakes and how they have always been a problem, but mentioned that luckily many fakes are pretty bad. And many times the fakes are in the wrong colors, so if you are interested in e.g. Lalique -- if you know the colors and items produced (by doing your research) it's an easy giveaway that it's a fake. She has seen pieces of "Lalique" on eBay that are obvious fakes as the color and molds are completely wrong. If you've done your research -- you'll know instantly that the pieces are not authentic.
Miller feels that many of the newer collectibles are not as quite as affected by reproductions as antiques. The newer collectibles are usually well documented, well marked and often numbered. But again, do your own research.
What's Hot?
- Early plastics, especially jewelry
- General Rock n' Pop, e.g. Grateful Dead
- Autographs are always popular
- Patriotic -- anything with a flag does well, especially jewelry.
- Advertising Collectibles
- Smoking Collectibles -- which are undervalued right now.
What's Not!
- Hummels are temporarily dead, but will go probably go up again.
- Clarice Cliff was very hot, prices became ridiculously high and fell. But starting to go up again!
- Beanie Babies - don't book the cruise yet!
- Anything "limited edition" (unless the edition is 1000 or less). Ask what is it limited to? Five million - ten million is not particularly limited.
Miller is very keen on promoting modern designers and the new areas of collecting with her books, so if you want to find out about something unusual or new -- her books are a good start. And if you are a collector of items from the around the globe, not just your part of world, her books are a must.
Coming up:
Look for a Costume Jewelry book in the fall, followed
later by a guide on Art Nouveau. Other books on the agenda include Tribal and Native American Art,
Decorative Arts, Depression Glass, vintage spectacles and furniture.
