Collecting Exotic Perfume Bottles

Tag:

!

Collecting perfume bottles is definitely a hot hobby these days. But collecting vintage perfume bottles is a whole lot more rewarding because of the intrinsic value associated with each piece. Thinking of buying a piece to start or augment your collection? Read on for some tips.

Firstly, it is highly advisable to do some research on vintage perfume bottles before heading out. Have a basic idea of the designs, the manufacturers and origin. There are lots of books written on vintage perfume bottles, but your best bet is still the Internet. Auction sites are especially informative and there is the added advantage of being able to compare prices.

Secondly, what can one find antique perfume bottles? Begin by searching antique stores if you are a newbie. Most storeowners would be able to guide you on the age and origin of each piece. Compare what the storeowner tells you with your research note and you will know whether the storeowner is reliable. Auction sites like Yahoo! and eBay are good for bargain purchases but make sure you ask lots of questions and demand to see pictures of the bottle to ensure it is the real thing. You may also be able to unravel gems occasionally in garage or yard sales.

The manufacturer of antique perfume bottles is important too. Some of the most famous manufacturers of perfume bottles are Lalique, Baccarat, Julian Viard, Devilbiss, Tiffany, Daum Nancy. To determine whether the antique perfume bottle is original, be sure to scrutinize the bottom of the bottle. Brands like Lalique and Baccarat mark their bottles, which make your collecting a lot easier.

Another consideration is the overall condition of the vintage perfume bottles. Perfume bottles in the best shapes retain their value. So try to buy bottles that are in pristine condition. Scrutinize the vintage bottle to see if there are cracks, fleabites or nicks on the bottle. If there is a label, check for smudges, discoloring, chipping and peeling. All these little details will affect the value of the bottle.

Next, it matters whether the vintage perfume bottle comes with its original box and other peripherals. Boxes are a definite help in selling vintage perfume bottles. Ensure the cap, applicator, atomizer (the lovely squeeze ball!) or the stopper are not missing. And even if the seller claims he has the complete set, check to confirm all items are the originals. I have seen many stoppers that do not go with the bases.

Last but not the least, let your glass shine! Give the insides of an empty perfume bottle an occasional scrub by filling in some water, followed by swirling lead shot or sand in it. If old perfume bottles are turning cloudy (a result of hard water mineral deposits), fill it with water and add a denture-cleaning tablet. However, do be very careful not to wet the label on the bottle.

=====

Of course, if you also want to smell good, why not try a special scent like Burberry Perfume  or a clean and fresh scent like Clean Perfume?For even more information on branded perfumes, visit Perfume 321.