You're in your favorite antique shop, when you run across a unique blue and white gravy boat. It would be the perfect piece to finish out the ensemble you are creating for your next party, but how do you know it is truly an antique? Finding a true piece of Spode, Wedgewood or other antique china can be an exciting experience. If you follow the simple tips below, you are sure to enhance your collection as well as make a few wise investments.

One of the first things you want to do is examine the piece for damage. This can come in many forms from chips, cracks to paint wear. There is even a possibility that there might be staining in the china. These things will decrease the value of the china. While it might be listed for a great price, it will not increase in value as the years go on.

Next, as mentioned above, look at the hand painting on the piece. Is it intact? Depending on how often the piece was used will depend on how the paint held up. It will also tell you if the piece has been treated poorly by the former owner. Hand painted pieces of antique china will not hold up in the dishwasher. If there are large gaps of what appear to be missing paint, the likelihood that the china was washed in a dishwasher is great. This can cause further breakdown on the china making it extremely delicate. Think carefully before you buy if the piece is damaged in such a way.

Turn the piece over and inspect the watermark or hallmark. This will tell you several things. One that it wasn't made in China, though there are some elegant pieces of antique china out there that were, but you are looking for the hallmark of Spode, Wedgewood, etc. If you are unfamiliar with what these should look like, educate yourself by going to the official sites of these companies before even thinking about buying a piece of antique china. A well educated person will know what they found, when they have found it.

If after careful inspection the piece appears to be well worth what the antique dealer is asking, buy it, but not before you do a little haggling. An antique shop has items that are placed for sale from either items the dealer himself bought or were placed there by others. You can always ask if the price is firm and if you get any hesitation, jump on the item to see how low the dealer is willing to go.

Another good place to pick up pieces of antique china is your local thrift shop or consignment shops. People will place items in these stores without really knowing what they are getting rid of and often times don't care. They might have inherited the blue and white goose from their recently departed Aunt Ivy but it doesn't mesh with their decor. Their loss can be your gain.

The main thing to remember in buying antique china is to look at the piece carefully. Cracks, craze lines, and missing paint will diminish the value of it. If these are not an issue, buy the piece and enjoy it for years to come.

This article is copyright to lynnechandler at HubPages 2009 with all rights reserved.