Collector's Guide

How to Authenticate a Salvador Dali Print
How to use Albert Field's official catalog to tell a genuine Salvador Dalí print from a fake — original vs cooperative prints, signatures, and editions. Read more...
Underside of a ceramic vase showing a painted maker's mark on the base
How to Identify Pottery & Ceramics: Marks, Glazes, and Value
Earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain? Real maker's mark or a fake? Here's how to identify pottery and ceramics, spot restoration, and judge what a piece is worth. Read more...
Framed artworks displayed on a gallery wall with controlled museum lighting
How to Care for Your Art Collection: Framing, Light, Humidity & Storage
Most damage to art is slow, invisible, and entirely preventable. Here's how to protect your collection — light, humidity, framing, handling, storage, and insurance. Read more...
Underside of antique Chinese porcelain vase showing a blue six-character reign mark
How to Identify Antique Chinese Porcelain Marks: A Collector's Guide
How do you read a Chinese reign mark — and why doesn't the mark alone date the piece? A collector's guide to porcelain marks, dynasties, and starting an Asian art... Read more...
Specialist examining the back of a framed painting for labels and provenance marks
How to Authenticate and Value Fine Art: A Collector's Guide
A signature isn't proof, and most certificates of authenticity aren't worth much. Here's how serious collectors actually authenticate and value fine art. Read more...
Carved translucent green jadeite jade pendant held to the light
How to Tell if Jade Is Real: 5 Tests + Jadeite vs. Nephrite Explained
Jadeite or nephrite? Real or treated? Grade A, B, or C? Here's how to tell if jade is real and what actually drives value in the world's most misunderstood gemstone. Read more...
Bronze sculpture base showing a foundry mark and edition number
How to Tell if a Bronze Sculpture Is Real: 6 Tests Collectors Use
Real bronze or bronze-look resin? Original cast or reproduction? Here are the six tests collectors and appraisers use to tell a genuine bronze sculpture from a fake. Read more...
Hand-signed and numbered original lithograph print with pencil edition number in the margin
How to Tell if a Print Is Original or a Reproduction: A Collector's Guide
What does 45/150 actually mean? Is a "limited edition" giclée an original? Here's how to tell an original print from a reproduction — and what really drives a print's value. Read more...
Collector browsing fine art online on a laptop in a gallery setting
How to Buy Art Online Safely: 9 Things Every Collector Should Check
Buying art online is easier than ever — and riskier than ever. Here's a gallery owner's 9-point checklist for buying with confidence, from verifying the seller to reading the fine... Read more...