Golden rules are the ones that firmly apply. You'll want to keep them in mind, write them down and never forget them. These are permanent markers to guide you and keep you moving in the right direction.

The Golden Rules exist to show you how, whatever your challenge, whatever your project. All you have to do is find them and follow them..

Here are 5 of the best Golden Rules that concern collecting antique cups.

Golden Rule # 1, It's not an antique if it's not 100 or more years old-. The thinking behind doing it this way is that your amazing cup cup collection may be collectible but not necessarily antique. This may not matter to you but it's good to know right up front. Remember, it doesn't make it any more or less valuable. Value is ascribed to many things not just age. In the end the value is determined by what the market is willing to pay - whether its a collectible 1960's toy or a 17th artifact..

Golden Rule # 2, Collecting should be more about what you like and not necessarily about money-. It's best to handle this carefully because the antique cups you buy may not increase in value like the seller told you they would Always remember that if you never sell the cups you bought from that lovely lady with the pink hair, will you live happily using them or prefer to keep them at the back of your closet ? You know you are on the right track if you have to have it as soon as you see it.

Golden Rule # 3, Damage and Restoration-. There are several reasons you want to do this carefully. It is important because while some people don't care if their cups are repaired, others simply cringe when they find out that the handle was super glued on and now the glue is becoming a dirty gray. Which person are you? Of course, the perfect cup is always the preferred option but if you don't know what you're looking for, you could be lead astray.

Golden Rule # 4, Buyer Beware-. You could accomplish this by buying offline in garage sales, vintage or antique shops or even locally can help get around this. You could take the cups in question to have them valued by an antique store or even valued if the buying price is more than a few dollars.

Golden Rule # 5, Develop an Eye- This could certainly include research, reading and visiting lots of antique stores, roadshows and markets. At all times ask lots of questions.. It is very important because doing so will help you choose only the items you love and want to have around you. It also means you will spot damages, repairs and faults easily and know exactly what you should be paying for each item..

Rely on these Golden Rules to collect a variety of interesting antique cups at the right price, or less. They are tried and true and found to be true. Follow them and your ultimate success will be more likely and the results far more satisfying.