The value of antique plates and china will depends upon many things. How old it is, who made it, what was used to make it, and what kind of condition it is in. Even if you have no plans to sell what you have, it is important to have each piece appraised. This will help you to create an insurance policy in case it is ever stolen or broken.
The best place to start is with an identification and price guide. This will help to show you what type of antique you own and where it comes from. Find something that is going to have quite a few pictures that you can use as a reference and comparison. The most common thing you should search for is the manufacturer’s mark and the pattern on the plate, cup, or other dinnerware.
Use a magnifying glass to examine each piece. Write down in a notebook any cracks, chips, discolorations, or other types of blemishes that it might have. These could play a large role in decreasing the value of it.
One of the first things the appraiser will do is find the manufacturer’s mark or emblem. On most pieces this is placed on the bottom. Depending on who made it, you might also find the year it was produced. It will help if you can date your item. This will help you to know if it is a fake (reproduction) or the real deal.
Take a picture of it using a digital camera. Take pictures of different angles of the design, the manufacturer’s mark, and a broad view of it. If you found any imperfections you need to take a picture of it. These are important and will be used for insurance policy that you take out on it.
Now you are ready to take it to a reliable appraiser. Give them all of the information that you have collected. It might take a couple of days for them to thoroughly examine the piece and give you an accurate estimate.