Drinking from antique cups and saucers adds a kind of strange mystical dimension that enhances the whole drinking experience.
Holding an antique cup, with its different form, weight and smooth texture while imprinted with memories of everyone who has drunk from it becomes symbolic of an era - even generations - gone by.
Drinking tea or coffee from antique cups moves this simple action to an occasion.
You can feel it.
Conversation, language and tone are slowed, tailored - deliberate and almost meditative - a quiet respect.
With so much romantic nostaglia attached to each cup and saucer, collecting antique cups and saucers and even antique teapots has become one of the greatest collecting diversions any age can enjoy.
It can start with a single elegant antique cup from your great aunt but once you are bitten the hunting begins.
Where should you begin? Not everyone has a grandmother with either the taste or the means to hand you the beginnings of a grand antique tea or coffee set collection.
But an antique tea or coffee cup collection is within the reach of everyone, even today - because there is so much to choose from - no matter what your budget.
Cost of Collecting Antique cups sell for as little as a dollar.
You can find them on E-bay, online auctions, garage sales, yard sales and even in small vintage shops.
You could ask older female friends or family for advice on their collections and if you are lucky they might even gift you your first piece.
True not all of their cups will be antique cups from the 17th century custom made from fine silver for a wealthy family.
But who wants that anyway? They are too hot to hold tea or coffee, too messy to clean and only come in one color - silver! Collecting antique cups can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you want it to be.
Once you know the type of cup you like your eye will seek them out online and offline and soon you will spot them over a crowded room or in crowded box because they will speak to you.
Antique cup - was that tea or coffee? Yes, there is a difference.
Coffee cups are bigger than tea cups whereas tea cups are more delicate, with matching saucers, and their handles are set higher on the side of the cup.
Of course, the first European tea cups didn't have handles.
But today most collectible cups have handles, a manufacturer's mark, a date or other distinguishing feature.
Some of the best collectibles include European manufacturers like Spode, Royal Doulton, Havilland, and Limoges.
But don't forget the Americas, Japan or even China.
Research the different manufacturers and periods.
But no matter where they are from one thing is certain - they will all increase in value as time goes on.
Your Own Personal Antique Cup Collection! Your antique cup collection needs to make you smile every time you drink from them and proud to share with guests.
Your choice of cup will come down to something as simple as the color, pattern, handle or line.
You might find your perfect cups from the same manufacturer or region, in the same colour or similar design - or not.
It doesn't really matter if your collection is eclectic or perfectly matched.
Each piece will have its own story, how you found it, who owned it and even how much or little you paid for it.
Adding antique teapots, antique dishes, platters or side plates is often the next step to give the collection depth.
Remember, you are building a collection that will have great sentimental value in the future so take the utmost care all times.
Eventually, you might pass this collection onto someone else like your children or grandchildren - or sell it to a stranger who enjoy it just like you.
So why collect antique cups? They look great, they're unique, elegant, a great talking piece but above all they bring back the art of drinking tea and coffee.
Five good reasons.
I am sure you can find more.
Me, I collect antique cups, antique tea pots and anything else that pleases my eye.
It may not be everyone's taste - that's why it's my collection.