Tips, Tips, and More Tips from August 2005

Transfer-decorated Staffordshire dinnerware was made in many colors, including blue, green, mulberry, and pink. Two-color pieces are worth more than one-color pieces. Three-color dishes are worth even more.

Silver saltshakers should be emptied after every use, unless the shakers are lined with gold plating to prevent corrosion.

Never use your hairbrush on your doll. Your hair oils will harm the doll’s wig. Dolls should have their own brushes.

Diamonds are being cut in the antique (old mine-cut) style. They are very similar to old diamonds, but if used as replacements in old diamond jewelry, the new ones will be brighter.