How to Catalog Your Antique Collection (Simple System)
A simple way to catalog an antique collection on your phone: what to record, how to photograph, how to organize collections and keep values up to date.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
A collection you can't find, describe or prove you own is a collection at risk. Cataloging protects you for insurance, helps when selling, and is genuinely satisfying. It doesn't need to be complicated.
What to record for each item
Keep it to the essentials:
- Photo(s): front, back/base, marks, any damage
- Name/description: e.g. "Blue and white porcelain ginger jar"
- Category: porcelain, silver, coins, furniture
- Maker and marks
- Age/era (estimated)
- Dimensions
- Condition notes
- Where and when acquired, price paid
- Estimated value and the date of the estimate
- Provenance: family history, receipts, previous owners
- Location in your home
Organize into collections
Group items so they're easy to browse: by category (Coins & Stamps, Glassware), by room, or by story (Grandma's china). With AntiqueIQ you can create as many collections as you like and save each scan — identification, estimated value, age and photos — straight into them.
Photograph consistently
Use the same plain background and daylight for every item. It makes your catalog look professional and helps identification. See how to photograph antiques.
Keep values current
Estimates go stale. Revisit important items every year or two, and especially jewelry and precious metals. For insurance, use formal appraisals — see antique appraisal for insurance.
Back it up
Keep a copy of your catalog off-site or in the cloud. A catalog that burns with the house doesn't help a claim.
Use the catalog to make decisions
Once everything is in one place, you'll see what you have too many of, where the value is, and what to sell or upgrade. See where to sell antiques when you're ready to thin out.
Start in minutes
Download AntiqueIQ, scan your first ten pieces, and sort them into collections. Each scan gives you an identification, estimated value range, age, era and origin to start your records.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to catalog antiques?
Photograph each item, record key details and estimated value, and organize items into collections in an app or spreadsheet. Keep a backup.
Do I need to catalog low-value items?
For insurance, group low-value items by category. Catalog anything valuable or meaningful individually.
How often should I update values?
Every year or two, sooner for jewelry and precious metals.