Everyone has a reason for collecting things. Some people collect things that remind them of their childhood, while others collect things that remind them of their favorite pastimes. Mainstream collectibles like coins and baseball cards increase in worth over the years and can become much more valuable. The more odd and unusual things that people collect tend to hold more sentimental value, rather than monetary. From vintage signs to Coca-Cola bottles, here are some unusually cool things to collect.
1. Coke Cans and Bottles
Many people enjoy collecting unique bottles and cans from iconic brands or from their favorite beverages. Vintage and anniversary Coca-Cola cans and bottles are a popular collector’s item. The Coca-Cola Company even devotes part of its corporate blog to all things Coke bottles. Most Coke cans and bottles don’t have a high monetary value, but they do add a fun pop of color to your decor.
2. Unique Jewelry
Collecting unique jewelry is a fun way to diversify your jewelry box. Rustic diamonds come in a range of colors that can’t be matched by other gemstones. Ranging from slight cloudiness to lots of texture, or from opaque to dark colors such as garnet, rustic diamonds are the perfect imperfect diamond.
Rustic diamonds are more affordable than other natural diamonds or raw diamonds and are sourced ethically. You may think it takes a perfect diamond to create the perfect ring for proposing with an engagement ring. Chinchar Maloney has a selection of unique engagement rings in a range of carat and brilliance. All manners of ring size are accounted for, and you can find your unique diamond ring in bands of classic yellow gold, the evermore popular rose gold, and in a plethora of designs and styles. From rustic engagement rings and white diamond wedding rings to Montana sapphires and emerald gems, a one-of-a-kind ring makes the perfect addition to a jewelry collection.
3. Postage Stamps
Stamp collecting is a time-old hobby that’s both fun and affordable and is also actually educational too. This classic pastime is part of the subject of philately, otherwise known as the study of stamps. Many philatelists, or stamp collectors, enjoy stamps for their historical value, geographical roots, and for the art and design of the stamps. There are even collector clubs in which stamp collectors can interact and share their love of philately.
4. Minerals and Rocks
Mineral collectors collect minerals for their beauty, aesthetic value, healing properties, and geologic properties. Howard Fensterman is an attorney, philanthropist, and enthusiastic collector of minerals based in the state of New York. When the Managing Partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP, isn’t busy with his legal duties, Mr. Fensterman maintains a website where he shares his passion for minerals and geology.
Howard Fensterman’s specialty areas include corporate law, partnerships, LLCs and LLPs, business entities, litigation, settlement negotiations, shareholder and partnership agreements, and the purchase and sale of business entities. Mr. Fensterman previously served on the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council and is a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America: Long Island Chapter. However, despite such a busy schedule, he manages to update his site regularly, and keep up his collection of precious gems and minerals unabated.
5. Travel-Themed Signs
Traveling opens the door to many collecting opportunities. Many travelers commemorate their trips by collecting “Do Not Disturb” signs, in addition to the mini shampoo bottles from hotels. They are a lightweight, inexpensive souvenir and make for a fun collection that can be turned into a unique home decor display.
Another unusual travel trinket people love to collect are old and vintage gas station signs. There’s a surprisingly large market for reselling old gas station signs that are in good condition, especially those from the 1930s through to the 1950s. Not all vintage signs are valuable, but some of the oldest signs could fetch upwards of $250 on a site like eBay. Most collectors display their old and vintage gas station signs in recreation rooms as a fun reminder of the places they have been.
Feel inspired to start collecting cool and unusual things that you can show off and enjoy anytime you want.
