There are as many definitions of a collection as there are collectors. When noted art collector and philanthropist Eugene Thaw was asked how he would define the art of collecting, he answered with this beautiful explanation: “It’s about making some sense out of a group (large or small) of related objects that you’ve accumulated and having each one reinforce the others. You should always be reaching for better examples than what you have, and you should find out what you’re missing, too, so you can fill in the blank spaces. It’s an intellectual activity. I collect to learn and when I feel I have learned my way around a field enough to have a well-rounded collection I give it away — to museums. I no longer need to physically possess works of art, I have them in my mind’s eye."

The universal truth seems to be that collectors complement their passion with intelligence to build a meaningful collection. Here are suggestions that may prove helpful as you build your collection: Visit as many galleries as you can, gallery owners can be helpful guides.
Join local art museums and introduce yourself to curators. Share your collecting interests with them. AJF offers opportunities to talk to other collectors and find out what they know and have learned about collecting. 

Read! Read anything you can find that relates to your collecting interests - art, art history, reviews and trade publications.

• Visit universities that have jewelry programs. Introduce yourself to the faculty and share your collection with students. Take a history of adornment class or metals workshop.
• Formulate your personal collecting philosophy and define the unifying characteristics of your collection.
• Document your collection. Keep good records on each artist and each purchase.
• When you see a piece that you love, it fits nicely in your collection and you know it will bring your joy — buy it, wear it and share it.

Collector Gifts and Loans

Discovering how objects came into the museum is an interesting aspect of any exhibition — some donated, others loaned, some given as a bequest or purchased with donated funds. Collectors and curators need each other, collectors for the work a museum desires and curators for bringing the work to the museum. For both the museum and donor there may be tax and legal considerations, for these reasons most museums offer highly personalized, full service consulting resources for all types of charitable giving.

Private collectors are often asked to lend their art for exhibitions. By giving the work public visibility you support the museum and the artist. Additionally, loaning may have the added benefit of enhancing the value of an object through public visibility. There are a number of considerations to take into account when loaning a piece to a museum including: value, term of the loan, insurance and liability, transportation and packing, photographic rights, exhibition and labeling and security. These and other considerations are articulated in a loan agreement document signed by both the lender and the museum. It is important to have photographs of the item and documentation that supports your purchase. Your insurance agent is a valuable resource should you have questions.

Assuming your heirs are not keeping their fingers crossed in hopes that your beloved art jewelry will some day be theirs, then you may want to consider making a gift of your jewelry. Gifts are of great benefit to museums, universities and non-profit organizations. Gifts have been responsible for the growth and enhancement of many permanent collections.

Gifts can be wonderfully simple, flexible and easy to make. There are many benefits of making a gift of art either during your lifetime or by bequest. You guarantee that your treasured piece will be cared for to the highest standards. You gain a charitable deduction for tax purposes and the removal of items subject to estate tax on the value of those objects. Through your gift, the artist is celebrated and the art form is preserved and displayed for the scholarship and enjoyment of generations to come. If you are considering making a gift, explore all the potential recipients, consider all the options, weigh the tax considerations and most importantly enjoy the process of giving. Once you have found the best place for your pieces you should document your intent to give. Museums can provide appropriate language for updating your will or assist you in documenting a current gift to the museum.

PHOTOS
Daganit Stern Shocken, brooch.
Keith Lewis, Heart Orgy,  brooch, 2001. Sterling silver, 24k gold. Exhibition loan by Sally von Bargen to Fuller Craft Museum for the 2006 exhibition The Edges of Grace: Provocative, Uncommon Craft.
Kiff Slemmons, Wrist Flick II, Bracelet, 1999. Sterling silver, photographs, mica. Mint Museum purchase, funds provided by Sharon and Craig Campbell.