- Magnifying glass. Whether large or small, a magnifying glass serves the collector well. Uses range from helping to bring china marks into view to examining pieces for damage.

- Black light. An ultraviolet light usually comes in handy for the more advanced collector. They're used most commonly to check glassware for reproductions and detect repairs in porcelain. Genuine green depression glass and vaseline glass will fluoresce under ultraviolet light along with some glues used in repairs. Several handheld black light models have a built in flashlight as well. See link at right for ordering information.

- Jeweler's loupe. Some people prefer to carry a jeweler's loupe on shopping trips instead of a magnifying glass. Although a magnifying glass functions better with larger marks and is generally easier to use, a loupe is more portable and can be used for tiny marks on jewelry, watches and other intricate items.