Collecting glass is a rewarding hobby that can take many forms, each with it's own unique benefits. Some collect beach glass for its natural beauty and oddness. Others collect hand blown glass ornaments to add beauty to their home décor. Still others relish the thrill of scouting out the thrift stores and yard sales in hopes of finding that great treasure that will land them a spot on Antiques Roadshow. Whether you collect Depression glass serving dishes or antique glass medicine bottles, you want to protect the value and appeal of your collection by caring for it properly and showcasing it in the best light. Here are a few tips to consider to help make your glass collection sparkle.

Keep it clean: Be mindful of how quickly dust can accumulate, and gently clean your glass collection often enough that it stays in tip-top shape.

Keep it in one piece: Display your glass collection in a safe place where it won't fall or be bumped. When cleaning, dusting, or repositioning your glass, work slowly, gently, and carefully.

Light it up: Much of the beauty of glass is in its sparkle and shine, its smoothness and its color. Show off the best attributes of your glass collection by ensuring your display is well-lit. Take care that the light is positioned to shine through your glass pieces, and not bounce off them thereby creating a glare.

Group but don't over group: While it's nice to have different colors or styles of glass grouped together in your displays, don't overdo it in a way that makes the overall look too homogenous. Spice it up and add visual interest by placing a tall piece next to a shorter piece, or throwing in a random color here or there that stands out from the rest of the set. This ensures that each piece can be appreciated more distinctly, rather than blending into a line of other glassware that is all too anonymous and unvaried.

Your glass collection ultimately should appeal to your personal tastes and sensibilities. Give your favorite pieces the spotlight they deserve by refraining from hiding them in a cluttered jumble. Less is more when it comes to decorating, but when it comes to collecting, more is more—mastering the art of balancing these two agendas will empower you to create a uniquely special glass display that's both personally meaningful and aesthetically beautiful.