All you need to know about Art Deco and how to make money collecting it

What: Art Deco is a design movement which began in Paris in the 1920s and lasted until the start of the second World War. The designs which encompassed everything from architecture to furniture and glassware are exemplified by elegant lines and "function as against fuss".

To buy: It depends on what you want. A small bronze clock signed by Paul Follot (the mastercraftsman of the era) will cost from €6,000. Glassware - anything from €1,500 upwards.

To sell: The longer you hold on to an item, the more it will be worth. At the moment, however, there's a bit of a frenzy for the stuff, and there have been cases of people doubling their money only 18 months after purchase.

Watch for: It's a good time to buy Art Deco pieces, as they're more likely to go up in price than down. It's vital to get the provenance in writing. The terms to look out for are "signed by", "attributed to" or "in the style of" - which means the piece was made during the designer's lifetime and possibly in their factory. Stay away from "after a design by" - that means it could have been made yesterday.

Pitfalls: Fakes abound - you'll need a trained eye and a reputable dealer to make sure you're getting the real thing. Furniture can be restored, but glassware must be flawless.

What the expert says: "Start small and build up your confidence. If a piece was made in France, it's often better to take it back there to get the best price," advises Anne Mitofsky-Citron, Mitofsky Antiques

Contacts: Irish Antique Dealers Association. A major Art Deco exhibition is planned for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2003.

Olivia Kelly