Chess is an ancient game that was once even played using human pieces by people of royal birth. Those days are long gone of course and at present, man-made pieces are used in the game. Chess pieces are perhaps one of the loveliest and fascinating objects throughout man's history. Because of the amount of time and effort expended in crafting these objects, it's no wonder why chess pieces are fast becoming a favorite collectible item.

If you're interested in collecting chess pieces as a hobby, here are several tips to help you build an impressive collection.

Ordinary Is A Must
A standard set of chess pieces is a must for any collection because this will serve as the basis of your collection. Standard sets vary in price because of the quality of craftsmanship and the type of materials used.

Speaking of materials, it would make your collection increase in size and variety if you can manage to get a hold of chess pieces made from various materials. The most common material used for making chess pieces is of course wood. Popular among chess piece collectors are pieces made from glass because of its beautiful appearance. Others manufacturers use metals, crystals, plastic, rocks, and other minerals to create chess pieces and having one set of each material will definitely make your collection inspiring.

If however you're determined to make your chess piece collection incomparable, you should therefore consider purchasing a chess set that makes use of bejewelled chess pieces. Yes, they do exist but they can only be yours for a very high price!

Kiddie Chess Sets
Chess pieces specifically produced for entertaining kids are always an excellent addition to anyone's chess piece collection. Kiddie chess sets vary according to price, design, and size. Jumbo chess pieces are produced, for instance, to prevent them from being perceived as bite-sized food by toddlers. There are other toy manufacturers which use famous cartoon and comic characters for chess pieces. If you have a favorite animated character, you should definitely scour the marketplace for any possible chess set using its image.

Movie Chess Sets
The world famous Star Wars enterprise of George Lucas, for instance, has its own chess sets and it's selling in the market for a considerable price. Of course, it would take you some time to figure out which character works as the rook, the bishop, and so forth, but that's another story, right? What you're after is the beauty of the chess pieces used and not how efficient they are for playing the game.

Commemorative Chess Sets
This particular type of chess set is difficult to find in the marketplace, but rest assured that obtaining one such set is a definite plus for your collection. Commemorative chess sets are, as the name itself suggests, made to commemorate a particular occasion ' which may be politically significant or signifying an important event in a company's history.

Themed Chess Sets
A chess set manufactured using a World War II theme, for instance, will make use of various notable figures in the Second World War. Another chess set could be made to mirror the hierarchy in Hollywood. If you have a particular theme that you're interested in but you can't find in the market, consider making one yourself or enlisting a craftsman to do it for you.

Collecting chess pieces can be certainly a costly hobby, but if you derive genuine pleasure from it, you're sure to think of it as money well spent.