Start small. You don’t need to plop down 3000 dollars on your first antiquities purchase. If you are wanting to build a collection, try purchasing some of the smaller artifacts first that cost less money. This will allow you to get more pieces of more variety, so you can start getting a feel for what antiquities collecting is like.
Do a little bit of research. These are ancient antiquities, and it is good to understand some of the basics of the history of the cultures from which these artifacts come. You’ll also want to know a little bit about the art of the time period, and the materials they used.
Don’t restrict yourself to your own country when looking for dealers. The antiquities trade is international, and it is often possible to find great dealers with great deals in other countries. Shipping prices aren’t exceedingly high usually, and it is a great way to expand the base of your search.
Take your time when making purchases. Make sure you know exactly what you want. There are thousands of antiquities out there for you, make sure you get what you are looking for.