Things you should know before you start your own collection:

1. The difference between "illy collection" and "illy espresso"

"illy collection" or "illy espresso" is usually inscribed inside the cup.   Cups with "illy collection" inscription are usually considered as the real collection cups.  Cups with "illy espresso" are also known as "bar cups".  These cups are usually for restaurant use.  

2. The difference between "illy collection" and "amici collection"

Amici is the name that Illy uses in Switzerland.  The founder of Illy sold his name in Switzerland to another coffee maker.  For most of the cups, both illy and amici collections share the same design.  As always, there are few exceptions. 

3.  Number and Signature

Cups with "illy collection" inscriptions usually come with designer's signature and a unique number.  The signature and number usually are placed on the bottom of the cup.    For  exceptions, please refer to my individual illy collection page.

4. Box and Brochure

In my opinion, it is always a plus to have the cups coming with the original gift box and brochure.  Some vendors sell Illy cups in cardboard and/or Styrofoam boxes without telling you those are not "gift" box.  I am not sure if all the collections have the gift box option.  Seems like it is really hard to find early collections in the gift boxes.   The bottom line is to make sure that you ask if the cups are in the real "gift box" not just simply a box.  

5. Special / Limited Edition

Almost each year a few of the designs are made for special events or exhibitions.  Some of these cups / sets are limited with different inscription inside the cups.  Those cups are harder to find since they are not mass produced.