You bought it -- now what?

How do you make sure that the value of that perfect collectible you’ve just acquired doesn’t dive like a hungry loon? It’s called maintenance.

That’s where this handy site, sponsored by the British Broadcasting Corp., comes in. The people who bring you “Antiques Roadshow” and “Cash in the Attic,” among other pertinent TV shows, provide tips on general care, the do’s and don’ts of cleaning, proper storage and even suggest ways to display objects.

Besides the section on proper care, this website dispenses general information about antiques -- the segment on furniture is particularly helpful -- and includes an illustrated price guide, links to related news stories, collectors’ guides and tips on buying and selling.

The Britishness of it all occasionally gets in the way. Anyone up for antiques at a “car boot sale”? But overall, it brims with useful guidance.

Kathy Bryant