I also collect cups and saucers, but only those given to me. This derived from my mother, whose had white china with a gold rim. She had broken some cups, and also wanted some extras for serving dessert at bridge, etc, but the pattern was out of stock. The white looked lovely with all the various pretty cups from all over. When she died, we gave a cup and saucer to each of her many special friends to remember her by. They had such fun choosing, and were really touched by the thought. The others found homes with me, my aunt, and my sister-in-law. Occasionally, I use one to have a nice cup of tea "with Mom."