Ruby Lane's online magazine, Ruby Read.....Vintage Begins Here

This online monthly magazine features articles on everything from antiques and art, vintage, collectibles, and the latest from the worlds on interior design, fashion and culture.

In our March issue:

V Magazine's Michael Gleeson - My Favorite Finds
Marcia's Must-Haves - Select Ruby Lane Picks from Marcia Sherrill

On my daughter’s 9th birthday, she received her very first charm bracelet. Over the past several months, charms have been added to represent who she is: a puppy dog charm for her beloved Dani (a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix), a blue high-top tennis shoe for her favorite color and love of Converse sneakers, a turtle, a cupcake, and “Happy Birthday” so she will always remember when she received it.

The death of a major movie star, such as the recent death of Shirley Temple Black, results in a great deal of media attention. What impact does it have on the value of that person’s memorabilia?

PRE 1980 – Vintage Louis Vuitton – Have No Date Codes

Louis Vuitton started using date codes in the early 1980’s. Since this is the case you will not find a date code on LV handbags in the earlier years and the early 1980’s. You can tell the bag is vintage by the LV hardware which is brass and usually will have green patina around the hardware buttons. Be sure to check the lining and leather stitching for authenticity.

Why does the antiques and collectibles field not have strong professional organizations?

Or the Revereware, or the Corning Visions, for that matter! Vintage cookware can be right at home on a new counter style stovetop. If you’ve headed to the appliance department to replace an electric stove, don’t let the salesperson convince you that a countertop model won’t work with your precious vintage pots and pans.

Although there is now a global collecting community, it appears regionalism still plays an important role in determining what is collected, where it is collected, and value. Is this correct?