How to Collect Gene Dolls

Ever since Gene made her first appearance in 1995, she has become one of the most popular collectible fashion dolls on the market today. Her delicate features and 1940s-style wardrobe and accessories have won the heart of doll collectors everywhere. If you are a fan of the films and stars of 1940s Hollywood, then Gene Marshall is the doll for you!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gene Catalogs
• Curio Cabinets
• Gene CDs
• Internet Access
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Gene Gown & Accessories
• Gene Patio Set
• Gene's Terriers
• Gene: Blue Goddess
• Gene: Iced Coffee
• Gene: Jewelry Set
• Gene: Paper Doll Set
• Gene: Savannah
• Gene: She'd Rather Dance
• Gene: Song Of Spain
• Gene: Wardrobe Trunk

1. Become familiar with the market for Gene dolls by searching the Internet for Gene-related Web sites, online auctions and Web sites relating to doll collecting in general. Specialty doll shops and classified ads are also great resources for finding out more about the availability, pricing and current market for Gene dolls.
2. Collect the dolls that most appeal to you. Although some retired Gene dolls are now worth many times their original price, there is no guarantee that your doll will ever increase dramatically in value. Collect the dolls that you love, and no matter what their eventual monetary value, you will always have a Gene collection that remains dear to your heart.
3. Make sure that the Gene dolls you purchase are authentic rather than Gene look-alikes. Each doll is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Each doll also comes with a story card explaining how Gene's costume relates to her movie role or off-screen life.
4. Join clubs and organizations devoted to general doll collecting or those that are specifically devoted to collecting Gene dolls. Organizations such as the United Federation of Doll Clubs can provide you with information on collectible doll markets, doll collecting strategies and other issues that concern doll collectors.
5. Keep abreast of new Gene releases and Gene-related events and activities through participation in fan clubs such as the Gene Lovers Unite International Fan Club. These types of organizations will keep you in contact with a whole community of fellow Gene collectors. They also sponsor e-mail lists and bulletin boards for their members.
6. Attend Gene conventions. Often, special Gene dolls and accessories will be issued for conventions only. These are the items that tend to increase in value the most. You will also get a chance to meet other Gene aficionados and share tips on collecting and displaying your Gene dolls.
7. Expand your collection to include retired Gene dolls. Be prepared, however, to pay more than the $70 to $100 issue price. Avoid paying more for a retired doll than it is worth by doing some comparison-shopping and research on the current market for Gene dolls.
8. Include your family in your collecting endeavors. Make the selection of Gene dolls and accessories an activity in which the entire family can participate. Let your family participate in finding unique ways to display your Gene collection, as well.
9. Display your collection. Although many doll collectors never take their dolls out of the original box, Gene is a doll that is meant to be displayed. The creator of Gene, Mel Odom, is adamant about that! Who would want to hide away such a beautiful doll as Gene?

Tips & Warnings

• Ashton-Drake Galleries, the issuer of Gene dolls and accessories, can be found at www.ashtondrake.com. It can provide you with a vast amount of information pertaining to Gene dolls and accessories. It also publishes a catalog that features available Gene merchandise.
• Pay for your Gene doll with a credit card if ordering from the Internet, a catalog or classified ads. This will allow you to document your purchase and will give you some recourse if you are dissatisfied with your purchase. Only give your credit card information through secure Internet sites.
• Display your collection together in a curio cabinet or on a mantelpiece. You can also showcase your different dolls by creating individual displays throughout your home.
• Remember to purchase other collectible Gene merchandise. Items such as Gene paper dolls and Gene CDs are also popular items.