I am individual, identifiable, inert and invisible, while at the same time impartial, imperative, and immensely important.

But I am not impervious to improper imposture if inadequate or imprudent.

What am I?

SECURITY AND PASSWORDS

Recently we have seen everything from 1960’s jelly glasses sporting cartoon characters to ladies white nylon slips from the 1980’s being described as ‘Rare’. Statements to lend credence to the applicability of the term are sometimes made. Such as, “I couldn’t find another piece like this ANYWHERE on the internet!” or “None of the china matching services carry these plates.”

Attribution is a term often misunderstood and/or misused. The meaning is sometimes confused with, or intended to be a substitute for the word identification. An attribution remains only the subjective declaration or opinion of the researcher(s), even after careful research of a unique unmarked item is conducted and documented, with an aim toward arriving at a credible conclusion.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years in the world of costume jewelry collecting has been the identification of Juliana jewelry manufactured by DeLizza & Elster (D&E). The detective work and scholarship undertaken by members of the vintage jewelry-collecting world has resulted in a growing body of material on this fabulous jewelry. And it has sparked frenzy among collectors and vintage jewelry sellers alike!

Design patents refer to any new ornamental design for manufactured items. The patent number found on a piece of jewelry is usually the design patent. This type of patent only protects appearance; it does not cover or protect structure or the utilitarian functions of the item. To help date items with patent numbers that reference original inventions or mechanical operation, please see the Patent Date Table 1836 –1990 article.

We have noticed that many Internet shops dealing in furniture and bulky item sales state only, "…buyer responsible for pickup…" in the item listing. And they give no clue anywhere as to how this might be accomplished, which makes us wonder if they really wanted to sell the item?

The subject of keyword spamming comes up on a regular basis. This is usually a result of either a misunderstanding of what keyword spamming is or a deliberate misuse of keywords. Most Internet e-commerce sites frown on the inappropriate use of keywords or spamming. Even experienced, long-time Internet shop owners have been known to ignore the unwritten rule against the use of inappropriate keywords in their titles and categories.

The following email was received by several members of the Ruby Lane staff on November 27, 2007. This is just one of many we receive on a regular, ongoing basis as do many of our shop owners. This particular one is especially typical of scams that are being conducted all over the Internet. We are posting this to illustrate to readers what these scams look like in order to help you identify one when (not if) you receive one.

Vintage is a popular word to use when referencing antiques or collectibles and it is open applied inappropriately. On one e-commerce website we found 40,000 listings that utilize the term, so obviously it is a popular adjective. Frequently the term ‘vintage’ is used poorly and often in such a way as to be misleading because it implies an item is of considerable age when it is not.

Before safe, reliable central heating units were commonly installed in homes, coal and wood burned in stoves and fireplaces were the norm for comfort in winter. But staying warm into the wee hours of the morning, as fires turned to ashes, meant having a bed that was well appointed for the task. Even wealthy families with servants to lay and feed the household fires for them, depended on their beds to keep them warm and carry them safely through the night.