Best of 2015 - Number 3

It's hard to believe we are finally at the top 3.  I hope everyone who is following has enjoyed the entries.  The top 3 have flipped around several times as I have considered their exact positions.  The more photos I took, the more they changed.

The next doll is one that has been a favorite ever since I added her to my collection this year.  She was  reviewed earlier this year and has received many photo shoots, including the one where she was the subject of my Christmas Card on flickr this year.

She represents one of my favorite molds and was released in a very small edition size of 315.  She originally cost $99, but her secondary market price has continued to climb due to her popularity.  I was unlucky in the lottery, but with patience, found her nude on secondary market for an attractive price.  She represents what Integrity Toys can achieve when they think outside the box.

Number 3 of the Best of 2015 list is Rare Jewel Rayna.  This doll is just amazing.

"It's Rayna Dolls … hallelujah!"

To the tune of "It's Raining Men".  

I was disappointed that I wasn't drawn in the lottery to purchase the recent ITBE Fine Jewel Rayna.  I'm a fan of that mold and knew that the A-Tone version would be very popular.  Her prices NRFB on secondary market are triple her original retail price.  I just refuse to give someone that much of my hard earned money.  I don't like buying from speculators - I believe they are parasites preying on the collecting community.  (Was that too harsh?)

As a "seasoned" collector I know that patience is a virtue.  A collector recently offered this doll nude for a good price, so I grabbed her up.

I don't mind not having the dress.  The seller included the panties, original box, stand, and even the shoes.  I was very happy!  Her hair was a little greasy feeling, so I washed it out.   For some reason, she looks like a "label collecting girl", so Fine Jewel Rayna is wearing a Burberry style dress from Clear Lan.

I like buying dolls that are nude or have been displayed/redressed and loved.  There's no worry about devaluing them.  (I guess that may be why I don't like buying a new car.  When you drive it off the lot, it loses value!)  I have a couple dolls NRFB that I just cannot bring myself to take out because they are worth so much.    That is one of the reasons, I sold my NRFB High Toned Rayna last year.   I couldn't justify taking her out and redoing her hair when she was worth so much on secondary market.

I had seen someone on flickr post photos of a High Toned Rayna that was amazing.  You cannot imagine my excitement when this doll was listed on e-bay, BIN with free shipping.  The price was less than for what I sold mine.   She was complete, and her hair is perfection.  This High Toned Rayna has been very well cared for and just needed a new home.  I couldn't click that BIN fast enough.

This restyled doll is everything I wanted in a High Toned Rayna.  She is also wearing a Clear Lan fashion.

So, here at my house this week, "It's Rayna Dolls … hallelujah!"