🧸 Understanding the Doll World: Why Authenticity Matters

​

We all come to this doll hobby in different ways. Some of us buy directly from a sculptor, a skilled reborner, or a trusted artist. Others purchase a preloved doll, or unknowingly buy from China or even a scammer. That’s why this section is so important—because behind every doll is a story, and it matters where that story begins.

I know that not everyone has the means to spend thousands on a doll—and it can be hard to understand why they cost so much. But when you realise that every sculpt begins as a hand-sculpted creation in clay, shaped into the likeness of a baby with love and skill, it starts to make sense. I tried sculpting one myself once—and though I’m usually good with my hands, my baby looked more like an old man! It takes a true artist to bring life into clay.

​

Here’s a simple breakdown of how dolls are made, and why they’re worth protecting:

​

1. OOAK Clay Babies (One-of-a-Kind)

Some dolls are sculpted directly in clay and sold as one-of-a-kind art pieces. These are not reproduced. They are truly unique—each one with its own personality, handmade start to finish. These can also be BJD.
 

​

​

​

​

​

2. Reborn Kits

These also start as clay sculpts, but instead of being sold in their original form, they are sent to a factory where molds are made, and kits are produced. These blank kits are then sold to reborners, who lovingly paint, root, and finish them into the lifelike dolls we see sold online.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3. Silicone Dolls

Silicone dolls go through a similar process—starting as clay, then molded and poured in silicone. The process takes days and requires great care and patience. Sculptors often sell these as blank silicones, which artists then paint and root. Depending on the sculptor and artist, these dolls can range from $800 to $10,000 or more. And rightly so—the time, materials, and craftsmanship are immense.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

4. Preloved Dolls

Buying a preloved doll can be a more affordable option, but it’s not always cheap. High-quality BJDs, for example, often retain their value, sometimes costing between $2,000–$5,000 even second-hand.

If you’re buying preloved, always verify the seller—ask for a video chat or a timestamped photo to make sure the doll is real and in the seller’s possession.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

5. Illegal Copies from China and others

Sadly, many fake kits and dolls are made in China—illegally copied from original sculpts, just like counterfeit Gucci bags. It might seem harmless, but it’s theft—a direct violation of copyright law. These copies steal from artists who rely on their income to keep creating.

Worse, the quality is often poor:

• Hair that tangles and sheds

• Dangerous vinyl

• Silicone that is low-grade or sticky

• Poor painting and unsafe materials

And those photos they use? Stolen from real sculptors and artists. They’ll even include a disclaimer like, “The doll may not look exactly like the photo as it is handmade,” to cover themselves legally—when in truth, what you receive is nothing like the doll shown.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

6. Scammers

Almost daily, someone in the doll community is scammed—often for hundreds of dollars. These scammers:

• Post links in doll groups (a huge red flag)

• Ask you to message them privately

• Offer “silicone babies” for unrealistically low prices like $200

• Use stolen photos or videos of real dolls

• Pretend to be a 'real person' using their name and images
  (givaway... no one would give a way a doll, which costs 5000$!

If it seems too good to be true—it is.
Real artists don’t operate like that.
They don’t spam Facebook groups or message you out of the blue.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

7. Ball-Jointed Dolls (BJDs)

BJDs (Ball-Jointed Dolls) are another beloved category in the doll world. These dolls also begin their life as hand-sculpted clay creations, just like Reborns and Silicone babies. Once the sculpt is complete, the artist sends it to a factory to be produced in resin or similar materials.

Each BJD is carefully designed with movable joints, allowing for highly expressive posing and character. These dolls are often considered collector's pieces and are popular for customisation, fashion design, and photography.

Well-known BJD artists include:

• Qbaby

• My Meadow Dolls

• Kaye Wiggs

• Nikki Britt

• Moppie Dolls

Only to name a few.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Because of the quality, artistry, and limited production runs, many BJDs retain or even increase in value over time—often selling for $2,000–$5,000 or more. They are not toys, but art dolls, and the craftsmanship that goes into each one is remarkable.

When buying BJDs, just like other dolls, make sure you're purchasing from a trusted artist or reseller. These dolls are frequently copied illegally, so knowing your source protects both you and the sculptor.

​

​​​​​​​

​

💖 You Are Welcome Here—Wherever Your Doll Journey Began

I understand that everyone’s journey is different. Maybe you saved for years. Maybe you bought second-hand. Maybe you didn’t know your doll was a copy when you bought it. Whatever the case—you are welcome here.

This is not about shame. It’s about education—helping new collectors understand the importance of supporting the artists who make this world so magical.

That’s why I’ve included links below to genuine doll sculptors and reborners I’ve known and trusted for over 20 years. They are real people, dedicated to their craft, and when you buy from them, you get the doll you see in the photo.

The more we support authenticity, the more we help the true artists in this community thrive. 💕

Let’s protect the magic of doll artistry—together.

​

🤝 Trusted Artists & Where to Buy Authentic Dolls

Below, you'll find a list of trusted doll sculptors, reborners, and artists I’ve personally known for many years. These are genuine creators—people who pour their heart and soul into every doll they make.

By supporting them, you are:

• Honouring the art and skill behind each sculpt

• Ensuring your doll is safe, high-quality, and legally made

• Helping protect this beautiful community from scammers and copycats

👉 Click the links below to explore their work, see available dolls, or get in touch directly.
These are people I trust, and I’m proud to share their work with you.

Whether you’re a collector, a new hobbyist, or simply curious—you are welcome here. Let’s celebrate real artists and keep the joy of doll-making alive.

​

Meadow dolls

QBaby 

​

​