Columnist Muriel Stevens: Montblanc more than just pens

Wednesday, April 3, 2002 | 8:28 a.m.

Montblanc pens have been the nib of choice for generations of nabobs as well as royalty. In the '90s the prestigious company expanded its horizons by adding fine-leather goods.

A recent catalog showed many more new items, including wonderful things for women. Until now, most Montblanc pens were not sized for females.

Paula Luchardi, assistant manager of the Montblanc shop at Desert Passage at the Aladdin, said that the recent addition of women's handbags has been very well received. The world of Montblanc now includes jeweled pens for women, stationery, watches, jewelry and eyewear.

Among the many items for women is a traditional black pen that is clipped with a ruby heart. It was a favorite for Valentine's Day, but would make a lovely gift for any occasion.

Montblanc catalogs do not include prices. The photographs tell the story. I did ask Luchardi about the amazing diamond-encrusted Royal collection -- a pen, watch and cuff links. The pen sells for $125,000. It is rumored that a Washington, D.C., bigwig actually bought one.

There's a good range of prices for the writing instruments. And there are all sorts of accessories. The Meisterstuck series includes an elegant pen, a handsome ink well and handcrafted paper.

Visit the Desert Passage store for a full view of Montblanc pens and new items.

Rebate or not?: How good is a rebate if you never receive it? I've stopped mailing back store rebate forms because I obviously don't know the secret to having a company send one back; I've rarely received a promised rebate.

According to most rebate coupons, it takes six to eight weeks for these to be processed. Only once, after saving box tops until I reached the required number (four), did I get a $2 rebate. Of course, I had to pay postage.

Rite Aid drug stores have come up with a cool way to get rebates by offering customers a pamphlet that lists all rebates for a two-month period. Follow the directions for combining rebates to get back one single check. Rebates can be redeemed online or with one mailing.

Weekly sale fliers are available at all Rite Aid stores. This week's rebates included some items where the full cost would be rebated. Now that's worth a stamp.

Costco rebates: The best rebate program, bar none, is the one offered by Costco. Yes, you have to be a member to shop at Costco, but with one recent rebate on a small appliance I got back my membership fee, plus. Costco rebates are made at the checkout stand -- no fuss, no muss, instant rebates. It's the easiest and best kind of rebate program. I was unaware of one rebate until it was deducted from my bill. All rebates are programmed into the system and automatically credited.

Bellagio gets covered: Featured on the cover of the 15th anniversary edition of "Resorts & Great Hotels: The Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best" ($14.95) is Bellagio. The issue is devoted to where to stay in 2002.

Only three Nevada hotels are listed: Bellagio, Green Valley Ranch Station and Mandalay Bay.