THE GOODS : Write-minded : And Because Paper Matters Too . . .

The fountain pen nib cannot scribble on just any scrap of paper, and the discerning scribe has reams to choose from.

“The dedicated letter writer’s concern is that the stationery not bleed, so they come in for Crane stationery,” says Cagney Jarvis, who works at Noteworthy in the Beverly Center. These days, she said, ecru is the most popular color.

Crane & Co. reports that stationery sales have increased 74% from 1985 to 1995. The Dalton, Mass. company museum boasts President Woodrow Wilson’s inaugural invitation and a Christmas card from FDR on its stock.

The pleasure in fine stationary may be, in part, a backlash to virtual paper. “People were getting so deadened by laser print, e-mail and faxes that now there is an appreciation for fine paper and engraving,” says Michael Anderson, manager of Morrow Luxury Stationers in Century City. “Most of our clients still use white correspondence with navy blue border for men and women sometimes get the gray but mostly ecru or white.”

Imported handmade paper is also in demand. “The Italian Amalfi line is very popular for people writing with fountain pens because it’s handmade but very refined. The texture is smooth so it doesn’t bleed,” says Grant Forsberg, co-owner of Soolip in West Hollywood.

The choice of ink is important too. Gnocchi is preferred by many fountain pen folks. A small bottle of the Italian ink runs about $11.

Of course, fountain pens dictate the correct appurtenances beyond paper. Anderson reports a “phenomenal growth” in sealing wax sales. “All of a sudden people are more interested in stationery that is almost Victorian looking.”