Sarah Coventry, a prominent name in costume jewelry during the mid-20th century, created a series of birthstone rings that offer a fascinating glimpse into the popular jewelry trends and gemstone symbolism of the 1970s. These rings, particularly the “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” collection from 1972 and the “Love Story” collection from 1973, represent a blend of affordable style and the enduring appeal of associating gemstones with specific months of the year. While utilizing glass and rhinestones rather than natural gemstones, these pieces captured the essence of birthstone tradition for a wide audience.
History and Lore
Sarah Coventry jewelry emerged in the early 20th century, gaining significant popularity through party plan marketing – a direct sales model that brought jewelry directly to consumers’ homes. The company thrived for several decades, becoming known for its fashionable and relatively inexpensive pieces. The introduction of dedicated birthstone collections in the 1970s, such as “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” (1972) and the “Love Story” series (1973), capitalized on the established tradition of linking gemstones to birth months.
The “Love Story” collection, in particular, stands out for its consistent design. Introduced in 1973, these rings featured a distinctive design of two sparkling rhinestone hearts set in a polished, silver-tone setting, accented by detailed leaves and flowers. This design was offered for each of the twelve birthstones, making it a popular choice for gifting and personal adornment. The rings were often sold through the company’s party plan system, allowing for a personalized shopping experience.
Design and Materials
The Sarah Coventry birthstone rings were primarily constructed from silver-tone metal and utilized glass stones or rhinestones to simulate the appearance of genuine gemstones. The “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” collection featured an adjustable sterling silver setting with an imported glass stone representing the birthstone for February, amethyst. The “Love Story” rings utilized clear rhinestone hearts, with the color representing the birthstone being conveyed through the heart-shaped stones themselves.
The rings were designed as cocktail-style pieces, often featuring substantial settings and eye-catching designs. The “Love Story” rings, for example, measured approximately ¾” x 1” and featured a bypass design on the ring band, signed with “©SARAH COV”. The rings were available in a range of sizes, with some offering slight adjustability. The materials used reflect the costume jewelry market of the time, prioritizing affordability and style over the use of precious metals and gemstones.
Gemstone Representation
While not utilizing natural gemstones, the Sarah Coventry birthstone rings effectively represented the traditional associations between specific stones and birth months. The “Love Story” collection specifically offered rings representing each month’s birthstone. One example highlighted is the emerald heart rhinestone representing May’s birthstone. The amethyst glass stone in the “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” collection specifically represents the February birthstone.
Care and Maintenance
Given the materials used in the construction of these rings – silver-tone metal and glass or rhinestones – specific care instructions are recommended to maintain their appearance. It is advised to avoid wearing the jewelry while showering or swimming, as exposure to water and chemicals can tarnish the metal and dull the stones. Proper storage is also crucial; the rings should be stored carefully to prevent scratches or damage. The source material specifically mentions that all pieces from Piggle and Pop, a reseller of vintage items, should be handled with care to prolong their life.
Market and Collectibility
Sarah Coventry jewelry, including the birthstone rings, has become increasingly collectible in recent years. The rings appeal to collectors of vintage costume jewelry, as well as those interested in the history of jewelry design and marketing. The “Love Story” collection, with its consistent design and representation of all twelve birthstones, is particularly sought after. The rings are often found in vintage shops, online auctions, and through specialized vintage jewelry retailers. Their affordability and nostalgic appeal contribute to their continued popularity among collectors.
Variations and Additional Designs
Beyond the “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” and “Love Story” collections, Sarah Coventry produced a wide range of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, pins, and earrings. The company frequently released new designs and collections, catering to evolving fashion trends. While the provided sources do not detail specific variations within the birthstone ring lines, the broader catalog of Sarah Coventry jewelry demonstrates a commitment to diverse styles and designs. The company also produced pieces for special occasions and awards, further expanding its product range.
Conclusion
The Sarah Coventry birthstone rings represent a significant chapter in the history of costume jewelry. These rings, particularly the “Sarah’s Birthstone Rings” and “Love Story” collections, offered an accessible and stylish way for consumers to embrace the tradition of birthstone symbolism. While utilizing materials like glass and rhinestones, the rings captured the essence of gemstone associations and provided a fashionable accessory for a wide audience. Today, these vintage pieces are cherished by collectors and serve as a reminder of a bygone era of jewelry design and marketing.