The provided sources detail a significant collection of jewelry produced by Sarah Coventry, a prominent American costume jewelry company active throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. A notable aspect of their production was a dedicated line of birthstone jewelry, encompassing rings, pendants, earrings, and charms. While the sources do not delve into the geological origins or historical lore of the gemstones themselves, they offer a comprehensive catalog of the birthstones featured in Sarah Coventry’s designs, providing insight into the popular preferences and marketing strategies of the era. This article will detail the birthstone offerings of Sarah Coventry, categorized by month, as presented in the available materials.
A Legacy in Costume Jewelry
Sarah Coventry was a major player in the costume jewelry market, known for its fashionable and affordable pieces. The company operated through a network of “hostesses” who showcased the jewelry at home parties, a popular sales model of the time. The sources indicate a wide range of designs, from delicate pendants and earrings to more elaborate bracelets and sets. The inclusion of birthstone jewelry within their catalog demonstrates an understanding of the enduring appeal of personalized and symbolic adornment. The company’s focus on providing accessible luxury made birthstones available to a broader audience than traditional fine jewelry retailers.
January: Garnet
Sarah Coventry featured garnet in several birthstone lines. The sources list “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - January Garnet,” “LOVE STORY Earrings - January Garnet,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - February Amethyst,” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - January - Garnet.” These offerings suggest garnet was a consistently popular choice for January birthdays within the Sarah Coventry collection. The jewelry was available in sterling silver settings, indicating a commitment to quality materials even within the costume jewelry realm.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst was another frequently represented birthstone in Sarah Coventry’s catalog. The sources detail “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - February Amethyst,” “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - February Amethyst,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - February Amethyst,” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - February Amethyst.” The consistent inclusion of amethyst across various jewelry types – rings, chains, and charms – highlights its appeal to customers.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine appears prominently as a March birthstone offering. The sources list “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE PENDANT - February SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE PENDANT - March Aquamarine,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - March Aquamarine,” “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - March Aquamarine,” “LOVE STORY Earrings - March Aquamarine,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - March Aquamarine,” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - March - Aquamarine.” The prevalence of aquamarine suggests it was a favored gemstone for this month, potentially due to its delicate blue hue and association with springtime.
April: White Sapphire
White sapphire was the designated birthstone for April in the Sarah Coventry collection. The sources mention “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE Ring - April - White Sapphire,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - April White Sapphire,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - April White Sapphire,” and “LOVE STORY Earrings - April White Sapphire.” The use of white sapphire, a colorless variety of corundum, offered a diamond-like aesthetic at a more affordable price point.
May: Emerald & Peridot
May was represented by both emerald and peridot in the Sarah Coventry line. “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - May” and “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - May Emerald” indicate the traditional emerald was offered. Additionally, “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - May” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - May Emerald” confirm the availability of emerald-set pieces. Peridot is also listed as an option for August, suggesting some flexibility in birthstone representation.
June: Alexandrite
Alexandrite was the birthstone chosen for June by Sarah Coventry. The sources list “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - June Alexandrite” and “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - June Alexandrite.” Alexandrite is a rare color-changing gemstone, known for appearing green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Its inclusion, even as a simulated stone in costume jewelry, suggests an attempt to offer more unusual and sophisticated options.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the traditional birthstone for July, was a consistent offering. The sources list “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - July Ruby” and “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - Ruby July.” The vibrant red color of ruby likely contributed to its popularity within the collection.
August: Peridot
Peridot was the designated birthstone for August. The sources list “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - August Peridot,” “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - August Peridot,” “LOVE STORY Earrings - August,” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - August Peridot.” The olive-green hue of peridot provided a distinctive option for August birthdays.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, traditionally associated with September, was a prominent feature. The sources list “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - September Sapphire,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - September Sapphire,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - September Sapphire,” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - September - Sapphire.” The deep blue color of sapphire likely contributed to its enduring appeal.
October: Rose Zircon
Rose zircon was the birthstone selected for October. The sources list “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - October Rose Zircon,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - October Rose Zircon,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - October Rose Zircon,” and “LOVE STORY Earrings - October Rose Zircon.” Rose zircon is a pinkish variety of zircon, offering a delicate and feminine option for October birthdays.
November: Topaz & Blue Zircon
November was represented by both golden topaz and blue zircon. “SARAH'S BIRTHSTONE RINGS - November Topaz,” “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - November Golden Topaz,” “BIRTHSTONE PENDANT November,” and “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - November” indicate the availability of topaz. Additionally, “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - December Blue Zircon” and “BIRTHSTONE PENDANT Necklace - November” suggest blue zircon was also offered.
December: Blue Zircon
Blue zircon was the birthstone chosen for December. The sources list “BIRTHSTONE RINGS - December Blue Zircon,” “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - December - Blue Zircon,” and “BIRTHSTONE PENDANT Necklace - November.” The vibrant blue color of zircon provided a festive option for December birthdays.
Design Variations and Collections
The sources reveal that Sarah Coventry offered birthstone jewelry within various collections and design styles. The “LOVE STORY” line featured birthstone earrings, while the “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN” collection offered pendants in sterling silver. The company also produced individual charms representing each birthstone, allowing customers to personalize bracelets and necklaces. The variety of designs and settings demonstrates a commitment to catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Conclusion
The Sarah Coventry birthstone jewelry collection, as documented in the provided sources, represents a significant chapter in the history of costume jewelry. The company successfully capitalized on the enduring appeal of birthstones, offering affordable and fashionable options to a broad consumer base. While the sources do not provide detailed gemological information or historical context for the stones themselves, they offer a valuable glimpse into the popular preferences and marketing strategies of the mid-20th century jewelry market. The consistent inclusion of specific gemstones for each month, coupled with the variety of designs and settings, demonstrates Sarah Coventry’s understanding of the symbolic and personal significance of birthstones.