The provided sources, primarily catalogs and inventory lists from Sarah Coventry jewelry, detail a significant offering of birthstone jewelry produced by the company. While a comprehensive gemological treatise is not possible given the limited scope of the materials, these sources reveal a popular trend in the mid-20th century of offering affordable, fashionable birthstone pieces. The focus is overwhelmingly on jewelry featuring birthstones, rather than detailed information about the stones themselves. This article will explore the range of birthstone jewelry offered by Sarah Coventry, the types of pieces available, and the presentation of these items within their marketing materials.
History and Lore – Sarah Coventry and the Rise of Fashion Jewelry
Sarah Coventry was a prominent American jewelry company founded in 1949. It operated as a direct sales company, similar to Avon, utilizing a network of “hostesses” to showcase and sell their jewelry at home parties. The company’s success stemmed from offering fashionable, high-quality jewelry at affordable prices, bridging the gap between fine jewelry and costume jewelry. The provided sources demonstrate a strong emphasis on marketing jewelry as gifts, particularly for birthdays and special occasions.
The inclusion of birthstone jewelry within Sarah Coventry’s catalog reflects a broader cultural trend. The association of specific gemstones with each month of the year dates back to ancient times, with the modern standardization of birthstones occurring in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. By the mid-20th century, birthstone jewelry had become a popular gift-giving tradition, and Sarah Coventry capitalized on this demand. The “Hostess Only Items” and “Hostess Set” designations within the sources suggest that birthstone pieces were often used as incentives for party hosts, further emphasizing their role in the company’s sales strategy.
Birthstone Offerings: A Catalog of Styles
The sources reveal a diverse range of birthstone jewelry offered by Sarah Coventry. The most frequently mentioned items are pendants, rings, and earrings, often sold individually or as coordinated sets. The company offered birthstone jewelry for every month of the year, including:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: White Sapphire
- May: Emerald
- June: Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Rose Zircon and potentially other stones
- November: Golden Topaz
- December: Blue Zircon
The sources indicate that Sarah Coventry frequently used “birthstone pendant necklaces” as a core offering. These pendants were often accompanied by matching earrings or rings, creating complete jewelry sets. The company also produced birthstone tie bars and tie tacs, catering to the men’s jewelry market. The frequent mention of “sets” – necklace, earrings, and ring combinations – highlights a focus on coordinated looks.
The materials used in these pieces were primarily goldtone and silvertone metals, with the birthstones themselves appearing to be simulated or synthetic. The sources do not provide details on the specific quality or origin of the gemstones, focusing instead on the overall aesthetic appeal and affordability of the jewelry.
Gemological Properties – As Represented by Sarah Coventry
Due to the limited nature of the provided sources, a detailed discussion of the gemological properties of each birthstone is not possible. However, the sources do identify the stones used in Sarah Coventry’s birthstone jewelry, allowing for a brief overview based on generally accepted gemological knowledge (though this knowledge is not derived from the provided sources, and is included only to provide context for the listed stones).
| Birthstone | Month | Common Chemical Composition | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | January | Various silicate minerals (e.g., Almandine, Pyrope) | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Amethyst | February | SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide) | 7 |
| Aquamarine | March | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (Beryllium Aluminum Silicate) | 7.5 - 8 |
| White Sapphire | April | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) | 9 |
| Emerald | May | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (Beryllium Aluminum Silicate) | 7.5 - 8 |
| Alexandrite | June | BeAl₂O₄ (Beryllium Aluminum Oxide) | 8.5 |
| Ruby | July | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) with Chromium | 9 |
| Peridot | August | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ (Magnesium Iron Silicate) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Sapphire | September | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) with trace elements | 9 |
| Rose Zircon | October | ZrSiO₄ (Zirconium Silicate) | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Golden Topaz | November | Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂ (Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride) | 8 |
| Blue Zircon | December | ZrSiO₄ (Zirconium Silicate) | 6.5 - 7.5 |
It is important to note that Sarah Coventry likely used simulated or synthetic versions of these gemstones in their jewelry, rather than natural, high-quality stones. The sources do not provide any information regarding the authenticity or grading of the gemstones used.
Marketing and Presentation: The Sarah Coventry Aesthetic
The provided sources reveal a consistent marketing approach for Sarah Coventry birthstone jewelry. The items were frequently presented as part of larger collections, emphasizing the opportunity to purchase coordinated sets. The use of terms like “Hostess Set” and “Award” suggests that these pieces were often used as incentives or rewards within the company’s direct sales model.
The catalog descriptions are concise and focus on the aesthetic appeal of the jewelry. Terms like “Elegance,” “Precious,” and “Beautiful” are used to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. The emphasis is on the overall look and feel of the jewelry, rather than detailed technical specifications. The frequent inclusion of the word “Canada” alongside certain items suggests specific marketing campaigns or product lines targeted towards the Canadian market.
Care and Cleaning – Considerations for Vintage Jewelry
While the sources do not provide specific care instructions, general guidelines for vintage costume jewelry apply to Sarah Coventry birthstone pieces. Due to the use of base metals and simulated gemstones, these items are susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged exposure to moisture. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap is recommended. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh polishing agents, as these can damage the finish and gemstones. Proper storage in a dry, airtight container will help prevent tarnishing and deterioration.
Conclusion
The Sarah Coventry birthstone jewelry documented in these sources represents a significant aspect of the company’s product line and reflects the popular trends of the mid-20th century. While the sources do not offer detailed gemological information, they provide valuable insight into the marketing, styling, and presentation of birthstone jewelry during this era. The emphasis on affordability, fashion, and coordinated sets made Sarah Coventry a popular choice for consumers seeking stylish and accessible birthstone gifts. These pieces remain collectible today, offering a glimpse into the history of fashion jewelry and the enduring appeal of birthstone symbolism.