The provided sources, primarily catalogs and inventory lists from Sarah Coventry jewelry, detail a wide array of birthstone jewelry produced by the company. While a comprehensive gemological treatise is not possible given the limited data, these materials offer a glimpse into the popularity of birthstone jewelry in mid-20th century America and the specific gemstones Sarah Coventry featured in their collections. This article will explore the birthstone offerings of Sarah Coventry, focusing on the gemstones mentioned, their presentation in the catalogs, and the types of jewelry available.
A Mid-Century Phenomenon: Sarah Coventry and Birthstones
Sarah Coventry was a prominent American costume jewelry company active from the 1940s through the 1980s. The company distinguished itself through direct sales, home parties, and a focus on fashionable, affordable jewelry. The catalogs reveal a consistent emphasis on birthstone jewelry, indicating its importance to the company’s marketing strategy and consumer demand. The sources list numerous items specifically identified as birthstone pieces, including rings, pendants, earrings, tie bars, and even bracelets. The consistent inclusion of birthstone options across various jewelry types suggests a strong consumer interest in personalized and meaningful gifts.
Gemstone Offerings: A Limited but Representative Selection
The available data indicates that Sarah Coventry offered jewelry featuring a selection of commonly recognized birthstones. The following gemstones are explicitly mentioned in the provided sources:
- January – Garnet: Listed as available for tie tacs and bracelets.
- February – Amethyst: Featured in rings and bracelets.
- March – Aquamarine: Offered in pendants, rings, and bracelets.
- April – White Sapphire: Available in rings.
- May – Emerald: Featured in rings.
- July – Ruby: Offered in rings and bracelets.
- August – Peridot: Available in rings.
- September – Sapphire: Featured in rings and pendants.
- October – Rose Zircon: Available in rings.
- November – Topaz (Golden Topaz & simply November): Featured in rings and pendants.
- December – Blue Zircon: Available in rings.
- June – Alexandrite: Listed as available in rings, though this is a less common birthstone.
It is important to note that these are costume jewelry pieces, and the gemstones used are likely simulants (glass, cubic zirconia, or other materials that resemble the natural gemstones) rather than the natural stones themselves. The sources do not provide information on the materials used to create these simulants.
Jewelry Styles and Presentation
The Sarah Coventry catalogs showcase a variety of jewelry styles featuring birthstones. Rings were a particularly popular format, with numerous designs available for each birthstone. Pendants and earrings were also frequently offered. Less common were birthstone tie bars and bracelets, suggesting these were either newer offerings or less consistently stocked items.
The presentation of the birthstone jewelry in the catalogs was typically straightforward. Items were often listed with the month and corresponding gemstone name (e.g., “BIRTHSTONE PENDANT – March Aquamarine”). The emphasis was on providing a birthstone option for a wide range of tastes and budgets. The catalogs also featured “Hostess Sets” and other promotional items that sometimes included birthstone jewelry as part of a larger collection.
Specific Jewelry Types and Variations
The sources detail several specific types of birthstone jewelry offered by Sarah Coventry:
- Rings: A wide variety of ring styles were available, including solitaire settings, cluster designs, and more elaborate pieces.
- Pendants: Pendants were often simple designs featuring a single birthstone.
- Earrings: Both clip-on and pierced earrings were offered, with designs ranging from simple studs to more ornate drop earrings.
- Tie Bars & Tie Tacs: These were less common but provided a masculine option for birthstone jewelry.
- Bracelets: Birthstone bracelets were available, often featuring a single gemstone or a series of smaller stones.
- Sets: Several listings mention complete sets including necklaces, earrings, and pins, sometimes incorporating birthstones.
The sources also indicate variations in materials and finishes, such as goldtone, silvertone, and rhodium plating.
Limited Gemological Information
The provided sources offer virtually no gemological information about the gemstones themselves. There is no mention of cut, clarity, carat weight, or any other standard gemological characteristics. The focus is entirely on the association of the gemstone with a specific birth month and its aesthetic appeal within the jewelry design.
The Significance of Birthstones
While the sources do not delve into the history or symbolism of birthstones, the very fact that Sarah Coventry prominently featured them in their catalogs speaks to their cultural significance. The tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months dates back to ancient times, with roots in the biblical breastplate of Aaron and astrological beliefs. By the mid-20th century, birthstones had become a widely recognized and popular element of jewelry, often given as gifts to commemorate birthdays or other special occasions. Sarah Coventry capitalized on this trend by offering affordable and fashionable birthstone jewelry to a broad consumer base.
Table of Birthstones Offered by Sarah Coventry
| Birth Month | Gemstone | Jewelry Types Offered |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Tie Tac, Bracelet |
| February | Amethyst | Ring, Bracelet |
| March | Aquamarine | Pendant, Ring, Bracelet |
| April | White Sapphire | Ring |
| May | Emerald | Ring |
| June | Alexandrite | Ring |
| July | Ruby | Ring, Bracelet |
| August | Peridot | Ring |
| September | Sapphire | Ring, Pendant |
| October | Rose Zircon | Ring |
| November | Topaz | Ring, Pendant |
| December | Blue Zircon | Ring |
Conclusion
The Sarah Coventry catalogs provide a fascinating snapshot of birthstone jewelry trends in mid-20th century America. While the sources lack detailed gemological information, they clearly demonstrate the popularity of birthstone jewelry and the company’s commitment to offering a wide range of options to its customers. The emphasis on affordability and fashionable designs made Sarah Coventry a significant player in the costume jewelry market, and their birthstone collections remain a testament to the enduring appeal of personalized and meaningful jewelry. The limited scope of the provided sources prevents a more in-depth analysis, but they offer a valuable glimpse into a specific era of jewelry design and consumer culture.