The Birthstone Barbie collection, launched by Mattel, represents a unique intersection of popular culture and gemological appreciation. These dolls, released primarily in 2002 and 2007, were designed to embody the color and spirit of each month’s birthstone, becoming popular collector’s items for Barbie enthusiasts and those with a particular fondness for gemstones. While not a comprehensive gemological study, the collection offers a playful and accessible introduction to the world of colored stones, and their enduring appeal. The dolls have become a popular collector’s item, with some fetching prices ranging from $10 to $250 depending on condition and rarity.
A History Rooted in Doll Design
Barbie, created by Ruth Handler and launched in 1959, quickly became a cultural icon. Inspired by the Bild Lilli doll from Germany, Barbie evolved from a single fashion doll into a vast franchise encompassing characters, playsets, and various media. The 1990s saw a surge in unique and collectible Barbie dolls, and the Birthstone Barbies emerged as a notable line within this period. Mattel has created many popular Barbie lines that stand the test of time, and the Birthstone Barbies are among them. The initial release of the Birthstone Barbies occurred in 2002, and the collection has grown to include 36 versions, with three dolls representing each birth month, each with a different skin tone.
The 2002 and 2007 Collections: Design Evolution
The Birthstone Barbie collection exists in two primary iterations: the 2002 line and the 2007 “Birthstone Beauties” Pink Label Collection. The 2002 dolls feature a more formal aesthetic, each dressed in a floor-length gown with matching gloves. The dresses are specifically colored to represent the corresponding birthstone, and each doll is accessorized with a birthstone necklace. The 2007 collection represents a shift towards a more contemporary style. These “Miss” Barbies sport shorter, knee-length dresses and are accompanied by a small puppy, whose leash and crown mirror the color of the doll’s birthstone. The 2007 dolls also include a birthstone bracelet in addition to the necklace.
Representing the Stones: A Month-by-Month Overview
Each Barbie doll is designed to visually represent its assigned birthstone. The following details, drawn from available information, illustrate how each stone is interpreted in the collection:
- January: Garnet: The Garnet Barbie is dressed in a deep red, chiffon evening dress, complete with a sophisticated wrap, garnet necklace, and bracelet. The deep red hue accurately reflects the color of the garnet stone.
- February: Amethyst: This Barbie’s dress is a rich purple, shimmering with glitter to evoke the brilliance of amethyst.
- March: Aquamarine: The Aquamarine Barbie features a pastel aqua dress, also adorned with sparkle, mirroring the delicate color of aquamarine.
- April: Diamond: Representing the diamond, this Barbie wears an elegant white gown, serving as a canvas for glitter, symbolizing the diamond’s sparkle.
- May: Emerald: The Emerald Barbie is dressed in a striking, forest green gown, accurately portraying the bold color of the emerald.
- June: Pearl: While details regarding the June Pearl Barbie’s attire are not provided, the collection aims to represent each stone’s color and essence.
- October: Opal: The Opal Barbie’s gown is iridescent, with white as the base color and subtle shades of pink and blue interwoven throughout, capturing the play-of-color characteristic of opal.
- November: Topaz: The Topaz Barbie’s dress is a mauve tone, accented with gold glitter clusters, creatively representing the topaz stone. A Peridot Barbie is also available for November.
- December: Turquoise: The Turquoise Barbie’s gown is a vibrant blue, embellished with blue glitter, capturing the essence of the turquoise birthstone.
Popularity and Collectibility
Certain months within the Birthstone Barbie collection have proven particularly popular among collectors. January (Garnet), March (Aquamarine), June (Pearl), September (Sapphire), and December (Turquoise) are consistently cited as the most sought-after dolls. The dolls are often purchased by collectors who aim to complete the entire collection, by individuals seeking the Barbie representing their own birthstone, or as gifts for those born in a particular month. The dolls are often sold in mint condition, in their original boxes, with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Market Value and Availability
While Mattel no longer directly sells the Birthstone Barbies, they remain available through secondary markets, such as eBay. Prices vary considerably depending on the doll’s condition, rarity, and whether it is still in its original packaging. Auction starting prices can range from around $10 to as high as $250. Some dolls, particularly those in mint condition and with original packaging, can command higher prices among dedicated collectors. Midway Landing previously offered the dolls, providing a platform for collectors to acquire these items.
The Birthstone Barbie as a Cultural Artifact
The Birthstone Barbie collection represents more than just a line of collectible dolls. It reflects a broader cultural fascination with both Barbie and the symbolism of birthstones. The collection taps into the enduring appeal of personalized gifts and the desire to connect with meaningful symbols. The dolls also demonstrate Mattel’s ability to adapt to market trends and cater to niche collector interests. The collection’s success highlights the enduring power of Barbie as a cultural icon and the continued relevance of birthstones as symbols of identity and personal significance.