The Barbie Birthstone Collection introduced a series of dolls representing each month’s traditional birthstone. The August doll features peridot, a vibrant green gemstone. This collection, launched in 2003, aimed to connect the popular doll franchise with the enduring tradition of birthstone jewelry and symbolism. The August Peridot Barbie, specifically identified as model C0578, is part of this series, and has become a sought-after item for both Barbie collectors and those interested in the lore surrounding birthstones. This article will explore the context of this doll within the broader Birthstone Collection, and the limited information available regarding the gemstone it represents, based solely on the provided sources.
The Barbie Birthstone Collection: A 2003 Initiative
In 2003, Mattel released the Birthstone Collection, a series of dolls designed to correspond with each month of the year and its associated birthstone. The collection encompassed twelve different dolls, each representing a specific gemstone. The sources detail the dolls released for January (Garnet) through November (Topaz), with multiple variations existing for some months. The August Peridot Barbie is listed as one of the dolls in the series, identified by the model number C0578. The collection demonstrates Mattel’s attempt to broaden the appeal of the Barbie brand by linking it to established cultural traditions.
The sources indicate that multiple versions of each birthstone doll were produced, denoted by different model numbers. For example, January’s Garnet Barbie has three listed model numbers: B3409, C0583, and C5331. This suggests a tiered release or variations in design within the collection. The August Peridot Barbie, with its single listed model number, may have had fewer variations compared to some other months.
Barbie and the World of Collectibles
Barbie, created by Ruth Handler in 1959, is a globally recognized toy brand. The sources emphasize that Barbie products extend beyond the dolls themselves, encompassing a wide range of merchandise including books, clothing, and even movies. The Barbie Birthstone Collection fits within this broader context of expanding the Barbie universe and catering to collector interests.
The sources highlight the scale of Barbie production, noting that dolls and accessories are manufactured at approximately 1/6 scale, also known as playscale. This consistency in scale allows for interchangeability and encourages extensive play and collecting. The popularity of Barbie is further underscored by the presence of numerous online marketplaces, such as eBay and Desertcart, where Barbie dolls, including the Birthstone Collection, are actively bought and sold. The listing on Desertcart specifically notes secure transactions and quality control, indicating a focus on providing a reliable purchasing experience for collectors.
The August Peridot Barbie Doll: Details and Market Presence
The August Peridot Barbie is presented as an “African American” doll, indicating a conscious effort to diversify the collection and represent a wider range of ethnicities. The Desertcart listing emphasizes that the product is sourced directly from authorized retailers in the US, UK, UAE, and India, assuring buyers of authenticity and quality.
Online marketplaces like eBay demonstrate the continued demand for the August Peridot Barbie. Listings show a “Super high amount watching,” suggesting significant interest from potential buyers. The eBay listing also highlights the seller’s positive reputation, with a Top-Rated Plus status and a 30-day return policy, further reinforcing the importance of trust and reliability in the collector’s market. The listing indicates that over 11,000 items have been sold by the seller, with a very low negative feedback rate.
Limited Gemological Information
The provided sources offer virtually no information regarding the gemological properties of peridot itself. They do not detail its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or geological origins. The focus remains entirely on the doll as a collectible item. The sources do not provide any historical context for peridot’s use as a birthstone or any associated symbolism.
The Desertcart description focuses solely on the product details and shipping information, while the Barbiepedia entry provides a general overview of the Barbie brand but does not delve into the specifics of the birthstone collection’s gemological inspiration. The eBay listing and related marketplace information are concerned with sales and seller ratings, not gemstone characteristics.
Marketplaces and Retailers
The sources identify several online marketplaces and retailers where Barbie dolls, including the August Peridot Barbie, are available for purchase. These include Desertcart, eBay, and various specialized stores listed on eBay, such as “A World Of Things TX” and “sqhjewelry.” The presence of these retailers demonstrates the widespread availability of Barbie products and the active market for collectibles.
The eBay listings also categorize the dolls within broader categories, such as “Barbie Dolls & Doll Playsets” and “Entertainment Memorabilia,” highlighting the doll’s status as both a toy and a collectible item. The categorization also reveals the diverse range of products available on these platforms, from baby essentials to pet supplies.
Conclusion
The August Peridot Barbie represents a unique intersection of the popular Barbie brand and the tradition of birthstone symbolism. Launched as part of the 2003 Birthstone Collection, the doll has become a sought-after item for collectors, particularly those interested in both Barbie memorabilia and birthstone-themed items. The sources demonstrate the doll’s availability through various online marketplaces and retailers, and highlight the importance of authenticity and reliability in the collector’s market. However, the provided sources offer limited information regarding the gemstone peridot itself, focusing almost exclusively on the doll as a collectible object. The August Peridot Barbie remains a fascinating example of how a toy brand can tap into cultural traditions and create a unique product for a dedicated audience.