The year 2002 saw the release of a unique collectible series: the Birthstone Barbie dolls. These dolls, each representing a different gemstone associated with a specific month, offer a fascinating, albeit limited, glimpse into the popular perception and marketing of birthstones. While not a gemological treatise, the collection provides a tangible connection between gemstones and cultural appreciation, specifically through a popular toy line. This article will detail the gemstones represented in the collection, as presented through the available information, and the variations offered within the series.
A Collection Rooted in Popular Culture
The Birthstone Barbie dolls were produced by Mattel and distributed through various retailers, including Midway Landing. The collection consisted of dolls representing the twelve months and their corresponding birthstones: Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire (represented by Peridot in some instances), Opal, Turquoise, and Topaz. Each doll was accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.) and a doll stand. The dolls were generally offered in mint condition, within their original packaging.
The collection’s existence highlights the enduring appeal of birthstones as gifts and collectibles. The dolls were marketed towards collectors, with a noted waiting list for certain items, indicating a strong demand. Midway Landing offered a service to notify customers when desired dolls became available, demonstrating a dedicated collector base.
Gemstones of the Collection: A Month-by-Month Overview
The following details the gemstones represented in the Birthstone Barbie collection, based on the available information. It is important to note that the provided sources primarily focus on the dolls themselves and offer no gemological details about the stones.
January: Garnet
The January doll featured a blonde Barbie representing Garnet. The dolls were offered in mint condition in their original boxes.
February: Amethyst
February was represented by a red-haired Barbie, symbolizing Amethyst. Like the Garnet doll, it was available in mint condition and original packaging.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine was represented by both a blonde and a brunette Barbie. The blonde version was priced slightly higher, and one listing noted slight bending of the box corners, though the doll itself remained in mint condition.
April: Diamond
April’s representation was the Diamond Barbie, available in both blonde and brunette versions. Both dolls were offered in mint condition, with some boxes showing shelf wear.
May: Emerald
Emerald was represented by both a red-haired and a brunette Barbie, both in mint condition within their original boxes.
June: Pearl
The June doll featured Pearl, and was available in both blonde and brunette versions.
July: Ruby
Ruby was represented by a red-haired Barbie in mint condition.
August: Peridot
August was represented by Peridot, with both blonde and brunette versions available.
September: Peridot
Interestingly, September was also represented by Peridot, with both blonde and brunette, and even a dark-skinned version available. This suggests a potential simplification or overlap in the birthstone associations used for the collection.
October: Opal
Opal was represented by a blonde Barbie and a dark-skinned version. The blonde doll had some shelf wear on the box, while the dark-skinned version was listed as being in mint condition within its original box.
November: Peridot & Topaz
November featured two dolls: a blonde Barbie representing Peridot and a dark-skinned Barbie representing Topaz. Both were offered in mint condition.
December: Turquoise
December was represented by a dark-skinned Barbie symbolizing Turquoise.
Variations and Market Details
The collection showcased variations in hair color and skin tone for several months, indicating an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. The dolls were sold individually, with prices ranging from $50.00 to $65.00, depending on the month and specific version. Shipping costs varied, with some listings offering free shipping and handling, while others charged between $4.00 and $8.00.
Midway Landing accepted various payment methods, including online payment services, checks, and money orders. They emphasized secure transactions and faster shipping for certain payment types. The company also noted the availability of a newer “Birthstone Beauties” collection, suggesting the initial series was successful enough to warrant a follow-up.
Purchasing and Collector Information
The provided sources indicate that the dolls were available for purchase directly from Midway Landing via a “buy now” button or through mail-in orders. Customers could also join a waiting list for specific dolls that were temporarily out of stock. The sources also mention other online marketplaces, such as eBay, where these dolls were available for purchase. Several other online stores are listed as “Top Stores” on one of the provided sources, including sqhjewelry and Gemshow7, though their direct connection to the Birthstone Barbie collection is not explicitly stated.
Conclusion
The 2002 Birthstone Barbie collection represents a unique intersection of gemological symbolism and popular culture. While the provided sources offer limited gemological information about the stones themselves, they provide a detailed overview of the dolls, their variations, and their market presence. The collection’s success, evidenced by waiting lists and a follow-up series, demonstrates the enduring appeal of birthstones as collectible items. The dolls serve as a tangible representation of the cultural significance attributed to these gemstones, even if they do not delve into the scientific or historical complexities of their origins and properties. The collection’s representation of Peridot for both August and September, and the inclusion of Topaz for November, suggests a degree of artistic license in aligning the dolls with traditional birthstone charts.