The intersection of traditional birthstone lore and contemporary collectible design is exemplified by the Swarovski Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bear series. These plush bears, embellished with crystals representing each month’s designated gemstone, offer a modern take on the enduring practice of associating specific stones with particular times of the year. While the provided sources do not delve into the historical origins of birthstones themselves, they detail a recent commercial expression of this tradition, highlighting the appeal of gifting symbolic representations of birth months. This article will explore the details of these collectible bears, their features, and the context of their release, based solely on the available information.
A Collaborative Creation
The Birthstone Bears are a collaborative product between Build-A-Bear Workshop and Swarovski, two brands recognized for their respective strengths in personalized plush toys and high-quality crystal creations. The bears are described as “collectible,” suggesting a focus on limited editions and a potential for increasing value among enthusiasts. The partnership leverages the emotional connection associated with Build-A-Bear’s customizable experience and the prestige associated with Swarovski crystals. The bears are intended as gifts for holidays, birthdays, or to celebrate new arrivals, indicating a broad target audience seeking meaningful presents.
Design and Materials
The bears are crafted from “ultra-suede silver fur,” providing a luxurious texture and a neutral base for showcasing the birthstone crystals. The embellishments are strategically placed on the paws and ears, drawing attention to these key areas. Each bear features a “matching bow” and a “symbolic heart-shaped crystal stitched onto its chest,” adding further decorative elements and reinforcing the theme of affection and celebration. The use of Swarovski crystals elevates the bears beyond typical plush toys, positioning them as collectible items with a touch of elegance.
Available Birthstone Representations
As of the information provided, bears representing the birthstones for November, December, and January are currently available for purchase.
- November: Represented by an orange crystal.
- December: Represented by a blue crystal.
- January: Represented by a red crystal.
The sources indicate that additional birthstone bears are “coming soon,” suggesting a planned rollout to encompass all twelve months. The specific crystal colors chosen to represent each month align with commonly accepted associations, though the sources do not elaborate on the historical or symbolic reasoning behind these choices.
Pricing and Retail Information
The Swarovski Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bears are priced at $90 each. They are available for purchase through the Swarovski website, though the sources note that clicking shopping links will redirect visitors to external e-commerce sites operating under different terms and privacy policies. The sources also include a disclaimer regarding dynamic pricing, stating that “SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.” This suggests that the price may fluctuate based on demand or other market factors. ABC (the parent company of Good Morning America, where the product was featured) receives a commission on purchases made through the provided links.
The March Birthstone Bear
A separate mention is made of the “March Birthstone Bear” by Demdaco. This bear differs slightly in its presentation, featuring a ribbon symbolizing the month of March and a sentiment reading “Loving.” It is marketed as a suitable gift for newborns, first birthdays, or baby showers, emphasizing its role as a celebratory and thoughtful present. This bear is part of a larger “Birthstone Bears Collection,” suggesting a broader range of designs beyond the Swarovski collaboration.
Commercial Context and Disclaimers
The information regarding these bears originates from Good Morning America’s shopGMA section, indicating a promotional context. The sources include standard disclaimers regarding affiliate links, dynamic pricing, and external website policies. These disclaimers are typical of online retail promotions and serve to inform consumers about the terms of their purchases. The inclusion of links to sign up for newsletters and follow social media accounts further underscores the commercial intent of the featured content.
Limitations of Available Information
The provided sources are limited in scope, focusing primarily on the commercial aspects of the Swarovski Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bears and the Demdaco March bear. They do not offer any historical background on birthstones, the geological origins of the crystals used, or the symbolic meanings traditionally associated with each month’s gemstone. The information is largely descriptive, detailing the product’s features and availability rather than providing in-depth gemological or cultural context.
Due to the limited nature of the provided sources, a 2000-word article offering a comprehensive overview of birthstones is not feasible. The available information is best summarized as a description of a recent commercial product that leverages the enduring popularity of birthstone symbolism. The following table summarizes the available information regarding the Swarovski bears:
| Month | Crystal Color | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Orange | $90 | Currently Available |
| December | Blue | $90 | Currently Available |
| January | Red | $90 | Currently Available |
| March | (Not Specified) | (Not Specified) | Available through Demdaco |
Conclusion
The Swarovski Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bears represent a contemporary interpretation of a long-standing tradition. By combining the appeal of customizable plush toys with the prestige of Swarovski crystals, these bears offer a unique and collectible way to celebrate birth months. While the provided sources do not delve into the historical or gemological aspects of birthstones, they highlight the enduring cultural significance of associating specific stones with particular times of the year and the continued demand for meaningful and personalized gifts. The March bear by Demdaco further expands on this trend, offering another option for celebrating new life and special occasions. The limited scope of the available information underscores the need for further research into the broader history and symbolism of birthstones to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this fascinating cultural phenomenon.