The peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds a special place as the recognized birthstone for August. While comprehensive gemological data is absent from the provided sources, these materials reveal a significant cultural connection between the peridot and collectible doll lines, specifically the “Birthstone Collection” released by Mattel in 2003 and subsequent American Girl doll outfits. This article will explore the peridot’s representation within these collections, its aesthetic qualities as described, and its association with the month of August, drawing solely from the provided documentation.
A Gemstone in Miniature: The Peridot in Doll Collections
The primary source of information centers around the “Birthstone Collection” dolls and related accessories. This collection, launched in 2003, featured Barbie dolls each representing a different birthstone. The August doll was specifically designated as the “Peridot Barbie Doll,” with multiple iterations identified by different model numbers ([B3416], [C0578], [C5326]). This demonstrates a deliberate effort to link the gemstone with a specific month and, by extension, individuals born within that timeframe.
Further reinforcing this connection is the American Girl line, which released an “August – Phenomenal Peridot Outfit” for 18-inch dolls. This outfit is explicitly described as “peridot-inspired,” highlighting the gemstone’s aesthetic appeal and its association with August birthdays. The outfit’s design incorporates a bright-green color scheme, mirroring the characteristic hue of peridot.
Aesthetic Qualities and Outfit Design
The American Girl outfit provides the most detailed description of the peridot’s visual qualities as interpreted for design purposes. The outfit features a “bright-green drop-waist raschel dress” with details like an off-the-shoulder mesh ruffle neckline, spaghetti straps, and a gemstone-adorned raschel skirt. This suggests that the peridot is perceived as a vibrant, eye-catching green, suitable for creating a visually striking aesthetic. The inclusion of “gemstone-adorned” elements on the skirt further emphasizes the connection between the outfit and the gemstone itself.
Accessories accompanying the outfit – glittery green platform sandals with gemstone detailing, green sunglasses, and adhesive faux-peridot earrings – consistently reinforce the green color palette and the gemstone theme. A satin ribbon choker with a “center faux-peridot gem” serves as a focal point, directly referencing the stone. The inclusion of a guide detailing personality traits associated with each gemstone and showcasing all outfits in the collection suggests an attempt to imbue the dolls and their attire with symbolic meaning linked to their respective birthstones.
The Peridot and August: A Symbolic Association
The consistent pairing of the peridot with the month of August across both the Barbie “Birthstone Collection” and the American Girl line establishes a clear symbolic association. The American Girl product description explicitly states the outfit is “ideal for August birthdays and fashion mavens alike,” solidifying this connection. While the sources do not elaborate on the historical or metaphysical reasons for this association, the marketing materials clearly leverage the established birthstone calendar.
The use of the term “phenomenal” in the American Girl outfit’s name (“August – Phenomenal Peridot Outfit”) suggests a positive and celebratory connotation associated with the gemstone and the month of August. This implies that the peridot is viewed as a desirable and special stone, worthy of being associated with birthdays and positive attributes.
Commercial Context and Collectibility
The provided sources also offer insight into the commercial context surrounding these peridot-themed items. The “Birthstone Collection” is identified as a “Collector Edition” doll line, indicating its intended appeal to collectors. The American Girl website highlights the opportunity to “earn perks while you play,” suggesting a loyalty program designed to encourage repeat purchases.
The presence of these items on online auction sites like Bidsquare ([3]) further demonstrates their collectibility and potential market value. While the sources do not provide specific pricing information, the fact that these dolls and outfits are being offered for sale indicates a continued demand among collectors.
Limitations of the Sources
It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the provided sources. They are primarily marketing materials and catalog descriptions, focusing on the commercial aspects of the dolls and outfits. They lack detailed gemological information about the peridot, such as its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or geological origins. The sources do not delve into the historical or metaphysical significance of the peridot beyond its association with the month of August.
Furthermore, the sources are limited in scope, focusing almost exclusively on the Barbie and American Girl lines. They do not provide a broader perspective on the peridot’s cultural significance or its use in jewelry and other applications.
Conclusion
The provided sources, while limited in scope, demonstrate a clear and deliberate association between the peridot gemstone and the month of August, particularly within the context of collectible dolls. The “Birthstone Collection” and the American Girl “Phenomenal Peridot Outfit” showcase the peridot’s vibrant green color and its perceived aesthetic appeal. These items leverage the established birthstone calendar to create a symbolic connection between the gemstone and individuals born in August. While the sources do not offer comprehensive gemological or historical information, they provide a unique glimpse into the peridot’s cultural representation within the realm of collectible dolls and its enduring appeal as a birthstone.