The emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, holds a prominent position in the world of colored stones and is traditionally associated with the month of May. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the emerald has been recognized for its symbolism and historical significance. This article explores the representation of the emerald within the 2003 “Birthstone Collection” of Barbie dolls, examining its inclusion as a birthstone and the various iterations of emerald-themed Barbie dolls produced. The available sources primarily focus on the doll collection itself, offering limited insight into the gemological or historical aspects of the emerald beyond its association with the month of May.
History and Lore – As Reflected in the Collection
The “Birthstone Collection,” released in 2003, demonstrates a modern interpretation of the tradition of birthstones. While the origins of birthstones stretch back to ancient times – with connections to the twelve tribes of Israel and the apostles – the modern list and its standardization are relatively recent developments. The Barbie collection directly links the gemstone to a specific month, mirroring this contemporary practice. The collection itself doesn’t delve into the historical lore surrounding the emerald; its significance is solely defined by its position as the May birthstone within the context of the doll line. The collection’s existence highlights the enduring appeal of birthstones as a means of personal connection and symbolic representation.
The Emerald Barbie Dolls: A Collector’s Line
The primary focus of the available sources is the various Emerald Barbie dolls released as part of the 2003 “Birthstone Collection.” Multiple versions of the May Emerald Barbie Doll were produced, identified by different catalog numbers: B3413, C0575, and C5323. This suggests a degree of popularity and potentially multiple production runs or variations within the line. The sources do not provide details regarding the dolls’ outfits, accessories, or specific design elements beyond their association with the emerald birthstone. The collection encompassed dolls representing all twelve months, indicating a comprehensive approach to the birthstone theme.
Gemological Properties – Limited Information
The provided sources offer no information regarding the gemological properties of the emerald itself. Therefore, a detailed discussion of its chemical composition, hardness, clarity, or cut is not possible based on the available data. The sources do not mention the origin of emeralds, the geological conditions under which they form, or the various treatments used to enhance their appearance. The collection simply acknowledges the emerald as the birthstone for May without providing any scientific or technical details.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs – Absent from the Sources
Similarly, the sources do not contain any information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with the emerald. Historically, emeralds have been linked to concepts such as rebirth, love, and good fortune. In some cultures, they are believed to possess healing properties and enhance intuition. However, these aspects are entirely absent from the provided materials, which focus solely on the dolls themselves. The collection appears to treat the emerald purely as a color and a symbolic representation of the month of May, without engaging with its deeper cultural or spiritual significance.
Caring for Emerald Barbie Dolls – Wig Maintenance
While the sources do not provide care instructions for emerald gemstones, they do offer detailed guidance on maintaining the wigs worn by the Barbie dolls. The instructions emphasize the importance of using the correct tools – a wire wig brush for wavy or straight hair and a hair pick for curly textured hair. Lightly misting the hair with water is recommended to facilitate styling. The process involves gently brushing or picking out tangles, working from the ends towards the base of the wig, and always stroking downwards. This detailed wig care advice is the only practical guidance offered within the sources, highlighting the focus on the dolls themselves rather than the gemstones they represent.
The Broader Barbie Birthstone Collection
The “Birthstone Collection” included dolls representing all twelve months of the year. The sources list the following dolls within the collection:
- January: Garnet Barbie Doll (B3409, C0583, C5331)
- February: Amethyst Barbie Doll (B3410, C0584, C5332)
- March: Aquamarine Barbie Doll (B3411, C0585, C5333)
- April: Diamond Barbie Doll (B3412, C0586, C5334)
- May: Emerald Barbie Doll (B3413, C0575, C5323)
- June: Pearl Barbie Doll (B3414, C0576, C5324)
- July: Ruby Barbie Doll (B3415, C0577, C5325)
- August: Peridot Barbie Doll (B3416, C0578, C5326)
- September: Sapphire Barbie Doll (B2394, C0579, C5327)
- October: Opal Barbie Doll (B2395, C0580, C5328)
- November: Topaz Barbie Doll (B2396, C0581, C5329)
The multiple catalog numbers associated with each doll suggest variations in production or packaging. The collection demonstrates Mattel’s attempt to capitalize on the popularity of both Barbie and the enduring tradition of birthstones.
Additional Mattel Resources
The sources also point to various Mattel resources, including replacement parts, product recalls and safety alerts, software downloads, and customer service contact information. These resources are relevant to the broader context of purchasing and maintaining Mattel products but do not provide further information about the “Birthstone Collection” or the emerald itself. The inclusion of links to Mattel’s online stores and corporate information suggests a commercial intent behind the provided materials.
Conclusion
The available sources primarily document the existence and variations of the May Emerald Barbie Doll within the 2003 “Birthstone Collection.” While the collection acknowledges the emerald as the birthstone for May, the sources offer limited information regarding the gemstone’s gemological properties, historical significance, or cultural symbolism. The focus remains firmly on the dolls themselves, with detailed instructions provided for wig maintenance. The collection serves as a modern interpretation of the birthstone tradition, leveraging the popularity of the Barbie brand to connect with consumers on a personal level. The lack of detailed information about the emerald itself highlights the collection’s primary purpose as a collectible item rather than an educational resource.