The provided sources offer limited information regarding the gemstone garnet beyond its association with the “Birthstone Beauties” Barbie doll series released by Mattel in 2007. This article will focus on the “Miss Garnet” Barbie, its context within the series, and extrapolate what can be gleaned about garnet’s symbolic connection to January, acknowledging the significant lack of detailed gemological or historical data within the given sources. The available information primarily pertains to the doll’s commercial availability and related product listings.
The Birthstone Beauties Collection
The “Birthstone Beauties” collection, released by Mattel in 2007, featured Barbie dolls representing each month of the year, each associated with its corresponding birthstone. “Miss Garnet,” representing January, is a part of this series. The sources indicate the doll is a “pink label” edition, suggesting a specific collector’s designation within the Barbie line. The available data focuses on the doll’s retail presence, including pricing and availability through online marketplaces like Ubuy and Freaktoyz. The dolls were marketed as collectible items, with some listings noting whether the doll is “Not Packaged” or “Complete,” indicating their condition for collectors.
Miss Garnet: Product Details and Availability
“Miss Garnet” is listed on multiple platforms, with prices varying depending on condition and completeness. The sources do not provide details about the doll’s design beyond its association with the January birthstone, garnet. The listings primarily serve as points of sale, offering information about shipping costs and payment options, including installment plans. The presence of the doll on multiple resale sites suggests continued collector interest in the “Birthstone Beauties” series.
Garnet: A Limited Perspective
The sources do not offer any information regarding the geological formation, gemological properties, historical significance, or metaphysical beliefs associated with garnet. The connection to January is presented solely as a marketing element for the Barbie doll. Therefore, any discussion of garnet beyond its association with this specific product line is not supported by the provided materials. The sources do not detail the type of garnet the doll is meant to represent (e.g., pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, andradite, uvarovite), nor do they mention any specific characteristics of the gemstone itself.
Contextualizing the Barbie Series
The “Birthstone Beauties” series reflects a broader trend of associating gemstones with specific months and their corresponding astrological signs. This practice has roots in ancient traditions, but the sources do not elaborate on these origins. The series likely aimed to capitalize on the popularity of both Barbie dolls and the enduring appeal of birthstone jewelry and symbolism. The dolls were marketed to collectors and individuals interested in both fashion dolls and the cultural significance of birthstones.
Related Items and Market Trends
The sources list other Barbie dolls and collectibles available for purchase, including dolls from the “Ever After High” and “Disney Designer Collection” lines. This suggests a broader market for collectible dolls and a consumer base interested in various character-based merchandise. The inclusion of dolls from different franchises indicates a competitive landscape within the collectible doll market. The pricing of these items varies significantly, reflecting differences in rarity, demand, and condition.
Technical Support and Online Services
One of the sources provides a link to Mattel’s technical support page. While irrelevant to the gemstone itself, this highlights the company’s broader online presence and customer service offerings. The availability of technical support for Mattel products suggests a commitment to maintaining product functionality and addressing customer concerns.
Limitations of the Sources
The provided sources are severely limited in scope. They primarily consist of product listings and a link to technical support. There is no information about the history of garnet, its geological origins, its chemical composition, its physical properties, or its cultural significance. The sources do not offer any insights into the symbolism of garnet beyond its association with the month of January. Consequently, a comprehensive article on garnet based solely on these sources is impossible. The information is almost entirely focused on the commercial aspects of the “Miss Garnet” Barbie doll.
The Commercialization of Birthstones
The “Birthstone Beauties” series exemplifies the commercialization of birthstone traditions. While the practice of associating gemstones with birth months has historical roots, its application in a mass-market product like Barbie dolls demonstrates its adaptation to contemporary consumer culture. The series likely aimed to appeal to individuals seeking unique and personalized gifts or collectibles. The marketing of the dolls as “birthstone” themed items leverages the existing cultural significance of gemstones to enhance their appeal.
Collector Value and Resale Market
The presence of “Miss Garnet” and other dolls on resale platforms indicates a secondary market for these collectibles. The prices listed on these platforms reflect the perceived value of the dolls to collectors. Factors influencing value include condition, completeness, rarity, and demand. The availability of installment payment options suggests a desire to make these collectibles accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a very narrow perspective on garnet, focusing almost exclusively on its association with the “Miss Garnet” Barbie doll from the 2007 “Birthstone Beauties” series. The sources provide limited information about the doll itself, primarily relating to its availability, pricing, and condition. They offer no insights into the history, geology, or symbolism of garnet beyond its connection to the month of January. Therefore, this article has been constrained by the lack of substantive information within the provided materials. The “Miss Garnet” Barbie serves as a modern example of the commercialization of birthstone traditions, appealing to collectors and individuals interested in both fashion dolls and the cultural significance of gemstones.