The intersection of traditional birthstone symbolism and contemporary collectible artistry is exemplified by Swarovski’s Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bear series. These collectible teddy bears, embellished with crystals representing each month’s designated birthstone, offer a modern take on a long-standing tradition. While historical and gemological details surrounding specific birthstones are absent in the provided sources, the available information highlights a recent commercial application of birthstone concepts, specifically through a collaboration between Swarovski and Build-A-Bear Workshop. This article will detail the features of these bears, their availability, and the pricing information as presented in the provided materials.
A Modern Interpretation of Birthstone Tradition
The Swarovski Birthstone Bear collection represents a novel approach to the gifting of birthstone-themed items. Traditionally, birthstones were incorporated into jewelry – rings, pendants, and earrings – as personal adornments believed to possess specific properties linked to the month of the wearer’s birth. The Build-A-Bear collaboration shifts this focus to a plush, collectible format. Each bear is crafted with “ultra-suede silver fur” and features the corresponding birthstone crystal embedded on its paws and ears. A matching bow and a symbolic heart-shaped crystal stitched onto the chest further enhance the design.
This approach broadens the appeal of birthstones beyond traditional jewelry consumers, attracting those interested in collectible items and personalized gifts. The bears are presented as suitable gifts for holidays or birthdays, suggesting a focus on celebratory occasions. The use of Swarovski crystals specifically elevates the perceived value and aesthetic appeal of the bears, leveraging the brand’s reputation for quality and sparkle.
Availability and Monthly Offerings
The launch of the Swarovski Birthstone Bear collection has been phased, with certain months becoming available before others. As of the information provided, bears representing November, December, and January are currently available for purchase. A “handful” of other birthstone bears are described as “coming soon,” indicating a planned rollout to encompass all twelve months.
The specific birthstone colors associated with each month, as represented by the Swarovski crystals, are as follows:
- November: Orange
- December: Blue
- January: Red
- April: Silver tone
This limited initial availability creates a sense of anticipation and encourages repeat purchases as new monthly bears are released. The phased launch strategy also allows Swarovski and Build-A-Bear to manage production and inventory effectively.
Pricing and Retail Information
The Swarovski Birthstone Bears are priced at $90 per bear. This price point positions them as a premium collectible item, reflecting the Swarovski crystal embellishments and the Build-A-Bear brand association. The retail information is presented through shopping links on Goodmorningamerica.com, which redirect visitors to the respective e-commerce sites (Swarovski and Build-A-Bear Workshop).
A disclaimer accompanies these shopping links, noting that prices are dynamic and subject to change from the date of publication. This is a common practice in online retail, particularly for items with fluctuating material costs or promotional offers. The disclaimer also informs customers that purchases made through these links will be governed by the terms and privacy policies of the respective e-commerce sites, and that ABC (the publisher of Goodmorningamerica.com) will receive a commission on qualifying purchases.
Boghossian Jewels Return Policy
While seemingly unrelated to the Swarovski bears, one of the provided sources details the return policy of Boghossian Jewels. This information, though not directly relevant to the primary topic, highlights the importance of clear return policies in the jewelry and luxury goods market. Boghossian Jewels offers a voluntary 14-day right of return for purchases made on their e-boutique, provided the items are returned in mint condition with all original packaging and tags. This policy underscores the expectation of careful handling and minimal wear when considering a return.
Ring Sizing Chart
Another section of a provided source contains a ring sizing chart, converting sizes from US to international standards. This chart, while not directly related to the birthstone bears, demonstrates the broader context of jewelry retail and the need for accurate sizing information. The chart provides conversions for ring sizes ranging from 4 to 28, encompassing a wide range of finger sizes.
Limitations of Available Information
The provided sources offer a very limited scope of information. They primarily focus on the commercial aspects of the Swarovski Birthstone Bear collection – availability, pricing, and retail channels. There is a complete absence of information regarding the historical origins of birthstones, the gemological properties of the crystals used, or the cultural significance associated with each month’s birthstone. The sources do not delve into the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs traditionally linked to birthstones.
Consequently, a comprehensive article on birthstones, as typically understood in gemological and historical contexts, cannot be constructed solely from these materials. The available information is best described as a snapshot of a contemporary marketing initiative that leverages the existing popularity of birthstone concepts.
Conclusion
The Swarovski Build-A-Bear Birthstone Bear collection represents a modern and accessible interpretation of the birthstone tradition. By combining the appeal of collectible plush toys with the sparkle of Swarovski crystals, this collaboration offers a unique gifting option for those seeking a personalized and celebratory item. While the provided sources lack the depth of information necessary for a comprehensive exploration of birthstones, they effectively illustrate a current trend in the market – the adaptation of traditional concepts to appeal to a broader audience through innovative product design and strategic partnerships. The limited information provided focuses on the commercial aspects of the product, including availability, pricing, and retail channels, rather than the historical or gemological significance of birthstones themselves.