The Avon baby bootie birthstone charm, specifically those featuring a purple stone, represents a unique and sentimental take on the traditional February birthstone, the amethyst. These charms, crafted by Avon, utilize amethyst or cubic zirconia to symbolize the month of February, often presented as a pendant in the shape of a baby bootie. While not a comprehensive exploration of amethyst’s geological origins or extensive historical significance – due to the limited scope of available sources – this article details the charm’s characteristics, materials, and cultural context as presented within the provided documentation.
A Symbol of New Beginnings
The primary function of the Avon baby bootie charm is as a keepsake or gift, particularly suited for celebrating new arrivals. The bootie shape itself carries inherent symbolism, representing the first steps and the promise of a future. Combining this with a February birthstone, typically amethyst, creates a personalized and meaningful piece of jewelry. The charm is described as silvertone, suggesting a base metal coated with silver, and features a round-cut stone set in a prong setting. This design choice maximizes the stone’s brilliance and secures it within the charm’s structure. The charm is categorized as both a charm and a pendant, indicating its versatility for attachment to necklaces or bracelets.
Material Composition and Origin
The Avon baby bootie charm is constructed from silvertone metal, with the February birthstone represented by either amethyst or cubic zirconia. The sources specifically identify amethyst as the main stone in some variations. Cubic zirconia is noted as a secondary stone option, likely used as a more affordable alternative to natural amethyst. The country of origin for these charms is consistently listed as China. This indicates that the manufacturing process, including the setting of the stones and the creation of the silvertone finish, takes place within Chinese manufacturing facilities. The charms are described as “New with Tags” (NWT), suggesting they are recently produced items.
Gemological Characteristics of Amethyst
While the provided sources do not delve into the detailed gemological properties of amethyst, it is important to note its characteristics based on standard gemological knowledge. Amethyst is a variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) with a Mohs hardness of 7, making it relatively durable for everyday wear. Its color ranges from pale lilac to deep, rich purple, caused by irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements. The round cut, as specified for the main stone in the charm, is a common and popular cut for amethyst, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. The prong setting, also mentioned in the sources, is a secure and traditional method for holding the stone in place, allowing light to enter and maximize its visual appeal.
The Significance of February’s Birthstone
Amethyst has a long and storied history as the birthstone for February. Historically, amethyst was associated with royalty and nobility, often adorning the robes and jewelry of bishops and kings. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “non-intoxicated,” as ancient Greeks believed the stone could prevent drunkenness. This belief stemmed from the stone’s color, resembling wine, and the idea that it could ward off the effects of alcohol. Over time, amethyst became associated with peace, courage, stability, and protection. It is often given as a gift to symbolize sincerity and good fortune.
Avon and the Charm Market
Avon, as a brand, has a long history of producing affordable jewelry and accessories. The baby bootie birthstone charm exemplifies Avon’s approach to offering sentimental and personalized jewelry options to a broad consumer base. The charm’s design caters to a specific market – those seeking gifts for newborns or individuals celebrating a February birthday. The use of silvertone metal and the option of cubic zirconia contribute to the charm’s affordability, making it accessible to a wider range of customers. The charm’s collectible nature is also highlighted, suggesting its potential appeal to collectors of Avon jewelry or birthstone-themed items.
Care and Maintenance
Given the silvertone metal and the use of amethyst or cubic zirconia, the baby bootie charm requires careful handling and maintenance. Silvertone finishes can tarnish over time, especially when exposed to air and moisture. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth can help prevent tarnishing and maintain the charm’s shine. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged exposure to water. Amethyst is relatively durable, but it can still be scratched or chipped with rough handling. Cubic zirconia, while visually similar to diamond, is softer and more prone to scratching. Therefore, it is advisable to store the charm in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect it from damage.
Market Presence and Availability
The provided sources indicate that these Avon baby bootie birthstone charms are currently available for purchase on online marketplaces such as Poshmark and eBay. The listings suggest that the charms are considered collectible items, with prices varying depending on condition and demand. The “Account is under Review” message appearing on some listings suggests potential restrictions on selling activity on these platforms, but does not necessarily reflect on the quality or authenticity of the charms themselves. The listings also indicate that comment posting is temporarily restricted, limiting direct communication with sellers.
Summary of Properties
The following table summarizes the key properties of the Avon baby bootie birthstone charm, based on the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Charm/Pendant |
| Metal | Silvertone |
| Main Stone | Amethyst or Cubic Zirconia |
| Stone Shape | Round |
| Setting Style | Prong |
| Origin | China |
| Symbolism | New beginnings, February birthstone |
| Style | Charm, Pendant |
| Color | Silver, Purple (Amethyst) |
Conclusion
The Avon baby bootie birthstone charm, featuring amethyst or cubic zirconia, represents a charming and sentimental piece of jewelry. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they reveal the charm’s material composition, origin, and symbolic significance. The charm’s design, combining the imagery of a baby bootie with the February birthstone, makes it a thoughtful gift for new parents or individuals celebrating a February birthday. Its affordability and collectible nature further contribute to its appeal. The charm serves as a small but meaningful representation of the broader history and symbolism associated with amethyst, the traditional birthstone for the month of February.