The provided sources, primarily a catalog of vintage Avon jewelry, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of costume jewelry and its connection to gemstone aesthetics. While not detailing specific birthstones in a traditional gemological sense, the extensive inventory reveals a consistent use of gemstone-inspired designs and materials, reflecting popular tastes and trends across several decades. This article will explore the range of “gemstone” representations within the Avon collection, focusing on the materials used, common motifs, and the overall historical context of these pieces. It will also touch upon the types of sets and individual items frequently offered, providing insight into the brand’s approach to affordable luxury and fashionable adornment.
A History of Avon’s Gemstone-Inspired Designs
Avon, founded in 1886 as the California Perfume Company, transitioned from door-to-door perfume sales to include jewelry in the mid-20th century. The jewelry line quickly became a significant part of the Avon brand, offering a wide variety of pieces at accessible price points. The catalog excerpts demonstrate a consistent emphasis on replicating the look of gemstones, utilizing materials like rhinestones, cabochons, and colored glass to mimic the appearance of more expensive stones.
The catalog entries span a considerable period, with price guides dating back to 1962 and 1964, indicating a long-standing commitment to jewelry design. The sheer volume of items listed – encompassing rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, and complete sets – highlights Avon’s ambition to cater to a broad customer base with diverse tastes. The frequent use of terms like “Royal,” “Precious,” and “Mystic” in item names suggests an intentional association with the allure and prestige traditionally linked to gemstones.
Materials and Imitations
The Avon jewelry catalog showcases a reliance on imitation materials to achieve gemstone-like aesthetics. Rhinestones are prominently featured, used to simulate diamonds and other clear stones. Colored glass and cabochons are employed to replicate the hues of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. The catalog also mentions materials like lucite and pearls, further expanding the range of simulated gemstone appearances.
Specific examples include “Silvertone/Blue Cabochon Earrings” and “Royal Purple Earrings,” demonstrating the direct imitation of gemstone colors. The use of terms like “Abalone Look” and “Shell Look” indicates an attempt to mimic the iridescent qualities of natural materials. While the catalog does not provide details on the specific composition of these materials, it is clear that Avon focused on creating visually appealing pieces that offered the look of gemstones without the associated cost.
Common Motifs and Designs
The catalog reveals several recurring motifs and design themes. Floral designs, such as “Rosebud Earrings” and “My Bouquet Ring,” are prevalent, often incorporating gemstone-like elements as focal points. Snowflake motifs, exemplified by “Snowflake Pin” and “Royal Snowflake Earrings,” are also common, particularly in winter-themed collections.
Animal motifs, like “Puppy Love Necklace” and “Porcupine Pin,” appear frequently, often adorned with simulated gemstones. Abstract designs, such as “Soft Swirl Bracelet” and “Mystic Swirl Earrings,” demonstrate a more modern aesthetic. The catalog also features patriotic designs, like “Spangle Bangles Necklace - Red, White, Blue,” reflecting cultural trends and events.
Sets and Collections
Avon frequently offered jewelry sets, providing customers with coordinated looks. These sets typically included a necklace, earrings, and sometimes a bracelet or ring. Examples include “Prairie Princess Necklace Set,” “Royal Ballet Set,” and “Midnight Magic Pin/Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet Set.” The availability of complete sets suggests a desire to provide customers with a convenient and affordable way to build a cohesive jewelry collection.
The catalog also highlights specific collections, such as the “Snow” collection (Snow Blossom, Snow Drift, Snow Drop, etc.) and the “Royal” collection (Royal Ballet, Royal Crown, Royal Velvet, etc.). These collections demonstrate a thematic approach to design, offering a range of pieces within a unified aesthetic.
Item Types and Variety
The Avon catalog showcases an impressive variety of jewelry item types. Necklaces are a dominant category, ranging from delicate chains to elaborate pendants. Earrings are also widely represented, including clip-on and pierced styles. Rings, bracelets, and pins complete the assortment, offering customers a comprehensive selection of adornments.
Specific item types include lockets (“Memory Locket Bracelet”), tie bars and cuff links (“Mars Tie Tac & Cuff Links”), and brooches (“Matador Tie Tac”). The catalog also features unique items like promotional stamp dispensers and religious medals (“Protestant Medal Necklace”), demonstrating the brand’s willingness to experiment with different product categories.
A Table of Common Gemstone Imitations in Avon Jewelry
| Imitated Gemstone | Avon Material Used | Example Item |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Rhinestone | “Precious Earrings” |
| Ruby | Red Cabochon/Glass | “Royal Purple Earrings” |
| Sapphire | Blue Cabochon/Glass | “Silvertone/Blue Cabochon Earrings” |
| Emerald | Green Cabochon/Glass | (Not explicitly listed, but implied in color variety) |
| Amethyst | Purple Cabochon/Glass | “Royal Plumage Earrings” |
| Pearl | Simulated Pearl | “Puka Beads Necklace” |
| Abalone | Imitation Abalone | “Silvertone/Abalone Look Ring” |
The Significance of Avon’s Approach
While Avon jewelry does not feature genuine gemstones, its significance lies in its accessibility and its role in democratizing fashion. By offering affordable imitations, Avon allowed a wider audience to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of gemstones without the prohibitive cost. The brand’s success demonstrates a strong consumer demand for fashionable jewelry, regardless of material composition. The catalog excerpts provide a valuable historical record of jewelry trends and consumer preferences during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Conclusion
The Avon vintage jewelry catalog, while not a traditional source of gemological information, offers a compelling study of how gemstone aesthetics were translated into affordable costume jewelry. The consistent use of imitation materials, recurring motifs, and diverse item types demonstrate Avon’s commitment to providing fashionable adornments to a broad customer base. The catalog serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of gemstones and the power of design to create beauty and elegance, even in imitation. The brand’s legacy lies in its ability to make the allure of gemstones accessible to all, shaping the landscape of affordable fashion for decades.