The available sources detail a series of collectible plush toys created by Avon in 2000, marketed as “Millennium Birthstones.” These items, specifically “Gill the Goldfish,” represent a unique intersection of collectible plush design, birthstone symbolism, and early 21st-century marketing. While not gemstones in the traditional sense, these plush figures were intentionally linked to birthdates and associated with the concept of birthstones, offering a novel collectible item. This article will explore the details of these Avon Millennium Birthstone plush toys, their characteristics, and the limited information available regarding their creation and care.
A Millennial Marketing Concept
The core of this collectible series lies in its connection to the millennium and the enduring appeal of birthstones. Avon, a well-established direct-selling company, released these plush animals in the year 2000, capitalizing on the cultural moment and the tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months. The “Gill the Goldfish” plush, detailed in the provided sources, is 7 inches long and comes with original tags, including a rhinestone-decorated hang tag. A booklet accompanies the plush, providing the animal’s name, birth date association, and a poem. This suggests a deliberate attempt to imbue each plush with a personalized connection to its owner’s birthdate.
Product Details and Materials
The sources provide limited information regarding the materials used in the construction of these plush toys. They are described as being in “GREAT condition” and are intended as collectibles. The materials are not explicitly stated beyond being a plush construction. Other items in the Avon set are mentioned, indicating a series of different animal designs were produced. A separate listing details a “Robin’s Nest Ring” also produced by Avon in 1977, available in metal, gold-plated, and plastic materials. This suggests Avon had a history of producing collectible items and jewelry.
Care and Maintenance
The sources offer some guidance on the care of Avon jewelry, specifically a “Robin’s Nest Ring.” It is recommended to wipe the jewelry with a dry cloth and avoid exposure to water, beaches, hot springs, or rain. The ring should be cleaned after each wearing and stored in a zipper bag in a dry location. While these instructions specifically pertain to the ring, they suggest a general approach to preserving Avon collectibles – protecting them from moisture and physical damage. The sources also note that all products are inspected before sale, and refunds are not offered for personal preference issues, or for slight color variations due to photography and display differences.
Manufacturing and Origin
One source indicates that a related product, a ring, is manufactured in Australia. However, the origin of the plush toys themselves is not explicitly stated. The listing details that the items are “European accessories” and are available through a Pinkoi store called “Gold and Silver Baby.” Pinkoi is described as a platform for handmade and eco-friendly products, and the store specializes in gold and silver items. The ring is described as a “Pinkoi Exclusive.” This suggests a potential connection between Avon and Pinkoi, or that Pinkoi is a retailer of Avon products. The listing also notes the item is “Down to the last 1,” indicating limited stock.
Symbolism and Collectibility
The association of these plush toys with birthstones is the primary symbolic element. While the sources do not elaborate on the traditional meanings of birthstones, the intention is clear: to offer a personalized collectible item linked to an individual’s birthdate. The inclusion of a poem with each plush further reinforces this personalized connection. The collectible nature of the items is emphasized by their age (2000), their original tags, and their limited availability. The listing notes the item has received 2.464 views and 14 saves, indicating some level of interest from collectors. The reference to Deuteronomy (ch. XXVIII, v. 5) on one source is unclear in its connection to the plush and may be a coincidental inclusion.
Market Value and Availability
The sources do not provide specific information regarding the current market value of these Avon Millennium Birthstone plush toys. However, the fact that they are described as “Vintage” and “Collectible” suggests they may hold value for collectors of Avon memorabilia or those interested in early 2000s collectibles. The limited stock indicated by the Pinkoi listing suggests that finding these items may become increasingly difficult over time.
Summary of Gemological Properties (Applicable by Analogy)
While these are not gemstones, a table can be constructed to draw a parallel between traditional birthstones and the Avon plush collectibles, focusing on characteristics that might appeal to collectors:
| Feature | Traditional Birthstone | Avon Millennium Plush |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Mineral Crystal | Plush Fabric |
| Durability | High (varies by stone) | Moderate (requires careful handling) |
| Rarity | Varies by stone | Limited Edition (2000) |
| Symbolism | Associated with specific months & meanings | Associated with specific birthdates |
| Value | Determined by quality, size, and demand | Determined by condition, rarity, and collector interest |
| Care | Specific cleaning methods based on stone | Gentle cleaning, dry storage |
Conclusion
The Avon Millennium Birthstone plush toys represent a unique and nostalgic collectible item from the turn of the 21st century. While not gemstones in the traditional sense, they cleverly leveraged the enduring appeal of birthstone symbolism to create a personalized and collectible product. The limited information available suggests these plush toys were part of a larger marketing campaign by Avon, capitalizing on the cultural moment of the millennium. Their value lies in their collectible nature, their connection to a specific era, and their personalized association with birthdates. The sources highlight the importance of careful handling and storage to preserve these items for future collectors.