The provided sources detail a series of birthstone-themed jewelry pieces produced by Avon, specifically focusing on items representing the December birthstone. These pieces, primarily pendants and earrings, feature a blue zircon-style Austrian glass stone set in gold-tone metal. While the sources do not offer extensive historical or gemological information about zircon itself, they provide insight into Avon’s production history, material choices, and the vintage market for these items. This article will explore the available information regarding these Avon birthstone pieces, their characteristics, and their place within the broader context of vintage jewelry.
Avon’s Birthstone Collection: A Mid-to-Late 20th Century Offering
Avon, a company known for its direct-selling model, introduced its Birthstone Teardrop Pendant and Earring set in 1976. The sources indicate that Avon continued to produce similar birthstone jewelry into the early 2000s. The December offering prominently features a blue, teardrop-shaped stone intended to represent zircon. It’s important to note that the stones used are described as “Austrian glass,” indicating they are not natural zircon but rather a manufactured imitation. This was a common practice in affordable jewelry lines like Avon’s, allowing them to offer birthstone representations at accessible price points. The pendant measures approximately 5/8” in length and is suspended from a 20” adjustable gold-tone chain. Matching clip-on earrings, measuring ¾” long, complete the set. Both the pendant and earrings are marked with the Avon trademark.
Material Composition and Construction
The jewelry is constructed from a gold-tone alloy and features rhinestones in addition to the central “zircon” glass stone. The sources explicitly state that the alloy metals are electroplated, clarifying that they are not solid gold or silver. This is a crucial detail for potential buyers, particularly those with metal sensitivities. The use of electroplating suggests a focus on achieving a gold-like appearance while maintaining affordability. The chain itself is described as having a width of approximately 0.4 cm and a straight measurement of 17-20 cm, with an extension of around 3 cm. The chain’s design incorporates a two-section construction allowing for adjustable length, with the ability to remove a section rather than having a traditional dangling extension chain. The bracelet version of the jewelry has a circumference of 15-20 cm when worn.
Condition and Vintage Considerations
The sources emphasize that these are vintage accessories, not new products. As such, they are likely to exhibit signs of wear, including scratches and imperfections on the metal components. The product descriptions specifically mention scratches on the buckle of the bracelet. Prospective buyers are advised to carefully examine the detailed photographs provided, as these accurately depict the item’s condition. The sources repeatedly stress the importance of reviewing the photos and product information before purchase to avoid disappointment. The photographs are presented as a key component of the product description, providing a visual representation of the item’s texture and any existing flaws.
Sizing and Adjustability
The jewelry offers some degree of adjustability. The pendant chain is adjustable to 20 inches, and the bracelet chain can be modified by removing a section, allowing for a customized fit. The bracelet’s straight measurement ranges from 17 to 20 cm, with an extension of 3 cm, accommodating wrist sizes between 15 and 20 cm in circumference. The sources highlight the practical design of the chain, noting that it avoids the appearance of a hanging extension chain.
Market Context and Consumer Advice
The sources originate from online marketplaces, specifically Retro Kandy Vintage and Pinkoi, indicating a current market for these vintage Avon birthstone pieces. The pricing information provided lists a regular price of $20.00 USD, with a sale price also listed at $20.00 USD. The sources also include purchase instructions emphasizing the importance of careful review of product details and photographs before ordering. A warning is included regarding the use of alloy metals and potential allergic reactions, advising those prone to allergies to consider this before purchasing.
Limitations of the Sources
The provided sources are limited in scope. They primarily focus on the physical characteristics and market availability of specific Avon jewelry pieces. They do not offer detailed information about the history of zircon, its gemological properties, or the broader cultural significance of birthstones. The sources are also biased towards sales and marketing, with a strong emphasis on condition and consumer considerations. There is no information regarding the original retail price of these items when they were first released, nor any details about the overall production run or the popularity of different birthstone months within the Avon line.
Summary
The available sources provide a snapshot of Avon’s birthstone jewelry offerings, particularly those representing December with a zircon-style stone. These pieces, produced from the 1970s into the early 2000s, are characterized by their affordable materials, adjustable designs, and vintage aesthetic. While not featuring genuine gemstones, they represent a popular and accessible way for consumers to celebrate their birth month. The sources emphasize the importance of careful inspection and consideration of material composition when purchasing these vintage items. The limited scope of the sources prevents a comprehensive exploration of zircon or the broader history of birthstones, but they offer valuable insights into a specific segment of the vintage jewelry market.
Conclusion
The Avon birthstone jewelry detailed in these sources represents a fascinating intersection of mass-produced fashion and personal symbolism. While the materials used are not precious, the pieces hold value as artifacts of a particular era and as affordable representations of birthstone traditions. The emphasis on vintage condition and detailed product descriptions highlights the importance of informed purchasing in the secondary market. These items serve as a reminder that jewelry can be both aesthetically pleasing and historically significant, even when created for a broad consumer base.