The available sources detail a specific piece of jewelry: an Avon Leona bracelet, originating around 2003 and sourced from the USA. While not a traditional birthstone in the conventional gemological sense, this bracelet represents a significant artifact of early 2000s fashion and accessory trends. This article will explore the details of this particular piece, its materials, construction, care, and historical context within Avon’s product line. Due to the limited scope of the provided sources, this article will focus exclusively on the characteristics of this specific bracelet and its place within the broader context of fashion jewelry.
Historical Context and Brand Origins
The bracelet is attributed to the Avon brand, with a production timeframe of approximately 2003. Avon, founded in 1886 as the California Perfume Company, transitioned from door-to-door perfume sales to a broader range of beauty and fashion products, including jewelry. The company’s business model relied heavily on a network of independent representatives, making its products widely accessible to consumers. The Leona bracelet exemplifies Avon’s expansion into fashion accessories during this period, catering to a market seeking affordable and stylish jewelry options. The bracelet’s origin in the USA indicates a manufacturing or assembly location within the United States during the early 2000s.
Material Composition and Construction
The Avon Leona bracelet is constructed from an alloy base and adorned with rhinestones. The sources explicitly state that the alloy metals are electroplated, clarifying that they are not composed of solid precious metals like silver or gold. This is a crucial detail for potential buyers, particularly those with metal sensitivities. The use of rhinestones provides a decorative element, mimicking the appearance of more expensive gemstones. The chain itself has a width of approximately 0.4 cm. The bracelet features a two-section chain design, allowing for adjustable length. This adjustment is achieved by removing a section of the chain, rather than utilizing a traditional extension chain that would hang loosely. The straight measurement of the bracelet ranges from 17 to 20 cm, with the removable section providing an additional 3 cm of adjustment. When worn, the bracelet is designed to fit circumferences between 15 and 19 cm, accounting for the three-dimensional nature of the chain links.
Detailed Physical Characteristics
The sources emphasize that all items are pre-owned and not new. Consequently, the bracelet is likely to exhibit signs of wear, specifically scratches and imperfections on the metal buckle. The buckle’s functionality is reported to be normal despite these cosmetic flaws. Detailed photographs are highlighted as an essential part of the product description, urging potential buyers to carefully examine the images before purchasing. The photographs showcase the metallic texture and any existing imperfections. The bracelet’s design incorporates a three-dimensional chain structure, influencing its fit and overall appearance.
Care and Maintenance
Given the materials used – alloy and rhinestones – specific care instructions are recommended. The sources advise against exposing the bracelet to sweat, rain, seawater, perfume, and cosmetics. Removing the bracelet during bathing is also suggested. Due to Taiwan’s humid climate (where the source appears to originate), long-term storage requires wiping the jewelry with a dry cloth and sealing it in an airtight bag to prevent contact with air. For necklace items (the advice is generalized to jewelry), separate storage of the chain and pendant is recommended, with the pendant placed in a small sealed bag inside a larger bag containing the chain. These precautions aim to minimize tarnishing and maintain the bracelet’s appearance over time.
Purchasing Considerations
The sources repeatedly emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing product photos and information before making a purchase. Potential buyers are cautioned against purchasing if they have concerns about discrepancies between their expectations and the actual product. The description explicitly states that the bracelet is a vintage or antique piece, not a new item, and that the photographs accurately represent its condition. The metallic texture visible in the photos is highlighted as a key characteristic to consider. The sources also note that online shopping prevents physical examination of the item, reinforcing the need for thorough visual inspection.
Manufacturing and Design Details
The bracelet is identified as “handmade” and manufactured in the United States. It is also designated as a “Pinkoi Exclusive,” suggesting a limited-edition or specially curated offering through the Pinkoi platform. The sources do not provide further details regarding the design inspiration or specific manufacturing processes employed.
Summary of Gemological Properties (Alloy & Rhinestone)
While not a gemstone in the traditional sense, understanding the properties of the materials used is important.
| Material | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Refractive Index | Other Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy (Base) | Variable, typically Zinc, Copper, Nickel | Variable, generally 3-4 | N/A (varies with composition) | Prone to tarnishing, requires plating for protection |
| Rhinestone (Glass) | Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) | 5.5 - 6.5 | 1.50 - 1.52 | Imitation gemstone, often cut to resemble diamonds |
Conclusion
The Avon Leona bracelet, dating back to approximately 2003, represents a tangible piece of early 2000s fashion jewelry. Constructed from an alloy base and adorned with rhinestones, it exemplifies Avon’s expansion into affordable accessories. The bracelet’s adjustable design, vintage condition, and specific care requirements are all detailed in the available sources. While not a traditional birthstone, this bracelet offers a glimpse into the style and consumer trends of a specific era, and serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of fashion jewelry. The limited scope of the provided sources restricts a more comprehensive analysis, but the available information provides a valuable snapshot of this particular accessory.