The provided sources detail a series of collectible plush toys produced by Avon, marketed as “Birthstone Full O’ Beans.” While not detailing the gemstone sapphire itself, the materials focus on Avon’s September birthstone offering – a simulated sapphire presented as part of a larger collectible series. This article will explore the details of this particular collectible, its production, and its place within Avon’s broader marketing strategies, drawing exclusively from the provided documentation.
A Nostalgic Offering from Avon
Avon Products, a company well-known for its direct-selling model, released a line of “Full O’ Beans” plush toys representing each birthstone in the year 2000. These were marketed as part of a larger “Millennium” collection. The September offering featured a simulated sapphire, embodied in a plush camel named “Dune.” The toy, constructed with an acrylic outer covering and filled with plastic beads, was categorized as “New Old Stock,” indicating it was an unsold item from a previous inventory. The toy’s packaging was originally intact but has since been opened.
Production and Origins
The “Birthstone Full O’ Beans” series, including the September simulated sapphire camel, was manufactured in China. The materials indicate a focus on affordability, utilizing acrylic and plastic beads in the toy’s construction. The item is described as an “Original” and “Licensed Reproduction” of the “Full O’ Beans” franchise, suggesting a pre-existing line of similar plush toys. The September offering, specifically, is a 1997 design, though it was re-released as part of the 2000 birthstone collection. The toy weighs 0.5 lbs and stands 8 inches tall.
Details of the September Offering: “Dune”
The September “Birthstone Full O’ Beans” toy is a camel named “Dune,” colored blue to represent the simulated sapphire. The toy features black eyes and is designed for individuals aged three and up, making it suitable for a broad range of collectors. The materials emphasize its collectibility, noting it is a “perfect addition to any bear collection” despite being a camel. This suggests the broader “Full O’ Beans” line included a variety of animal designs. The item was sold through online auction platforms, with a buyer’s premium of 6% added to the final invoice for local pickup in Lehi, Utah.
Shipping and Return Policies
The sources provide details regarding shipping and return policies associated with the sale of this collectible. Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days, expedited shipping 2-5 business days, and international shipping 10-15 business days. However, these are estimates, and delays due to weather or customs inspections are possible. Once a package is marked “Delivered” by the carrier, the seller assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Certain items, such as perishable goods, intimate items, and downloadable software, are exempt from return. Gift cards, downloadable software, and some health and personal care items are also non-returnable.
Market Context and Collectibility
The provided materials indicate the item was part of a larger auction sale, with other Avon collectibles also available. The listing notes that the item was purchased by a bidder and an invoice was generated. The item was also listed as “not available for bidding” at one point, potentially due to recent activity or the “Buy It Now” option being used. The seller, “twobrotherstreasures,” has a high rating with over 2,400 items sold and a low negative feedback percentage. Another listing details a Lord and Taylor 100 Year Anniversary Teddy Bear, suggesting a broader market for collectible plush toys. The popularity of the 1997 Avon Kids Full O' Beans "Bernard Bear" 8" Plush Toy, as indicated by PicClick Insights, shows it was for sale on eBay for 197 days with 0 sold and 1 available.
Limitations of the Available Data
The provided sources are limited in scope, focusing almost entirely on the sale and description of the collectible item itself. There is no information regarding the actual gemstone sapphire – its geological formation, gemological properties, historical significance, or metaphysical beliefs. The sources do not provide any context regarding Avon’s motivations for creating the birthstone series, the target demographic, or the overall success of the line. The information is primarily descriptive, detailing the physical characteristics of the toy and the terms of sale.
Summary of Gemological Properties (Based on Implicit Reference)
While the sources do not explicitly detail the properties of sapphire, the item is marketed as a sapphire, albeit a “simulated” one. This implies an association with the color blue, commonly associated with sapphire. The use of the term “simulated” indicates the material is not a natural sapphire but rather an imitation, likely made of glass or another synthetic material. The sources do not provide any information regarding the hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition of the simulated sapphire.
Table of Item Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Avon Products |
| Item | Full O’ Beans Plush Toy |
| Birthstone | September (Simulated Sapphire) |
| Animal | Camel (“Dune”) |
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Acrylic, Plastic Beads |
| Year Manufactured | 1997 (Re-released 2000) |
| Size | 8 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Condition | New Old Stock (Packaging Opened) |
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a glimpse into a nostalgic collectible from Avon’s “Birthstone Full O’ Beans” series. The September offering, a simulated sapphire camel named “Dune,” represents a marketing strategy aimed at capitalizing on the popularity of birthstones and collectible plush toys. While the sources lack detailed information about the gemstone sapphire itself, they provide valuable insights into the production, sale, and market context of this particular item. The collectible serves as a reminder of a specific era in Avon’s history and the broader trend of birthstone-themed merchandise. The limited scope of the provided materials highlights the need for further research to fully understand the significance of this series and its place within the history of gemstone marketing.