Avon Collectable Jewelry

Dazzling gemstones set in shimmering sterling silver, faux pearls gathered in clusters or delicate filigree set with stunning cabochons are all exquisite examples of Avon collectable jewelry. For almost four decades Avon has manufactured fashion jewelry that has become highly desired by many collectors.

The Growth of Avon

The Avon Company, originally named the California Perfume Company, was started by David H McConnell in 1886. Selling perfume and toiletries door to door the, the company quickly grew. Within a year there were twelve saleswomen selling eighteen different fragrances door to door. Growing steadily through the years, Avon has become the leading cosmetics and toiletries company in the world.

Introduction of Avon Jewelry

Almost 85 years after the Avon Company began, the first three jewelry pieces were introduced to their customers. Shown in the first quarter catalog of 1970, these pieces were an owl brooch, a ring and a pendant. The ring, called the Bird of Paradise Glace Ring, opened to reveal solid perfume inside. The pendant and owl brooch also incorporated solid perfume glace into their designs. These jewelry items are highly desired by Avon jewelry collectors worldwide.

Precious Pretenders Collection of 1971

Advertised and featured as having “the look of real” the Precious Pretenders Collection was the first designer collection by Avon. Introduced in 1971, the Precious Pretenders were designed with the look of Trifari and Coro jewelry.

Advertised in national magazines such as Woman’s Day, the Precious Pretenders Collection designed by unknown artists was a huge success. The intricate filigree gold toned jewelry with faux diamonds and a flower design had the look of real gold and diamonds and helped to secure Avon’s place in the costume fashion jewelry industry. By 1975, only four years after introducing jewelry to the Avon line, the company became the largest manufacturer of jewelry in the world.

Jewelry collectors today generally pay from $25 to $45 for a 1971 Precious Pretenders necklace, bracelet and earring set. If the pieces all have their original boxes, the set would be priced slightly higher. The average price of a single piece, such as the necklace with its original box, is generally in the $5 to $15 price range.

Famous Designers of Avon Collectable Jewelry

Throughout the following decades many well known jewelry designers and celebrities have designed jewelry collections for the Avon company. Their jewelry has become the focus of many Avon jewelry collectors of today. The collections include:

• Jewelry by the well known designer Kenneth Jay Lane from the 1980s
• Elizabeth Taylor designs of the 1990s
• Jose Maria Barrera collection
• Black cameo jewelry by Coreen Simpson
• Jewelry by Louis Feraud and Celia Sebiri
• Information and links to designers and companies including Seymour M. Kent, Trifari and Krementz

Different Collections for Different Collectors

Not all Avon jewelry collectors limit their collections to an individual designer. Many search for specific types of jewelry to build their collections. For example, one collector may only collect owl jewelry or pins that hold solid perfume, while another may limit their collection to rings with a flower motif.

Holiday jewelry is also very popular with many Avon jewelry collectors. Christmas trees and holiday wreaths full of beautiful colored stones are issued each year by Avon. Often collectors search for holiday jewelry from specific years to fill a collection.

There are many Avon collectors that only want vintage children’s jewelry or pieces from Avon’s early years. Examples of pieces from this era include:

• 1970-1971-1972 Avon Jewelry Ads
• 1972 Ads
• Avon ads from 1973 -1974
• Additional links to Avon jewelry ads from the 1970s

Finding Collectable Avon Jewelry

It is not difficult for most collectors of Avon jewelry to find pieces they want to add to their collections. Because the jewelry was mass produced, there is a plentiful secondary supply on the market. Naturally there are some limited edition and early pieces that are more difficult to find. Places to search for Avon jewelry include:

• Antique and collectable stores
• Online auction sites
• Antique and collectable sites such as Ruby Lane or Tias
• Garage sales
• Flea markets
• Estate sales
• Auctions
• Estate sales

Conclusion

Avon collectable jewelry has always been manufactured with great quality and care. With its reasonable prices, rich details and skilled craftsmanship, it will continue to be desired by jewelry collectors of future generations.

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