Avon Products History & Information:
David H. McConnell founded "California Perfume Co." in 1886 with an original and distinctly modern sales plan, Ladies would go door-to-door selling fragrances and toiletries directly to other ladies in their homes! A Revolutionary plan that gave women the opportunity to establish their own businesses! By the turn of the century there were 5,000 “Avon Ladies” Saleswomen. By 1930 there were 25,000. In 1939 the company became “Avon Products, Inc.” and expanded their products lines.
Avon made their first jewelry in 1963 as a free gift or a premium for buying certain products or a number of products. The jewelry, characterized by brilliant stones, filigree, and gold leaf, looked like fine jewelry and was wildly popular! The demand resulted in Avon producing their first jewelry collection for sale in late 1970. Their collections included full parures with necklaces, pendants, rings and brooches including brooches that held perfume. These beautiful pieces became Must Have Accessories for ladies of the 1970s.
By 1975, Avon was the world's largest costume jewelry producer. By the 1980s, Avon's reputation for offering high-quality yet affordable costume jewelry began to attract notable designers to the line. One thing that contributes to the demand for vintage Avon jewelry is that it was limited. The market was never glutted with a particular piece or line because they were regularly discontinued. This is also what makes vintage Avon so collectable today, beautiful jewelry at reasonable prices that will continue to increase in value.