Avon Gold-Tone Costume Jewelry Earring Backing
Jewelry Component; Costume Earring Friction Backing · Avon Products, Inc. Avon is a major American multi-level marketing company founded in 1886. While primarily known for cosmetics, they established a massive presence in the costume jewelry market starting in the 1970s, known for accessible design and recognizable branding.
Pattern: Standard Friction Nut (Butterfly Back); part of mass-market costume jewelry production. Not a specific limited collection but a standard replacement component.
Type
Jewelry Component; Costume Earring Friction Backing
Maker
Avon Products, Inc. Avon is a major American multi-level marketing company founded in 1886. While primarily known for cosmetics, they established a massive presence in the costume jewelry market starting in the 1970s, known for accessible design and recognizable branding.
Material
Base metal (typically brass or steel) with gold-tone electroplating. It does not appear to be sterling silver or solid gold; lacks purity hallmarks like 925, 14K, or 585.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 5-6mm; Weight negligible (under 0.5 grams). This is a standard small size friction back for stud or drop earrings.
Description
This is a gold-plated costume jewelry earring back, commonly referred to as a 'butterfly back.' It features the distinctive 'AVON' hallmark, identifying it as a component of the widely collected Avon costume jewelry line. The piece is designed for utility, ensuring that earrings remain securely fastened through mechanical tension.
Key Features
The most prominent feature is the 'AVON' brand stamp on the flat surface of the flange, which is the primary indicator of its origin and collectible brand.
Material & Composition
Base metal (typically brass or steel) with gold-tone electroplating. It does not appear to be sterling silver or solid gold; lacks purity hallmarks like 925, 14K, or 585.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish gold-tone finish. The decoration is purely functional, featuring a scrolled butterfly shape designed to provide tension against an earring post.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'AVON' in block capital letters. This is the manufacturer's brand mark used to identify their proprietary jewelry lines.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. The metal is bent into a tension-coil shape to create 'wings' that grip the earring post via friction.
Functional Features
Friction-fit hole for earring post; tension wings to secure the jewelry to the earlobe; flanged edges for easy grip with fingers.
Handle & Grip Details
Scalloped edges (butterfly wings) provide the grip for removal from the ear. Material is matching gold-plated base metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Standardized industrial quality. The stamping is clean and the tension wings are symmetrical, reflecting efficient 20th-century machine manufacturing standards.
Authentication Indicators
The 'AVON' stamp is a standardized mark for the company. The construction is die-struck, which is consistent with mass-produced mid-to-high-tier costume jewelry of the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in the USA; likely manufactured in specialized jewelry factories in the USA, Korea, or China depending on the specific decade of production.
Era & Period
Modern Era; likely manufactured between 1971 and the present. The style of the 'AVON' stamp is consistent with late 20th-century mass production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980–2000. The crispness of the stamp and the condition of the plating suggest a piece from the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Avon jewelry represents the democratization of fashion in the 20th century, making stylish accessories accessible to middle-class women through social selling and home parties.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is minor surface tarnish and light 'greening' or oxidation visible in the crevices, typical of gold-plated base metal components that have been handled or stored.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $1.00 (as a replacement part); usually sold as part of a complete earring set valued at $10 - $30.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical dips or harsh silver cleaners which can strip the thin gold plating. Clean with a soft, dry cloth or mild soapy water; dry immediately to prevent base metal corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Non-branded generic earring backs; earring backs from other costume brands like Monet, Trifari, or Napier. Unlike Avon, these will have different maker's marks or no marks at all.
Interesting Facts
Avon jewelry became so popular in the 1970s that the company was eventually the world's largest manufacturer of costume jewelry for a period of time.