Avon Gold-Tone Vermeil Style Fashion Necklace Chain
Jewelry (Necklace Chain) · Avon Products, Inc. (Jewelry Division). Originally founded as California Perfume Company in 1886, Avon began producing jewelry in 1963. They became the world's largest jewelry manufacturer in the 1970s, known for collaborations with Kenneth Jay Lane and Elizabeth Taylor.
Pattern: Standard Rolo or Cable Link Chain, part of their vast essential jewelry line.
Type
Jewelry (Necklace Chain)
Maker
Avon Products, Inc. (Jewelry Division). Originally founded as California Perfume Company in 1886, Avon began producing jewelry in 1963. They became the world's largest jewelry manufacturer in the 1970s, known for collaborations with Kenneth Jay Lane and Elizabeth Taylor.
Material
Gold-plated base metal (likely brass or pewter). While it has a 'vermeil' appearance, the lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp indicates this is high-quality costume jewelry rather than precious metal.
Dimensions
Estimated chain width: 1.5mm - 2mm. Length is likely 16-20 inches (standard necklace length). Weight is negligible, estimated at 3-7 grams.
Description
This is a classic gold-toned fashion necklace by Avon, featuring a durable rolo-style chain designed for daily wear. It is a quintessential piece of American costume jewelry, intended to be paired with various pendants or worn alone. The vibrant gold plating mimics the look of solid gold at an accessible price point.
Key Features
Signature ©AVON embossed logo tag; heavy gold-tone plating; secure lobster claw clasp; uniform cable-link construction.
Material & Composition
Gold-plated base metal (likely brass or pewter). While it has a 'vermeil' appearance, the lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp indicates this is high-quality costume jewelry rather than precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish gold finish. The chain features interlocking rounded links with a smooth surface and no additional ornamentation. The style is classic and utilitarian with a 1980s-1990s aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The oval metal hang-tag is stamped with the 'AVON' block letter logo, preceded by the copyright symbol (©). There are no purity marks (like 14K or 925) visible on the tag or the lobster clasp.
Construction Details
Machine-made chain with a die-struck logo tag and a mass-produced cast lobster claw clasp. The links are likely soldered closed via an automated industrial process.
Functional Features
Lobster claw clasp for secure fastening; an oval jump ring connects the clasp to the designer logo tag, which also serves as the catch.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - The lobster clasp is designed with a thumb trigger spring mechanism for easy operation.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial quality. While not hand-wrought, the plating is thick and durable, and the stamping on the tag is clean and well-centered.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed logo is crisp and consistent with authorized Avon production. The jump rings are properly closed, and the plating color is uniform.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United States or China. During its peak, Avon had massive production facilities in New Jersey and also outsourced to major jewelry workshops globally.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (Late 20th Century). The block 'AVON' logo with the copyright symbol was prominently used from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2000. The font of the logo and the style of the lobster clasp are indicative of this period.
Cultural Significance
Avon jewelry represents the democratization of fashion, providing mid-century and late-20th-century women with affordable access to high-style accessories.
Condition Notes
Very Good Condition. The plating appears intact with no 'brassing' (wear through to the base metal). The spring in the clasp appears functional. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with light wear.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Value is driven by the brand name for collectors of vintage Avon, though the lack of precious metal content keeps it in the accessible fashion jewelry category.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions which can degrade the plating. Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use silver dips or harsh chemicals as they will strip the gold-tone finish.
Similar Pieces
Coro, Trifari, or Monet chains. Monet pieces often feature a thicker 'triple-plating' and different hang-tag shapes (e.g., a shield or a stylized 'M').
Interesting Facts
Avon jewelry was sold almost exclusively through 'Avon Ladies' via door-to-door catalogs. At one point, 1 out of every 2 pieces of costume jewelry sold in the US was an Avon piece.