Avon (1886-present)

 

Avon was founded by D.H. McConnell, Sr. in 1886 as the California Perfume Company in New York. In 1939, the company changed its name to Avon Products, Inc. producing fragrances, make-up, skincare, and bath/body products. In 1971, Avon started producing many lines of jewelry including figurals, perfume-holding pins, watches, and standard items of costume jewelry, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, earrings, and rings with the quality of these pieces ranging from cheaply-made to very good and were produced in large quantities. It is said that the jewelry made varies in quality from cheaply made to interesting pieces that compare to the better Sarah Coventry and the average Coro jewelry. The Avon products including low cost, high quality American costume jewelry was sold directly to the American consumer by Avon representatives going from door to door or scheduling house parties. The company did not make their own jewelry but other firms manufactured and designed their product lines. The Krementz Co. was one of the manufactures.