Recently Sold (VP175)

A Touch Of Crimson - Vintage Signed 'AVON' Gold Plated Red Spinel Pendant & Chain. This pretty pendant is crafted from gold plate over metal, signed AVON. Featuring one round cut synthetic red spinel, and vintage styling. The gallery on this pendant has gentle curves and swirls, which is set with a vibrant red spinel. The pendant has a polished finish, and a gold plated belcher style chain to match. The chain features a secure spring ring clasp, in perfect working order. This vintage pendant would make a perfect gift for that special someone. 

History: In ancient times, the mines of central and southeast Asia yielded exceptionally large spinel crystals. These fine stones became known as Balas rubies, and some of them were the treasured property of kings and emperors, often passing through many hands as spoils of war.

The earliest synthetic gems were Geneva Rubies, produced around 1885, and sold as authentic gems. However, they were actually "reconstituted" fragments of natural rubies melted together. While the creator of these stones remains a mystery, researchers traced their origins to Geneva, Switzerland.

Synthetic gem crystals have been manufactured since the late 1800s, and their production is often marked by a need for them in industrial applications outside of the jewelry industry. The first success was in producing synthetic ruby of faceting quality.

The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver. Since then, it has become commonplace in the jewelry world, with many base metals covered in gold, silver, or rhodium.

Avon's founder, David H. McConnell, initially sold books as a door-to-door salesman to New York homes. In September 1886, he decided to sell perfumes rather than books. He started the new business in a small office at 126 Chambers Street, Manhattan, New York. The Avon name was inspired by the area around the Suffern lab, which McConnell thought resembled the countryside of William Shakespeare's home, Stratford-on-Avon, England.

Measurements: Pendant 12.50 mm x 14.00 mm    Chain: 18" 

Stone Size: Red Spinel (Synthetic) 2.00 mm 

Weight: Pendant & Chain: 2.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America , New York

Date: Circa 1980