James Avery Artisan Jewelry is a Texas-based, family-owned company that specializes in designing hand-crafted rings, bracelets, necklaces, charms, earrings, and other jewelry. Its founder, James Avery, began crafting jewelry in Kerrville, Texas in 1954 in his (then) mother-in-law's garage. Over time, the company expanded and became known for distinctive designs and attention to detail. The business has grown to more than 120 stores across Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The company has studios, workshops and manufacturing facilities in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Cedar Park, Comfort, Hondo and Corpus Christi.[2] There are over 3,000 James Avery employees in total.
James Avery started his business by selling jewelry from a wooden box at local summer camps in 1954. He became known as the “Jeweler in the Hills.”
In 1957, James Avery created 39 new designs for the line, printed his first catalog and hired his first employee, Fred Garcia.
In 1967, James Avery purchased 20 acres of land in Kerrville for his first store and manufacturing facility, where the company’s headquarters remain.
In 1969, James Avery designed a pin for the Apollo XII astronauts to wear for their lunar mission. He was commissioned by NASA for two more missions, in 1989 and 1992.
In 1987, James Avery was commissioned to craft the silver communion vessels used by Pope John Paul II at mass in San Antonio.
In the 1990s, Chris and Paul Avery joined the company, working alongside and learning from their father, and went on to become leaders in the company. Chris served as CEO from 2007–2019 and became Chairman of the Board of Directors.
By 2000, James Avery Artisan Jewelry was operating 30 retail stores and had more than 1,000 associates.
In 2016, Lindsey Tognietti, James Avery’s granddaughter, joined the company. She started in retail and advanced to oversee customer service and brand marketing.
In 2018, James Avery’s founder passed away. The company opened its 100th store in Del Rio, Texas, on March 24, 2021, on what would have been James Avery’s 100th birthday.[3]
Modern operations
The active collection of jewelry has more than 1,000 designs made from sterling silver, 14-karat gold and other materials, as well as precious and semi-precious gemstones.
More than 90 percent of the pieces are crafted in Texas using materials sourced worldwide.[citation needed] Common themes expressed with James Avery’s designs include faith, meaning, connection and men’s designs. The company also offers customization, allowing customers to personalize pieces by adding initials, birthstones, engraving or other personal elements.
In addition to its retail stores, the company’s website, JamesAvery.com, has an online store. The company maintains a social media presence and its online services include Buy Online, Pick Up in Store, Create Your Own, sizing guides, wish lists and more. Finally, the company is dedicated to charitable giving and has several programs featuring fundraising, grants, partnerships and education.
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