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, first started crafting jewelry in Kerrville, Texas in 1954 out of his (then) mother-in-law's garage. Over time, the company expanded and became well-known for its distinctive designs and attention to detail. The business has grown to more than 120 of its own 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 more than 3,000 regular James Avery employees across all its locations.
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| James Avery Artisan Jewelry | |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Retail, Jewelry |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | James Avery |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Number of locations | 400+[1] |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Chris Avery (Chairman of the Board of Directors and Former CEO) |
| Products | Jewelry |
| Services | Jewelry Design & Manufacturing, Jewelry Engraving, Hand Enameled Jewelry |
Number of employees | 3300 |
| Divisions | Store Locator |
| Website | jamesavery.com |
History
editJames Avery officially 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, TX, for his first store and manufacturing facility. The company’s headquarters are still located here today.
In 1969, James Avery designed a pin for the Apollo XII astronauts to wear for their lunar mission. He was commissioned by NASA twice more for 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 dad and went on to become leaders in the company. Chris served as CEO from 2007-2019 and is now 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 now oversees Customer Service and Brand Marketing.
In 2018, James Avery’s founder passed away. The company opened its 100th store in Del Rio, TX, on March 24, 2021, on what would have been James Avery’s 100th birthday.[3]
James Avery Today
editThe active collection of James Avery jewelry features 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 James Avery pieces are crafted in Texas using materials sourced worldwide. Common themes expressed with James Avery’s designs include faith, meaning, connection and men’s designs. The company also offers customization options, allowing customers to create personalized pieces by adding initials, birthstones, engraving or other personal elements.
In addition to its retail stores, James Avery Artisan Jewelry’s website, JamesAvery.com, is an online store where customers can browse and purchase products. The company maintains an active 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.
References
edit- ^ "Map of locations". Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^ "James Avery Artisan Jewelry Announces New Production Facility". www.jamesavery.com. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ "Learn about James Avery, our Beginnings and Today | James Avery". www.jamesavery.com. Retrieved 2023-08-18.