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James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts
The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
James Avery is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from its "Deep in the Heart of Texas" charm to relief efforts following the floods in Texas.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated post-publication to include more recent information and new charitable initiatives.
Kerrville, Texas—James Avery said it will donate $1 million to support its home state of Texas after the recent floods.
The devastating floods over the Fourth of July weekend led to more than 100 deaths, including at least 84 deaths—56 adults and 28 children—in Kerr County, where James Avery is based.
At Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country, 27 campers and counselors died in the floods.
There are at least 161 people still missing in Kerr County, as of press time, with at least a dozen missing in other parts of the state.
“The recent floods in the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas have had a devastating impact on our cherished hometown of Kerrville, Texas,” said the company in an Instagram post.
“In response, we are committing $1 million to support urgent needs in the community and the road to recovery ahead, focusing on food, shelter, mental health care, and other critical needs as they emerge.”
From now through Aug. 4, the company will also be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from its "Deep in the Heart of Texas" charm to its community and surrounding areas.
The charm retails for $59 in sterling silver and $330 in 14-karat yellow gold. The company is accepting backorders for the charm as of press time.
Kerrville, Texas—James Avery said it will donate $1 million to support its home state of Texas after the recent floods.
The devastating floods over the Fourth of July weekend led to more than 100 deaths, including at least 84 deaths—56 adults and 28 children—in Kerr County, where James Avery is based.
At Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country, 27 campers and counselors died in the floods.
There are at least 161 people still missing in Kerr County, as of press time, with at least a dozen missing in other parts of the state.
“The recent floods in the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas have had a devastating impact on our cherished hometown of Kerrville, Texas,” said the company in an Instagram post.
“In response, we are committing $1 million to support urgent needs in the community and the road to recovery ahead, focusing on food, shelter, mental health care, and other critical needs as they emerge.”
From now through Aug. 4, the company will also be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from its "Deep in the Heart of Texas" charm to its community and surrounding areas.
The charm retails for $59 in sterling silver and $330 in 14-karat yellow gold. The company is accepting backorders for the charm as of press time.
“This charm has always celebrated the pride and resilience of our state, and now, it carries a deeper meaning,” the company said.
“To all those affected, we send our love, strength, and heartfelt prayers. And to the first responders and neighbors who have stepped in with open hands and open hearts, we offer our deepest gratitude.”
James Avery is one of several jewelry brands offering to help in the recovery efforts.
Kendra Scott, another Texas-based jewelry company, will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from its “Everlyne” bracelets to recovery efforts. The bracelet is sold out online as of press time.
The company is also collecting donations at its stores in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas.
The locations will be accepting clean adult and children’s clothing, diapers, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper.
The Kendra Scott Foundation will also be making a donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
“We are devastated by the recent flooding in Kerrville and throughout Central Texas, and the heartbreaking and unimaginable loss experienced by so many. Texas is our home, and we stand with our neighbors during this difficult time,” said the company in an Instagram post.
“As the community begins to rebuild, we remain committed to standing beside them in the days and weeks to come. We are also incredibly grateful to the first responders, volunteers, and local organizations who are showing up with strength and compassion when it’s needed most.”
Susan Cohen of Circa 1700 is hosting a jewelry auction, with proceeds going to the Texas Hill Country Disaster Relief Fund via the Red Cross.
The brand is auctioning a small “Secret Talisman” orb in 18-karat yellow gold.
The orb can be customized, from the gemstones to the hidden enamel rebus on the interior panel.
Those interested can bid in the comment section of this Instagram post.
The auction is going on now through July 11 at 5 p.m. PT.
Texas-based Sylvie Jewelry will also be donating to the relief efforts.
“As Kerrville is the hometown of one of our employees, the tragic flooding there has been on our minds and hearts,” said a spokesperson in an email to National Jeweler.
“We are donating and encouraging our followers, fellow brands, and retail partners to donate to the relief efforts at Camp Mystic as they are still searching for missing campers as well as local relief funds like the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund that helps locals who are still searching for their family members or who need other forms of help.”
Jeff’s Jewelry, an independent in Conroe, Texas, is collecting donations up until today to bring to a donation drop off center in Kerrville.
The store is collecting bottled water, toilet paper, and diapers.
“We at Jeff’s Jewelry are saddened by the events that have transpired in Kerrville and surrounding areas. As parents of young children, our hearts are heavy for the families impacted by the devastating floods,” said the jeweler in an Instagram post.
Valobra Master Jewelers, a family-owned jeweler in Houston, is also collecting donations.
Now through July 12, 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of huggie earrings will be donated to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
“We continue to pray and support search and rescue efforts in every way possible. Our hearts are with you, Texas” said the jeweler in an Instagram post.
Susan Eisen of Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry in El Paso, Texas, is calling on the jewelry industry to donate to those in need.
“It is a tragic occurrence and one that requires financial support from all segments, including the very charitable jewelry industry,” she said.
“Texas is a beloved state and as retailers, we are obliged to help when help is needed. Thank you for your kind support.”
Eisen encouraged those interested to donate directly to the Kerrville Flood Relief Fund or send a check to her store, which will then be forwarded to the charity. Eisen has personally donated $1,000.
The address is 251 Shadow Mountain Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912.
Nikki Swift of Nicole Mera Designs is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from jewelry in the “Rainbow Sapphire” collection during the month of July to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
“As someone who grew up going to Texas summer camp, I know firsthand how deeply those experiences shape you. I’ve been especially thinking of the young girls from Camp Mystic and their families,” wrote Swift in an Instagram post.
“The weight of this tragedy is unimaginable, and I’m holding space for hope, healing, and the safe return of those still missing.”
Swift noted that rainbows are symbols of resilience, hope, and the beauty that can emerge from hardship.
“This collection represents that spirit: the strength to endure, the grace to heal, and the light that follows even the darkest days.”
Rejected Hearts Club, a jewelry brand founded in Austin, will be donating 20 percent of the proceeds to support the flood relief efforts in Kerrville.
“In times of heartbreak, we believe in turning pain into purpose,” the brand said in an Instagram post. “We know that healing is a journey and right now, many are just beginning theirs.”
Ashley McKenna Jewelry is offering a made-to-order and customizable pendant honoring Texas, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to flood relief efforts.
Made in 14-karat yellow gold, the pendant features the shape of the state of Texas surrounded by a diamond border with a diamond in the middle.
Lauren Chapman Bellemare of L’Heritage Fine Jewelry, a former Camp Mystic camper, has created a pendant inspired by the Texas Hill Country.
“There is no place more special to me than Camp Mystic and the Texas Hill Country. As a camper myself, it shaped who I am today, rooted in faith, friendship, and a deep love for the land,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“This charm necklace was created as a tribute to that sacred place. Inspired by the rolling hills and golden sunrises on the Guadalupe River, it’s a symbol of resilience and hope.”
All of the proceeds will be donated to relief efforts. The charm, which retails for $125, can be ordered on the brand’s website.
Lele Sadoughi, whose eponymous brand has a store in Houston as well as other locations, will also be making a donation.
“As a Texas native, I’m devastated by the tragic flooding impacting our state. My heart is with all the families affected, especially those mourning unimaginable loss,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
The brand said it will make a donation to Lulu’s Memorial Fund and to the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce emergency fund for Camp Mystic.
Eloise “Lulu” Peck was an 8-year-old girl who died during the floods at Camp Mystic. Peck started a dog walking service over the summer, donating 25 percent of what she made to Blueberry Hill Farm and Rescue, an animal rescue center.
To honor her memory, the animal rescue has set up an animal welfare memorial fund in her name. A newly constructed shelter will also be named Lulu’s Puppy Hut.
“Together, we will keep Lulu’s memory alive, nurturing hope and healing for animals,” said the organization. We will cherish our sweet Lulu, her name, and her love of animals daily here at our rescue farm.”
Little Words Project, known for its friendship bracelet styles, has created a limited-edition “Strength” bracelet, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
“Our hearts are with everyone in Texas impacted by the recent floods. In honor of the girls and staff at Camp Mystic, we’ve created a limited-edition Strength bracelet - inspired by the camp’s enduring and colorful spirit,” the company wrote in an Instagram post.
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