It’s showtime for these jewels, inspired by the motifs and color palette of the new Tim Burton film.
Texas Jeweler James Avery Dies at 96
He started the business that grew into an 80-store chain in his in-laws’ garage.
Kerrville, Texas—James Avery, who started his eponymous retail chain in his in-laws’ garage in the 1950s, died Monday. He was 96.
The company announced his death Monday afternoon on its social media accounts, writing, “It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder, James Avery. He touched many lives through his art and giving spirit.”
Avery was born Dec. 7, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After completing pilot training, he commanded a B-26 bomber and survived 44 missions over Germany.
Following the war, Avery earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Illinois. He began teaching at colleges, and it was while at the University of Colorado that he first began to explore jewelry-making techniques.
In 1954, he and his wife, Texas native Sally Ranger, spent the summer in Kerrville visiting her parents. It was then and there that Avery started what would eventually become an 80-store chain in his in-laws’ two-car garage.
“I worked alone for three years,” the jeweler once said. “Ideas, plenty of hard work and prayers (not necessarily in that order) were the rule of each day.”
Over the years, more customers began to come to the Texas Hill Country to seek out his designs, many of which have a Christian theme.
In 1957, he hired his first employee, Fred Garcia, and in 1973, opened his first store.
Today, James Avery Craftsman Inc.’s sales total just over $100 million, according to National Jeweler’s latest list of $100 Million Supersellers, and the company’s 80 stores make it one of the top 20 largest specialty jewelers in North America.
James Avery jewelry also is also sold through more than 200 Dillard’s stores in 28 states and nationwide via its website. The company has more than 3,500 employees.
Avery retired in 2007 and turned the business over to his two sons, Chris and Paul, though he continued to design jewelry and served as chairman emeritus of the company’s board of directors.
He is remembered as a dynamic, creative and generous man who touched many people through his art, work and giving spirit.
His generosity is reflected in a banner displayed in the visitor center at the company’s headquarters in Texas that reads: “Giving is what it is all about!”
James Avery Artisan Jewelry is inviting the public to leave tributes on JamesAvery.com
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the company requested people make a donation to the charity of their choice in his memory.
The Latest
CEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.
Inspired by a 19th century sculpture, Mandler transformed gold into liquid for these earrings.
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
The model and entrepreneur stars in two new Chopard campaigns.
Members of the founding family partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to possibly take Nordstrom private.
The iconic design has joined a lineup of notable pieces featured in the jeweler’s “With Love, Since 1837” campaign.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
Ralph Simons is now CEO of the jewelry brand started by fashion designer Michal Kadar and her husband, Avraham Kadar, in 2015.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen say it’s all about giving your social media feeds a human touch.
The models and friends of founder and artistic designer Valérie Messika showcase the brand’s jewelry in the “Back to Icons” campaign.
“From Italy, With Love” will showcase Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and other Italian brands.
The jewelry retailer will also have a diamond-set tennis racket on display at the tournament.
The month’s birthstone is vibrant in every color.
The special editions of the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat are equipped with a new perpetual calendar movement from the brand.
Fly away with designer Katey Brunini’s butterfly ring, as its spring-loaded wings flutter above your fingers.
The jewelry retailer has a new chief brand officer and chief operations officer.
Its next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.
“Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” is an in-depth look at the evolution of jade terminology.
It is partnering with retailer Tanishq on educating salespeople, shaping the in-store experience, and a “360-degree” marketing campaign.
Inflation remained a top concern among survey-takers who included write-in responses.
The wireless carrier is now stocking the Ultrahuman Ring Air in select U.S. stores.
In a collaboration with Muzo, Pamela Love hand-selected each Colombian emerald for eight one-of-a-kind pieces.
The certification is based on employee responses about their experience working at a company.
OFAC has issued two licenses addressing the issue, one for diamond-set jewelry and one for loose diamonds.
The gemological lab is looking to raise up to $477 million.
The annual jewelry design competition celebrates creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.