FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEOThe announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
IndependentsMay 01, 2018
Texas Jeweler James Avery Dies at 96
He started the business that grew into an 80-store chain in his in-laws’ garage.
James Avery, the Texas designer who started the business that grew into 80-store chain James Avery Artisan Jewelry, died Monday at the age of 96.
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
or email remembrances to JAtribute@jamesavery.com.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the company requested people make a donation to the charity of their choice in his memory.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the company requested people make a donation to the charity of their choice in his memory.
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Recorded WebinarsMay 17, 2024
Watch: Preparing for Trade Show SuccessJewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
AuctionsMay 17, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s Ring-Tailed LemurThis little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 16, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite CyberattackThough its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from AuctionDespite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
ColumnistsMay 16, 2024
The PR Adviser: What the Designer Should’ve DoneLilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
SourcingMay 16, 2024
Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
