James Avery Artisan Jewelry: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Company that designs, manufactures, and sells jewelry}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = James Avery Artisan Jewelry |
| name = James Avery Artisan Jewelry |
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| logo = |
| logo = New James Avery Craftsman Logo 2017.png |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| trade_name = James Avery Artisan Jewelry |
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| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
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| traded_as = |
| traded_as = |
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| industry = [[Retailing|Retail]], [[Jewellery|Jewelry]] |
| industry = [[Retailing|Retail]], [[Jewellery|Jewelry]] |
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| genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies --> |
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| fate = |
| fate = |
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| predecessor = |
| predecessor = |
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| hq_location_city = [[Kerrville, Texas|Kerrville]], [[Texas]] |
| hq_location_city = [[Kerrville, Texas|Kerrville]], [[Texas]] |
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| hq_location_country = U.S. |
| hq_location_country = U.S. |
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| locations = |
| locations = 400+<ref>{{cite web|title=Map of locations|url=https://www.jamesavery.com/stores|accessdate=9 October 2017}}</ref> |
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| area_served = |
| area_served = United States |
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| key_people = Chris Avery<br />{{small|( |
| key_people = Chris Avery<br />{{small|(Chairman of the Board of Directors and Former CEO)}} |
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| products = [[Jewelry]] |
| products = [[Jewelry]] |
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| production = |
| production = |
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| services = Jewelry Design & Manufacturing, Jewelry Engraving, |
| services = Jewelry Design & Manufacturing, Jewelry Engraving, Hand Enameled Jewelry |
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| revenue = |
| revenue = |
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| operating_income = |
| operating_income = |
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| equity = |
| equity = |
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| owner = |
| owner = |
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| num_employees = |
| num_employees = 3300 |
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| parent = |
| parent = |
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| divisions = {{URL|https://www.jamesavery.com/ |
| divisions = {{URL|https://www.jamesavery.com/stores|Store Locator}} |
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| subsid = |
| subsid = |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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| location_country = USA |
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| homepage = {{URL|https://www.jamesavery.com|jamesavery.com}} |
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.jamesavery.com|jamesavery.com}} |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:James Avery Craftsman logo.png|thumb|Previous logo]] |
[[File:James Avery Craftsman logo.png|thumb|Previous logo]] |
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'''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, Texas|Comfort]], [[Hondo, Texas|Hondo]] and [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Avery Artisan Jewelry Announces New Production Facility |url=https://www.jamesavery.com/press-release-james-avery-artisan-jewelry-announces-plans-for-new-production-facility.html |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=www.jamesavery.com}}</ref> There are more than 3,000 regular James Avery employees across all its locations. |
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''James Avery Artisan Jewelry'' is a private company that designs, manufactures, and sells jewelry, primarily Christian themed. The founder, James Avery,<ref name=sabj> |
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{{Citation |
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| title = James Avery enters Colorado market |
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| newspaper = San Antonio Business Journal |
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| date = November 23, 2016 |
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| url = http://www.chron.com/business/article/The-story-of-James-Avery-Texas-favorite-jeweler-10632980.php |
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}} |
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</ref> started the business in 1954 in [[Kerrville, Texas]] out of his (then) mother-in-law's<ref>personal communication</ref> two-car garage with about $250 in capital.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133125195.html|title=Craftsman finds his calling in making religious symbols|last=Thiruvengadam|first=Meena|date=10 June 2005|work=San Antonio Express-News{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}} |accessdate=5 December 2012}}</ref> In 1954, James Avery built a workbench and fashioned a sign to hang on the garage; it read "James Avery Craftsman" and featured a candelabra logo. The business has grown to about 50 of its own stores in Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. The company has five manufacturing plants in [[Hondo, Texas|Hondo]], [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]], [[Kerrville]], and two in [[Comfort, Texas]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Mike W|title=James Avery announces two new Texas store openings|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2012/11/26/james-avery-announces-two-new-texas.html|accessdate=6 December 2012|newspaper=San Antonio Business Journal|date=November 26, 2012}}</ref> The James Avery jewelry collection carries 1,100 designs and 14,000 pieces made in sterling silver, 14-, 18-karat yellow and white gold, and gemstones. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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James 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.” |
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James Avery, a Chicago<ref>{{Citation|title=Chicago|date=2018-10-28|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Chicago&oldid=866139389|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> native, was a decorated World War II pilot, flying B-26 bombers in 44 missions over Germany. At the time of his death in 2018, James Avery was the last surviving B-26 pilot. |
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In 1957, James Avery created 39 new designs for the line, printed his first catalog and hired his first employee, Fred Garcia. |
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The first retail store was established in Kerrville, TX in 1973.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Avery Company Profile |publisher=Reference For Business |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/58/James-Avery-Craftsman-Inc.html}}</ref> |
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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. |
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After the war, Avery received a B.F.A. in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois<ref>{{Citation|title=University of Illinois system|date=2018-10-11|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=University_of_Illinois_system&oldid=863625245|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref>. He pursued college level teaching, and while at the University of Colorado, he explored jewelry-making techniques with his students. In 1950, he began to think about leaving the teaching profession. |
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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. |
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Having fallen in love with Texas during his Air Force training, he soon chose to settle down in the Lone Star State<ref>{{Citation|title=Texas|date=2018-11-02|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Texas&oldid=866904685|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref>. During the summer of 1954, James Avery started his jewelry business in a two-car garage in Kerrville, Texas with only $250 in his pocket. He built a small workbench and purchased a few hand tools along with scraps of silver and copper. Leveraging the lost-wax casting method<ref>{{Citation|title=Lost-wax casting|date=2018-10-03|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Lost-wax_casting&oldid=862228326|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> and old-world techniques like hand-hammering, hand-engraving and hand-shaping, Avery produced heirloom quality jewelry enjoyed by generations of Customers. He did everything himself—all the designing, sawing, polishing, finishing and selling. James Avery sold $5,500 worth of jewelry in the first year of business and $7,500 the following year. |
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In 1987, James Avery was commissioned to craft the silver communion vessels used by Pope John Paul II at mass in San Antonio. |
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He eventually moved his business to a studio he built in his near-by home. By 1957, Avery created his first catalog consisting of 16 pages and 39 items for sale. That year, he hired his first employee, Fred Garcia. The company continued to grow throughout the state of Texas with jewelry being sold in clothing boutiques and church gift shops. By 1965, the jewelry store was incorporated into James Avery Craftsman, Inc. In 1967, James Avery bought 20 acres (81,000 m<sup>2</sup>) of land in Kerrville, Texas to build the corporate headquarters. |
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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. |
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By the 1970s, the company employed 35 people and generated $400,000 in sales. James Avery's jewelry became very popular in camps in the Texas Hill Country and still is today. The first retail store was established in Kerrville in 1973. Today, the James Avery corporate headquarters and Visitor Center and Store stand on the original 20 acres which has grown to 45 acres. |
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By 2000, James Avery Artisan Jewelry was operating 30 retail stores and had more than 1,000 associates. |
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James Avery Artisan Jewelry has four manufacturing facilities located in Hondo<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hondo-tx.org|title=Hondo Texas|website=www.hondo-tx.org|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref>, Fredericksburg<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fbgtx.org|title=Fredericksburg, TX - Official Website {{!}} Official Website|website=www.fbgtx.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref>, Kerrville<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/|title=Kerrville TX - Official Website {{!}} Official Website|website=www.kerrvilletx.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> and Comfort<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.comfortchamber.com|title=The Comfort Chamber Of Commerce|website=The Comfort Chamber Of Commerce|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref>, Texas. The company is a multi-channel retailer with 83 James Avery stores in five states. The jewelry is also available in more than 215 Dillard’s<ref>{{Citation|title=Dillard's|date=2018-10-30|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Dillard%27s&oldid=866430109|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> stores in Texas and in 28 additional states; and nationwide through JamesAvery.com. |
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In 2016, Lindsey Tognietti (James Avery’s granddaughter) joined the company. She started in retail and now oversees Customer Service and Brand Marketing. |
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In 1988, James Avery was named San Antonio<ref>{{Citation|title=San Antonio|date=2018-11-01|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=San_Antonio&oldid=866736678|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2007, Avery stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, and his son Chris M. Avery was chosen to follow his father’s footsteps as CEO after having been President since 1991. Additionally, James Avery’s son Paul Avery serves on the Board of Directors. James Avery died<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jamesavery.com/pages/press-release-join-us-in-honoring-our-founder|title=Join Us In Honoring Our Founder - James Avery|website=www.jamesavery.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref> on April 30, 2018 at the age of 96. |
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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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learn about James Avery, our Beginnings and Today {{!}} James Avery |url=https://www.jamesavery.com/about-us/about-us.html |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=www.jamesavery.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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== James Avery Today == |
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The 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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== External links == |
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*[https://www.jamesavery.com Official Website] |
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*{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-65057319.html|title=Craftsman's drive for perfection is burnished by faith and failings|last=Harris|first=Joyce|date=6 September 2000|work=Dallas Morning News{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}|accessdate=5 December 2012}} |
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[[Category:1954 establishments in Texas]] |
[[Category:1954 establishments in Texas]] |
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[[Category:American jewelry designers]] |
[[Category:American jewelry designers]] |
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[[Category:Companies based in Kerrville, Texas]] |
[[Category:Companies based in Kerrville, Texas]] |
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[[Category:Jewelry retailers of the United States]] |
[[Category:Jewelry retailers of the United States]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:43, 6 September 2024
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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 |
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.
History
[edit]James 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
[edit]The 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.
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