'My favorite jewelry': Fans pay tribute to Texas craftsman James Avery - austin360
Generations of jewelry owners are paying tribute to one of Texas’ most iconic craftsman following the death of James Avery.
Avery, founder of the company James Avery Artisan Jewelry, died April 30 at the age of 96, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder, James Avery. He touched many lives through his art & giving spirit. If you would like to share a memory or condolence with the Avery family, visit https://t.co/FgBTHs4TuE or email JAtribute@jamesavery.com. pic.twitter.com/rWGQH2IuWl
— James Avery Jewelry (@jamesavery) April 30, 2018
On social media, fans offered condolences and shared which special pieces they received from the jewelry company. The brand is known for its Christian-inspired pieces and offers items such as wedding rings, bookmarks and crosses.
We just bought our wedding bands in Kerrville. Happy wonderful day with the love of my life. We wouldn’t wear anything else on our hands. pic.twitter.com/W0oNdZWybq
— Sweet Woodruffs π©π»πΎ (@SWoodruffs) May 1, 2018
So sad to hear this. James Avery has been my favorite jewelry for over 20 years. My first piece was a confirmation gift from my aunt/godmother in the late 90s. Today my collection includes my wedding ring, EOY teacher gifts to myself, π and gifts from my sweet mister ❤️
— Katherine Adams (@LaSraAdams) May 1, 2018
My favorite artist not afraid to mix beautiful jewelery with The Word of God. What a blessing though!! I can look in my collection and know how he added to my spirit when i dressed up or down! I still have hundreds of #Charms I can always add to my bracelet REST IN PEACE
— JillianAnnSniffen (@JillianAnnS) May 1, 2018
Such memories as a kid visiting the factory in Kerrville. My mom gave me a gold cross James Avery ring for my high school graduation in 1975. I cherish it to this day!
— Holly Ward (@HricheWard) May 1, 2018
I cherish the cross he designed for our seminary, the cross he personally presented me the day before he was awarded an honorary degree. ❤️
— Melinda (@butterflydiva88) April 30, 2018
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James Avery collectors made one thing clear: The jewelry pieces inspired a longtime devotion to the company.
I’ve worn James Avery all of my life. RIP Mr. Avery. π
— Stephanie (@peripixie) May 1, 2018
God bless π —
— SmirKing Revenge (@InvisibleHand78) April 30, 2018
I still have my Fisher of Men chain & ring from high school.
What a great man.#Texas #tcot #ccot #Christians
I've had the same two James Avery rings since high school, and I still wear them every day. RIP.
— SarahThurmond (@SarahThurmond) April 30, 2018
Our prayers & condolences to the Avery family. Many of my fondest memories either giving or receiving involved #JamesAvery Mr. Avery created a beautiful & priceless #legacy that unites all.
— Kristi (@FieryDoeLife) April 30, 2018
I worked at the Northpark store all through high school and college. After I graduated from college, my mom started working there. Such beautiful jewelry, I will treasure all my pieces. Prayers are with you.
— catherine troy (@CathyTroy) May 1, 2018
When I first came across His jewelry I fell in Love I’ve been a collector of his jewelry for 5 yrs now Rest In Peace Mr. Avery!
— NaJah Afua Cuencas (@NaJahAfua) May 1, 2018
Thank you for your services in making jewelry for millions; a majority of the jewelry I wear now came from your stores. They serve as nice reminders of the people in my family that got me them as gifts.
Rest well Mr. Avery.
— terminatorX2 π (@tweetinatorX2) May 1, 2018
So very very sorry for your loss. I’ve been a customer since the 1980’s and have always enjoyed all your pieces. James took great pride in his company and his legacy will live on through his sons. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ππΉπ
— πΈπTikki TookiππΈ (@OKCTuxiecat) April 30, 2018
RIP Mr. Avery. First jewelry I ever owned, our wedding rings, and just lots of other fun charms.
— Monica DeLaCruz (@memoriesbyheart) May 1, 2018
Perhaps the most popular pieces from the craftsman are the charms, featuring everything from animals, to letters and gemstones.
Grew up in Ingram. A friend gave me a JA ring in 6th grade, family gave me charms. Now our wedding bands are JA. Everyday I’m covered in JA. My charm bracelet is a scrapbook of my life. I have no memory of life without James Avery in it. Such a blessing to me in my Texas life.
— Sweet Woodruffs π©π»πΎ (@SWoodruffs) May 1, 2018
My treasured JA charm bracelet is my life story in jewelry form, started in ‘90. I’ll never forget visiting the Kerrville shop. My JA collection is a precious connection for me to the home state I miss so much. Happy Homecoming, Mr. Avery. ❤️
— Julie McIntosh (@MomMcIntosh1971) April 30, 2018
The company has asked fans to leave tributes to James Avery on its website or email JATribute@JamesAvery.com.