Vintage James Avery Jewelry Buying Guide

Hey There! We may earn a commission from links on this page. This helps support the site and is at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Welcome to our guide on vintage James Avery Jewelry. James Avery Jewelry is an American jewelry company known for its superior craftsmanship, meaningful designs, and timeless beauty. In this guide, we will explore the history of James Avery Jewelry, the materials used in crafting their pieces, the most collectible items, and where to buy them.

What is James Avery Jewelry?

James Avery Jewelry is an American jewelry company founded in 1954. It is known for its handcrafted sterling silver, gold, and gemstone designs. Based in Kerrville, Texas, the brand offers a wide range of pieces, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, charms, and earrings, with designs inspired by faith, love, family, and nature. Renowned for craftsmanship and meaningful designs, James Avery Jewelry pieces are cherished for their sentimental value and timeless beauty.

Table of Contents

• What is James Avery Jewelry?
• Brief History of James Avery Jewelry
  • Is James Avery Jewelry Good Quality?
• Is James Avery Jewelry Marked?
  • Jewelry marks
  • How to Tell if James Avery Jewelry is Real
• Materials Used
  • What is James Avery Jewelry Made of?
  • What does 925 Mean on James Avery Jewelry?
• Tips for Buying James Avery Jewelry
  • Most Expensive James Avery Charms
  • List of Retired James Avery Charms
  • List of Retired James Avery Rings
  • How much is James Avery Jewelry Worth?
  • Why is James Avery Gold so Expensive?
• How to Find Vintage James Avery Jewelry
• Conclusion
  • What do You Think?

Brief History of James Avery Jewelry

James Avery was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 7, 1921, and was raised in the Chicago area. Pearl Harbor was bombed on his 20th birthday, and he joined the Army Air Force shortly after. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, thus beginning his lifelong love of the Texas Hill Country.

After serving proudly in World War II, flying 44 missions over Germany, he earned a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois. He went on to teach at the University of Iowa and the University of Colorado. At Colorado, he became interested in applying his designing skills to jewelry and created some “just for fun” pieces in his free time.

In 1954, a confluence of events changed the course of James’s life. He returned to the Christian religion of his youth; he stopped teaching, and he spent the summer at his in-laws’ house in Kerrville, Texas. What remained the same was his fascination with jewelry making. He set up shop in his in-laws’ two-car garage with a small workbench, a few tools, scraps of silver and copper, a book How to Make Modern Jewelry, and $250 in working capital. Outside of the garage, he hung his sign, “James Avery Craftsman,” with the candelabra logo that remains a hallmark of the jewelry. 

He wanted his jewelry to have meaning, both for him and his customers—items that had lasting value. He created pieces that reflected his Christian beliefs, such as crosses, fish, angels, and doves, and sold them on consignment in church gift shops and local boutiques. He worked in silver to keep the pieces affordable. In his first year in business, James’s sales came to $5,500 (about $53,000 today).

For three years, he worked alone, designing, sawing, polishing, and selling. In 1957, he hired Fred Garcia to work with him, and he issued his first catalog with 39 handmade items. His business continued to grow, and in 1965, he made “James Avery Craftsman, Inc.” official and, not long after, bought 20 acres in Kerrville, not far from the garage, to build the company’s headquarters. Fittingly, the first retail store was established in Kerrville. By the 1970s, he employed 35 people and generated $400,000 in sales (more than $2 ½ million today).

James Avery Jewelry is meticulously crafted in sterling silver, 14K and 18K yellow and white gold, and gemstones. The designs honor the important things in life and are, therefore, timeless with a universal appeal. James never wanted to produce anything complicated, faddish, or “cute.” And to this day, the company never has.

In 1987, the Archdiocese of San Antonio commissioned James to make four vessels for Pope John II to use at Mass while he was visiting the city.

James’s business grew to include five manufacturing plants, 80 retail stores, and 3,500 employees. The 1,100 designs are created by the skilled artisans in the Texas Hill Country. The pieces are also sold on the company’s website and in Dillard’s, an apparel, cosmetics, and home-furnishing retailer in the southwest, southeast, and mid-west regions of the United States.

In 2007, James retired (though he continued to design), and his son Chris became CEO/President, and his son Paul became Director of James Avery Craftsman and Executive Vice President.

In late 2014, the company opened up a showroom/museum next to its headquarters. The displays include James’s earliest designs as well as his original workbench and tools.

In 2017, the company began a relationship with Whataburger, a Texas-based fast-food franchise known for its burgers. They honored their Texan roots with a James Avery charm with the Whataburger logo on it—the charm sold out in one day. In 2018, they released a charm of the Whataburger cup. And in 2019, a charm of French fries. The charms are real treasures to collectors.

James died on April 30, 2018, but his spirit lives on in the company’s values.

In 2019, Chris retired and, for the first time, a non-family member was CEO, John McCullough. John had been part of the company family for 14 years in increasingly responsible positions. Chris had no qualms about handing over the reins to him. Chris is Chairman of the Board, and James’s granddaughter, Lindsey Avery Tognietti, is Manager of Strategic Initiatives.

Is James Avery Jewelry Good Quality?

Yes, James Avery Jewelry is known for its excellent quality. The brand is highly regarded for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials. James Avery Jewelry is primarily crafted from sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold, and genuine gemstones, ensuring durability and longevity. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in the United States, reflecting a commitment to quality and authenticity.

Additionally, James Avery offers a lifetime warranty on its jewelry, covering any defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty speaks to the brand’s confidence in the quality of its products and provides customers with peace of mind knowing that a reputable company backs their jewelry.

Is James Avery Jewelry Marked?

Yes, James Avery Jewelry is typically marked with identifying stamps or hallmarks to indicate its authenticity and quality. These marks may include:

1. James Avery Logo or Initials (“JA”): Many James Avery pieces feature the brand’s logo or initials stamped onto the jewelry. This hallmark signifies that the piece is an authentic James Avery creation.
2. Metal Purity Stamp (“925” for Sterling Silver): Sterling silver pieces from James Avery are often stamped with “925” to indicate that they are made from 92.5% pure silver, which is the standard for sterling silver jewelry.
3. Metal Quality Stamp (“14K” or “18K” for Gold): Gold pieces from James Avery may be stamped with “14K” or “18K” to denote the purity of the gold used in the jewelry. These stamps indicate that the gold content is either 14 karats or 18 karats.
4. Gemstone Identification: Some James Avery pieces featuring gemstones may have additional stamps or markings to identify the type and quality of the gemstone used.

Jewelry marks

• The candelabra from James’s first sign with “J” and “A” incorporated into the design, the copyright symbol and either “925 585” or “STER.”
• “AVERY STER”
• “James Avery”

How to Tell if James Avery Jewelry is Real

To determine if James Avery jewelry is real and authentic, consider the following factors:

1. Hallmarks and Stamps: Authentic James Avery jewelry is typically stamped with the James Avery hallmark, which may include the initials “JA” or the James Avery logo. Additionally, pieces made from sterling silver should be stamped with “925” to indicate the purity of the silver.
2. Quality of Materials: Examine the materials used in the jewelry piece. James Avery jewelry is crafted from high-quality materials such as sterling silver, 14K or 18K gold, and genuine gemstones. Look for signs of tarnishing, discoloration, or wear that may indicate lower-quality materials.
3. Craftsmanship and Detailing: Inspect the craftsmanship and detailing of the jewelry. Authentic James Avery pieces are known for their meticulous attention to detail and precise craftsmanship. Look for smooth edges, secure settings for gemstones, and consistent engraving or stamping.

Materials Used

• Sterling silver
• Gold
• Bronze
• Birthstones (semi-precious or lab-created)
• Citrine
• Topaz
• Blue topaz
• Amazonite
• Labradorite
• Mother of pearl
• Quartz
• Green agate
• Turquoise
• Chalcedony
• Art glass
• Prasiolite
• Enamel
• Leather

What is James Avery Jewelry Made of?

James Avery charms are mainly crafted in sterling silver, but you will also find some in 14-karat gold or a mix of the two metals. Some designs also add copper or bronze. Semi-precious gems and pearls are also incorporated into the jewelry. Some pieces even include tiny diamonds. Others work incorporates glass and enamel.

What does 925 Mean on James Avery Jewelry?

The “925” stamp on James Avery Jewelry indicates that the piece is made from sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The “925” marking is a standard hallmark used to signify the silver content in jewelry, ensuring its quality and authenticity. So, when you see “925” stamped on James Avery Jewelry, it confirms that the piece is made from high-quality sterling silver. It’s important to note that anything made with less than 92.5 % pure silver is not considered sterling silver in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Tips for Buying James Avery Jewelry

If you’re looking to buy vintage James Avery jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a quality piece. Here are some tips:

1. Research the piece – Learn as much as you can about the vintage James Avery jewelry piece you’re interested in. Look for information about its history, materials used, and any unique features.
2. Check the condition – Vintage jewelry may show signs of wear and tear, so it’s important to carefully examine the condition of the piece before purchasing. Look for any damage or missing parts and ask the seller for additional photos if needed.
3. Look for authenticity – Vintage James Avery jewelry should have the James Avery hallmark or logo, indicating that it is an authentic piece. Be wary of any piece that does not have this hallmark.
4. Consider the seller – Make sure you are buying from a reputable seller who has a good track record for selling vintage jewelry. Read reviews and ask for references if needed.
5. Know the value – Vintage James Avery jewelry can vary greatly in value depending on its rarity, condition, and historical significance. Do some research to determine a fair price for the piece you’re interested in.

By following these tips, you can feel confident in your purchase of vintage James Avery jewelry.

Most Expensive James Avery Charms

The most expensive charms are those of animals. These are vintage, retired pieces such as the boxer puppy dog in sterling silver that sells for over $700 on Etsy or eBay. Gold animal charms fetch an even better price. The vintage kangaroo charm with joey, made from 14-karat gold, is priced at over $1200.

Here are a few examples of James Avery charms that may be among the more expensive options:

1. Gold Charms: Charms crafted from 14K or 18K gold will generally be more expensive than sterling silver charms due to the higher cost of gold.
2. Gemstone Charms: Charms featuring genuine gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, will typically be priced higher due to the added value of the gemstones.
3. Limited Edition or Retired Charms: Limited edition or retired charms may command higher prices, especially if they are in high demand among collectors.
4. Custom or Personalized Charms: Customized or personalized charms, such as those featuring engraving or special designs, may also be priced higher due to the additional labor and customization involved.

List of Retired James Avery Charms

James Avery has produced an extensive list of charms for holidays, celebrations, and religious symbols. Look for charms representing anniversary or birthday years and those with birthstones. There are numerous heart symbols and crosses in the designs, as well as motifs that represent the state of Texas. Numerous miscellaneous pieces were also crafted, such as the highly collectible animal charms. Wear these charms on chain bracelets, necklaces, and even rings.

• State of Texas charm in sterling silver
• State of Georgia with cut-out peach charm in sterling silver
• Dove descending downward charm in sterling silver
• Easter egg charm in sterling silver and enamel
• Cowboy boot with star and spur in sterling silver
• Cross and candle circle charm in 14-karat gold
• Grand Piano charm in sterling silver
• Floating angel charm in 14-karat gold
• Praying angel charm in sterling silver
• Heart with the words “I Love You” in sterling silver
• Hair dryer charm in sterling silver
• Tennis racket charm with the word LOVE in sterling silver
• Roadrunner bird charm in 14-karat gold
• Ballet dancer charm in sterling silver
• Flower of Hope charm in sterling silver
• Flowerpot with tulip charm in sterling silver
• Turkey charm in sterling silver
• Poinsettia flower charm in sterling silver
• Snowflake Charm in sterling silver
• Snowman charm with hat and scarf in sterling silver
• Sterling silver heart charm with hanging pink glass bead
• St. Francis Loves the Animals charm in sterling silver
• Acorn charm in sterling silver and copper
• Yoga exercise charm in sterling silver
• Boxer puppy dog charm in sterling silver
• Child’s baptism charm in sterling silver
• High heeled closed toe shoe charm in sterling silver
• Balloon bouquet charm in sterling silver
• Wisdom, Serenity, and Courage charm in sterling silver
• Crucifix cross in sterling silver
• Religious cross with ornate detailing in 14-karat gold
• Kitten charm in sterling silver
• Santa’s holiday sleigh charm in sterling silver
• Holly Jolly Christmas sterling silver and glass bead charm
• Baby hand sterling silver charm
• Four-leaf clover charm in sterling silver
• Graduation cap charm in sterling silver
• Five-point star charm in sterling silver
• Faith charm in sterling silver
• Sparkle Blue Hope Anchor in glass and sterling silver
• Acoustic guitar charm in sterling silver
• Verona lock heart charm in bronze and sterling silver
• 60th anniversary tree charm in sterling silver
• Love is Timeless heart-clock charm in sterling silver
• Teddy bear charm in sterling silver
• Horned toad charm in sterling silver
• Violin charm in sterling silver
• Love seven hearts flower pendant in silver
• Twin giraffe charm in sterling silver

List of Retired James Avery Rings

• Five-petal flower ring in sterling silver
• Pansy ring in sterling silver with citrine gemstone center
• Resting cat ring in sterling silver
• Sleeping cat ring in sterling silver
• Tiny pearl with slim textured band ring
• Radiant cross ring in 14-karat gold
• Scroll dome open work ring in sterling silver
• Birds of a Feather ring in sterling silver
• Adriana ring in sterling silver with a blue topaz
• True Love Waits chastity purity band in sterling silver
• Sand dollar dangle charm ring in 14-karat gold
• Believe ring in sterling silver
• Angels holding hands and flying ring in sterling silver
• Fleur de Lys ring in sterling silver
• Des Flores ring in turquoise and silver
• Friends Family Faith ring in sterling silver
• Basket weave ring in sterling silver
• Lover’s knot band in sterling silver
• Christian Ichthus ring in sterling silver
• St. Teresa cross ring in sterling silver
• Hugs and kisses ring in sterling silver
• Buckle ring with leaf and flower pattern in sterling silver
• Honeybee ring in sterling silver
• Spanish swirl ring in sterling silver
• Twisted heart ring in sterling silver
• Children holding hands and dog ring in sterling silver
• Ring with three daisies in sterling silver
• Cut out cross on a plain band in sterling silver
• Bowtie ring in sterling silver
• Song of Solomon band ring
• True heart ring in silver with a golden heart
• Love ring with a silver ring and engraved central heart
• Patted cross ring in sterling silver and 14-karat gold

If you want to find out what pieces are being retired, you can have a look at the James Avery website.

How much is James Avery Jewelry Worth?

James Avery’s vintage jewelry pieces are collector’s items today and, therefore, fetch a good price. Silver charms are available through resale at $120 or more. Rarer charms in silver are priced over $700. Rare 14-karat gold charms are priced over $1000. Silver charm bracelets are sold for over $1000 each, depending on the number and rarity of charms they contain. Retired pieces are often worth more than those available at retail prices in James Avery stores. 

Why is James Avery Gold so Expensive?

Collectors of James Avery jewelry will find more pieces crafted in silver than gold. As with all James Avery jewelry, each piece is meticulously crafted. Gold is a more expensive precious metal than silver. This fact, combined with the rarity of James Avery’s gold works, makes these pieces more expensive.

How to Find Vintage James Avery Jewelry

Finding vintage James Avery jewelry can be an exciting treasure hunt. Here are some tips to help you locate vintage pieces:

1. Visit Antique Shops and Estate Sales: Antique shops and estate sales often have a variety of vintage jewelry, including James Avery pieces. Browse through their collections to discover hidden gems.
2. Explore Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Ruby Lane feature a wide selection of vintage jewelry, including James Avery pieces. Use specific search terms like “vintage James Avery ring” or “retired James Avery charm” to narrow down your search.
3. Join Online Communities: Join online forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities dedicated to vintage jewelry enthusiasts. Members often share information about rare finds and reputable sellers.
4. Attend Jewelry Shows and Fairs: Local jewelry shows, flea markets, and antique fairs are excellent places to find vintage James Avery jewelry. You can interact with sellers directly and inspect the pieces in person.
5. Check Consignment Shops: Consignment shops sometimes carry vintage jewelry items. Visit local shops or search online directories to find shops specializing in vintage goods.
6. Consult with Collectors: Connect with seasoned collectors of vintage James Avery jewelry. They may offer valuable insights, recommendations, or even have pieces for sale themselves.
7. Set Up Alerts: Set up alerts on online marketplaces for specific James Avery pieces or keywords related to vintage jewelry. This way, you’ll be notified when new listings matching your criteria are posted.
8. Visit James Avery Stores: Occasionally, James Avery stores may carry pre-owned or vintage pieces as part of their Estate Jewelry collection. Inquire with store staff or check their website for availability.
9. Check Local Classifieds: Keep an eye on local classified ads, such as Craigslist or community bulletin boards. Vintage jewelry enthusiasts sometimes sell their collections through these channels.
10. Ask Friends and Family: Let friends, family, and acquaintances know that you’re interested in vintage James Avery jewelry. They may come across pieces during their own searches or be willing to part with items from their own collections.

Remember to verify the authenticity of vintage James Avery jewelry before making a purchase, and always buy from reputable sellers with a good track record. 

If you are a fan of vintage costume jewelry, you definitely don’t want to miss out on our article featuring the best vintage costume jewelry shops on Etsy! From unique and one-of-a-kind pieces to affordable yet stylish options, these shops have it all. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the article to discover your next favorite piece of vintage jewelry!

Conclusion

In conclusion, James Avery Jewelry is an American jewelry company known for its handcrafted sterling silver, gold, and gemstone designs. The brand offers a wide range of pieces, from rings to necklaces, with designs inspired by faith, love, family, and nature. James Avery’s timeless designs and superior craftsmanship have made the brand popular among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the brand, James Avery Jewelry is sure to have a piece that speaks to you and will be cherished for years to come.

What do You Think?

If you are a fan of James Avery Jewelry, we would love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite James Avery piece? Have you visited one of their retail stores or the showroom/museum in Kerrville, Texas? Let us know in the comments below!