James Avery founded the company in 1954 with a simple mission: to create jewelry with meaning - both for himself and others. With a focus on creating straightforward designs and a core belief of integrity in all things, his jewelry became more than precious metals and gemstones. He believed that meaning is what makes life more beautiful, and this concept continues to drive how the business designs jewelry to this day. In 2007 53 years after he first founded the company, James officially stepped down as CEO and passed the reins to his sons, Chris and Paul.

James Avery Artisan Jewelry remains privately owned with shareholder and son, Chris, as Chairman of the Board. James Avery jewelry is designed in the Texas Hill Country, with more than 90 percent of its pieces crafted in Kerrville, Comfort, Hondo and Corpus Christi, using the finest materials sourced worldwide.

In an industry where mechanical manufacturing is the norm, many of its pieces are still handmade, hand-hammered, hand-polished, and even hand-engraved at times.

Three generations of the Avery family were raised in Kerrville, and it continues to be the business' main headquarters.