I first heard of Mr.James Avery when one of my brother's was wearing a beautiful cross ring.My brother took my sister's and I to the James Avery store in Kerrville,TX.I immediately fell in love with all of his jewelry. Though family and friends … and “friends” from a distance … will miss the man … he is not gone forever. James Avery’s pieces … touch my soul in their beauty and symbolism. We bought a cross pendant for my husband and the “steel magnolia” for me … this is what he has called me through our years together. Several years ago, we toured the Kerrville facilities and met the most wonderful employees that seemed more like family members. James Avery had walked into my life again when I least expected it. I knew it as a James Avery piece before they could even get it out of the jewelry case. Shortly thereafter I “found” a James Avery sand dollar pendant in an antique store. After talking by phone with Chris Avery … I had to accept that it was gone forever. As a very late college graduate … I got my BS in Business in my mid-forties … my husband showered me with a half a dozen new James Avery pieces to join the extensive collection I own … there were tears of joy. My husband has bought me many, many James Avery pieces through the 42 years we have been together. As tears sprang forth, I tried to explain to my husband why I was weeping. I am very, very saddened to learn today of James Avery’s passing. You will be missed.Your jewelry have created some of the most beautiful memories in my life.It has also made the people I've given it to feel loved!.Your legacy will forever live on!!! So, I will leave off by saying this: rest in peace James Avery and you will always be remembered within our hearts! But, I know this: that he was an exceptional man, and that he put all of his hard work into his jewlery to get where he is now. I never knew much about James Avery and to be honest, I've never gotten any jewelry from there. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! My God continued to bless your family during this moment in time. His work and yours will continue to bless the world. We are now on the third generation of our family thanking yours for making every day a reminder of who we are and where we belong.
We were blessed to discover the beautiful and unique Avery jewelry in the late 1970’s when we still lived in Texas and as we add to that collection from time to time we are always so happy with the quality and artistry of the pieces. We know he is in a better place where joy reigns every day. The Salmen family would like to send our condolences to the Avery extended family.