2026
AVERY ◆ 2026
Single-line surname and date, distinct from the stacked layout.
stamped · Texas, United States
Designer marks
James Avery marks
James Avery marks include stamped “AVERY © 925” on sterling silver in Texas, United States. James Avery was active from 1954.
- Active years
- From 1954
- Country
- United States
- City / region
- Kerrville, Texas
- Products
- sterling silver jewelry, gold jewelry, charms, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, communion vessels
- Marks
- 6
Founded in 1954; active in 2026. The founder died in 2018; the company continued.
What to look for
- Find the three-branched candelabra with J and A, or the AVERY surname. Read STER, 925, 14K and 585 separately as metal designations.
- On Designs From Our Archives pieces, the stamped year is the year the reissue was made. A 2026 stamp does not date the original design to 2026.
- Check necklace hooks and clasps as well as the back of a charm or the inside of a ring; the full surname can replace the pictorial arrangement on a small finding.
Marks & lettering
6 marks
2026
AVERY / 2026
Stacked surname, diamond and year layout; no candelabra.
stamped · Texas, United States
2026
JA / 2026
Added 2026 beneath the emblem identifies a 2026 archive reissue.
stamped · Texas, United States
Undated
AVERY © 925
Surname and numeric silver fineness on a clasp; differs from the pictorial JA/STER stamp.
stamped · sterling silver · Texas, United States
About James Avery
James Avery started his jewelry business in his in-laws’ garage in Kerrville, Texas, in 1954. He had studied industrial design and taught before turning to jewelry. His Plain Latin Cross, first made in 1951, established the simple religious imagery that became an important part of the range. Early sales included churches, bookstores and summer camps in the Texas Hill Country.
The business printed its first catalogue and hired its first employee in 1957, then incorporated in 1965. Avery purchased land in Kerrville for a store and manufacturing facility in 1967. The range expanded to charms, rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver and gold. Designs drew on faith, nature and personal milestones. Avery also received commissions connected with American space missions and made communion vessels for the papal Mass in San Antonio in 1987.
The founder died in 2018, while the family business continued. Its three-branched candelabra incorporates the initials J and A. Later surname stamps also appear on jewelry. The Designs From Our Archives program adds a manufacture year to reissued designs, allowing a recent reissue to be distinguished from an earlier example of the same design.
Also known as: James Avery Artisan Jewelry · James Avery Craftsman · James Avery Craftsman, Inc.
Look-alikes & how to tell them apart
John Atencio →
Both jewelers use JA initials. James Avery’s pictorial mark includes a three-branched candelabra; Atencio also uses his written name or signature. Compare the complete emblem and lettering, rather than JA alone.