·   James Avery Artisan Jewelry began in a garage in Kerrville, Texas, in 1954. Avery was a WWII veteran and a self-taught jeweler who started making jewelry to sell at summer camps. His son, Chris Avery, continues to lead the family-owned business. The company is known for designs based on faith and craftsmanship. He designed pins for NASA astronauts for several missions·     

The education of the retired James Avery (founder of the jewelry chain) includes a BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois and pilot training