the pink clutch ...: #MyJamesAvery

A few weeks ago James Avery invited me to shop their Valentines collection at the store near me. I was thrilled to visit the shop as I have loved James Avery and their beautiful jewelry for so many years. I can recall being introduced to the brand in high school when dangle rings were all the rage. When my oldest was born I was gifted a silver charm bracelet with a silhouette charm. I was madly in love and it became such a fun thing to collect and add to for special occasions. Twenty one years later and I still love the bracelet. Every single time I wear it I have so many compliments and questions. Everyone wants a tour through the charms and it is so special to me. From my littles silhouettes to a charm engraved for my 30th birthday to my favorite charm ... a box with a bow that I picked out after accepting Christ in 1997. Every single time I look at my charms I think of those special memories and how those hand picked charms tell the story of my life.

If you aren't familiar with this precious company you are in for a treat. Started in 1954 by James Avery in his garage with $250, "He built a small workbench, then bought a few hand tools and scraps of silver and copper. It was his desire to create jewelry that had meaning for him and his customers as well as having lasting value". After sending out his first Christian jewelry catalog in 1957 with 39 products he had crafted by his own hands he realized he could not do it all and hired his first employee. From there it was an amazing journey of growth but always remaining true to his goal.

The company was incorporated to James Avery Craftsman, Inc. in 1965, and two years later with the help of a modest loan from the SBA, the company headquarters was constructed on 20 acres in the heart of the Texas Hill Country in Kerrville, Texas, not too far from that original garage. In 1988 James Avery received a San Antonio Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Fifty-three years after he first founded the company, James Avery officially stepped down as CEO in May 2007 and passed the reins to his son Chris. He is still involved with the company and many days you can find him pursuing what he loves — creating new design ideas out of his office at the corporate headquarters in Kerrville.

Today, with Chris aboard as CEO/President, the future looks promising for James Avery Jewelry. One man’s dream has ignited the passion of an extended team carrying a product, a set of values, and a commitment to doing all things well across our land.

I was so excited to visit the store and to treat my youngest Valentine to something special. I knew before I walked into the shop exactly what I would choose for her, a charm bracelet she could add to of her own. I perused each case and quickly chose what I wanted to add to her bracelet to start the tradition. The sales staff was so helpful and even helped me pick out a replacement when one of the charms I wanted was sold out.

One of the charms I was most excited about was a birthstone charm which matches mine. The garnet charm I have was a gift from The Hubs one Christmas and it was so special to me. I knew it would be one I would purchase for sure.

I was absolutely so thrilled when we made the final selections and I could see how beautiful it was going to be. I chose four charms ... an initial, a heart, her birthstone and a swimmer. I could not love it more.

I really think she will be so excited and I know I am to give it to her. We are taking an amazing trip this summer and I have already picked out a darling passport charm to give to her when we get home. I know I will truly enjoy picking out charms for her bracelet to celebrate her life and the adventures she will have.

My gift is home, wrapped and ready to give to my girl on Valentines Day. I have picked out a card to give to her as well with a special note to let her know what she means to me. My girl is strong and brave and her love is deep and wide just like her mama. She means the world to me. I want to install in our daughter a true love for herself, nurture her heart and make sure she always knows her Daddy and I think she is everything and are thankful every single day that God gifted her to us.

To shop the Valentine collection check out their website. You will love so many pieces. I am partial to the charms and the heart rings. I think the rings are darling for anyone and especially a young girl. I love that the pieces symbolize strong beliefs and love and are gifted with those beautiful values in mind. Along with the passport charm I have chosen for her I picked out a beautiful cross charm to symbolize her everyday growth in Christ. She has such a heart for Jesus and I want her to be able to share that heart with others. The charm is a perfect symbol for doing just that.