James Avery Wave Band and CTR Heart Sterling Silver Rings
Jewelry (Rings) · The wider band is characteristic of James Avery Craftsman, a renowned American jewelry designer founded in 1954 in Kerrville, Texas, known for faith-based and nature-inspired themes. The heart ring is a 'CTR' (Choose the Right) ring, often manufactured by specialist LDS jewelry brands like Ringmasters or White Star.
Pattern: The first is a 'Ocean Wave' stylized band; the second is a 'CTR Heart' filigree pattern. Both are popular motivational/religious jewelry designs.
Type
Jewelry (Rings)
Maker
The wider band is characteristic of James Avery Craftsman, a renowned American jewelry designer founded in 1954 in Kerrville, Texas, known for faith-based and nature-inspired themes. The heart ring is a 'CTR' (Choose the Right) ring, often manufactured by specialist LDS jewelry brands like Ringmasters or White Star.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The darker areas on the wave ring are intentionally oxidized (sulfur-treated) to provide contrast. The heart ring appears to have enamel or pink pigment in the lettering.
Dimensions
Standard adult band widths: Wave ring is approx. 6mm-8mm; Heart ring is approx. 4mm. Combined weight estimated at 6-9 grams total.
Description
A pair of contemporary sterling silver rings demonstrating two distinct facets of American silver craft: nature-inspired relief work and symbolic filigree. The wider band captures the fluid motion of a rolling wave, while the thinner band utilizes a romantic heart motif to frame a moral acronym.
Key Features
Stylized 'S' curve wave relief, contrasting blackened 'sulfur' background on the wave band, repeating openwork heart shanks, and pink 'CTR' shield center.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The darker areas on the wave ring are intentionally oxidized (sulfur-treated) to provide contrast. The heart ring appears to have enamel or pink pigment in the lettering.
Finish & Decoration
The wave ring features a high-relief embossed wave motif with heavy oxidation in the recessed background. The CTR ring features a repeating open-concept heart pattern with pink enamel inlay in the shield-shaped center.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped inside the bands with '925' or 'STERLING'. The wave ring should feature the James Avery chandelier-style 'JA' candelabra mark inside.
Construction Details
Lost-wax investment casting followed by hand-polishing and chemical oxidation (patination) on the wave band. The heart ring is die-struck or cast.
Functional Features
Closed circular bands designed for daily wear on fingers. The heart ring functions as a mnemonic 'Choose the Right' reminder common in Latter-day Saint culture.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; rings feature smooth interior 'comfort fit' shanks to prevent skin irritation.
Craftsmanship Details
The wave ring shows superior casting and finishing with distinct edges between the bright and dark silver. The heart ring shows standard mass-produced casting quality.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency for James Avery (candelabra mark); appropriate wear patterns where the raised silver peaks show friction-polishing while valleys remain oxidized.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Texas (James Avery) and Utah (CTR ring), reflecting American commercial silver craftsmanship traditions.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th to Early 21st Century (c. 1990 - Present). Part of the modern Southwestern and American faith-based jewelry movement.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 1995 and 2015 based on the style of oxidation and the popularity of the CTR heart-cutout design during that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of personal virtue and nature aesthetics in American jewelry; used as tokens of faith, memory, and personal identity.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The wave ring shows authentic 'pocket wear' where the high points are bright and recessed areas remain dark. Minor surface scratches (swirls) visible on the heart ring. Moderate patina suggests regular use.
Value Estimate
Wave Ring: $40-$85 USD; CTR Heart Ring: $25-$45 USD. Value is driven by the James Avery brand name for the wider band.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish high points with a silver cloth. Avoid 'dip' cleaners for the wave ring, as it will strip the intentional black oxidation from the background. Clean heart ring with mild soap and water.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Wave ring (more minimalist), Brighton jewelry (usually silver-plated rather than sterling), and various LDS bookstore silver bands.
Interesting Facts
The 'CTR' (Choose the Right) symbol was originally designed for a primary lesson in 1970 and has since become a global icon in silver jewelry. James Avery rings are highly collectible and often given as milestone gifts in the Southern US.