James Avery Sterling Silver Cutout Ornament or Pendant
Jewelry / Decorative Object / Charm · James Avery Craftsman, Inc., an American jewelry manufacturer founded in 1954 in Kerrville, Texas, known for high-quality religious and cultural symbolic jewelry.
Pattern: Non-named specific pattern; likely part of a Christmas ornament series or a specialized openwork pendant collection.
Type
Jewelry / Decorative Object / Charm
Maker
James Avery Craftsman, Inc., an American jewelry manufacturer founded in 1954 in Kerrville, Texas, known for high-quality religious and cultural symbolic jewelry.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid composition without base metal or plating.
Dimensions
Estimated 2.5 to 5 cm in diameter; weight likely ranges from 5 to 15 grams depending on thickness.
Description
A classic piece of James Avery sterling silver featuring clean lines and meaningful negative space. This piece exemplifies the brand's aesthetic of simplicity and durability, often used for commemorative or religious purposes.
Key Features
The distinctive J-A candelabra logo and the secondary block-letter size/batch stamp which are signatures of authentic Avery production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid composition without base metal or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-polished finish with flat-surface openwork (piercing/cutout) design; features a stylized organic shape with interior cutouts.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Crucial hallmark: The James Avery 'Candelabra' logo (often looks like a stylized 'B' or 'JA' inside an oval or circle) and the capital block letter 'B'. The 'B' likely represents the size code or a specific workshop mark.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck and machine-cut from a flat sheet of sterling silver; hand-finished edges and polishing.
Functional Features
Includes a top suspension point (indicated by the top edge) for a jump ring or ribbon; designed for suspension as a pendant or ornament.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; item is a flat-form decorative piece without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship; edges are deburred and smooth to the touch, and the silver gauge is thick enough to prevent bending.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is deeply struck and crisp; the 'B' stamp is perfectly aligned with the trademark, indicating factory-controlled production rather than hand-punched counterfeit.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured in the Texas Hill Country at the James Avery Artisan Center.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century; reflects the Texas Modernist / Craft Movement style typical of the 1970s-present.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980 - 2010; based on the specific sans-serif font of the 'B' stamp and the clarity of the candelabra logo.
Cultural Significance
Avery pieces are often used as 'milestone' gifts in the Southern US, particularly for baptisms, confirmations, and Christmas traditions.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; shows standard light surface oxidation and micro-scratching consistent with handling; no structural bending or deep gouges visible.
Value Estimate
Current market value $45 - $85 USD depending on the rarity of the specific cutout shape.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a soft silver cloth; avoid liquid dips which can strip the intentional patina in the recessed cutouts.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti openwork pendants (more fluid) or Brighton charms (often silver-plated and more ornate).
Interesting Facts
James Avery began in a two-car garage with about $250; the brand's retirement of designs makes specific cutout patterns highly collectible on the secondary market.