AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
IndependentsMay 09, 2017
WJA Twin Cities Founding Member Janel Russell Dies at 62
Russell also was the creator of the popular Mother and Child pendant.
This is the Mother and Child pendant that Janel Russell originally created in 1980 as a symbol of her relationship with her son. Russell died Friday at age 62.
St. Paul, Minn.--Jeweler and WJA member Janel J. (Johnson) Russell died Friday following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 62.
In addition to being a jeweler and business owner, Russell was one of the founding members of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Twin Cities chapter.
In 1980, Russell designed the Mother and Child pendant, which is licensed, distributed and manufactured by Kirchner Corporation.
The abstract symbol of a parent and child is “cherished by millions of women and their families,” Russell’s obituary said.
On Russell’s website, she wrote about the pendant, stating: “Every human being has his or her own special gifts. In my own case, I’ve been blessed with my creativity and my son. And I designed the Mother and Child to celebrate the bond between us.”
Russell is survived by her son, Isaac (Tay) Rucci; her mother, Patricia M. Johnson (née Mattson); her brothers Guy (Cheri) and Jeff (Susan) Johnson; her sister Jody (Curt) Johnson Barsness; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Farrell F. Johnson.
Sara Commers, WJA’s central regional director, said in an e-mail sent Monday by the WJA that Russell was, “a mentor, a confidante (and) a friend.”
“Janel had an incredible lust for life and tireless enthusiasm for our vibrant industry to which she dedicated her heart and soul.”
WJA President Brandee Dallow wrote in the e-mail: “I personally connected with that giant, sincere smile of Janel’s and the kind and honest way she always spoke her mind. After reading the many beautiful Facebook posts about Janel, it appears I was far from alone in these sentiments. Janel Russell was clearly one of the finest.”
A mass of Christian burial will take place Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima at 2048 N. Hamline Ave. in Roseville, Minnesota.
The mass will begin at 10 a.m. with a visitation period being held one hour before.
Donations may be sent to the Guild Incorporated, a not-for-profit corporation that provides treatment and services for people with mental illnesses.
The Guild Incorporated can be contacted by phone at (651) 450-2220 or by mail at 130 South Wabasha St., Suite 90, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55107.
More on Independents
The Latest
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
