Independents

Penny Ruston Dies at 80

IndependentsJun 26, 2025

Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Penny Ruston
Panorea “Penny” Ruston died at age 80 on Friday, June 20.
Chicago— Panorea “Penny” Ruston, an industry veteran and founder of the Chicago chapter of the Woman’s Jewelry Association (WJA), died June 20.

She was 80.

Ruston died peacefully at her home in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by friends and family, according to an online obituary.

She was born Sept. 15, 1944, in Chicago. 

Her decades-long career in the jewelry industry began immediately after she graduated from Austin High School in 1962, when she took a retail position with local store Trabert & Hoeffer.

Later, she went on to work for Lagos, Ebel, and Roberto Coin, where she became one the first female outside sales reps in the industry, according to her obituary.

A “true pioneer in her profession,” she also mentored other women in the industry, forming the WJA Chicago chapter.

Her support of WJA was there from the very start, said WJA co-founder Linda Orlick in a LinkedIn post.

Orlick wrote that she met Ruston, “one of the ultimate professionals,” in the late ‘70s, when she was the jewelry buyer for Lebolt & Co. in Chicago. 

“Penny taught me so much about the industry, but most especially when we traveled to trade shows, especially the Dallas or LA jewelry shows, how to get into good trouble,” she wrote.

“Penny's laugh was infectious, she lit up every room she walked into. When she traveled to [New York], she would stay with me and my children, it was non-stop laughing.”

In 1970, Penny married her husband Jim Ruston, and they had a son, Michael, whom they raised in nearby Elmhurst, Illinois.

Their home was filled with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love, her obituary said.

Ruston also loved to entertain, and she hosted an annual celebration for Greek Orthodox Easter, which the obituary described as “the most anticipated party of the year,” filled with Greek dishes including lamb, Jim’s pastitsio, and the always-anticipated red Easter eggs. 

However, her greatest joy was becoming a “Yiayia,” or grandmother, when her twin grandchildren were born.

Jimmy and Ella were the light of her life, and she had a special bond with each of them.

They were very close and spent a lot of time together on vacations, at lunches, or sleepovers at hers and Jim’s “Papou” house.

Ruston is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim; her son Michael; her grandchildren Jimmy and Ella; her brother Peter (Chandra) Kaskas; her sister Sandra (John) Muscolino; her brother Dean (Simi) Grevan; and an abundance of cousins, nieces, and nephews.   

She was preceded in death by her parents Helen (Siavelis) Grevan, her father Thomas Kaskas, and her sister Tia Coleman. 

Visitation will be held June 29 from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, located at 10501 W. Cermak Rd. in Westchester, Illinois.

A funeral service will take place at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, located at 601 S. Central in Chicago on June 30 at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.   

The family will also hold a celebration of life in Pensacola, Florida, in the weeks to come. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gulf Coast Kids House, a children’s advocacy center in Pensacola. Ruston was an avid supporter of the center and was set to be the honorary chair this year for its annual “Bubbles and Brunch” fundraiser. 

“We were all blessed to have had Penny in our lives,” the obituary reads.  

“She was one of a kind and a true treasure who was loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” 


Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Jean Dinh Van Orgue Ring
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With Exhibition

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

A calligraphy sculptural ring made in 18-karat Fairtrade gold (Photo by: Jamie Trounce)
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales Director

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Mikimoto The Bows high jewelry necklace
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

1 NJ-Supplier-Bulletin-Snake-One.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show Tips

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Cece Jewellery For the Love of Fruits Pendants
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s Sweetness

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Graphic showing images from National Jeweler’s top 5 stories 2025
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So Far

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

 The Dash Diamond Crater of Diamonds State Park
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in Arkansas

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy