CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96
Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
Juell Kadet, the former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands and the voice behind its well-known jingle, died last month at age 96.
Chicago—Juell Kadet, former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands and a pioneer among women in the jewelry industry, died Nov. 9.
She was 96.
Born Juell Friedman on Feb. 18, 1929, Juell was the daughter of Bernard Friedman, who, alongside Herbert Goldstone, opened Rogers Jewelers (later Rogers & Hollands and then Rogers Enterprises Inc.) in Harvey, Illinois, in 1945.
She followed her father into the jewelry business.
Juell became a “lifelong pillar” of the family-owned jewelry store and alongside her husband, the late Alan Kadet, helped grow the business across the Chicago area and beyond.
She was the second woman inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame, Class of 1994. (The late Helene Fortunoff was the first in 1990.)
The company said Juell and Alan shaped the jeweler into “a trusted household name built on tradition, craftsmanship, personal service, and the belief that jewelry celebrates life’s most meaningful moments.”
Today, it operates as Rogers Enterprises Inc. and has about 70 stores in 15 states under the banners Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers.
The company stands at No. 16 on National Jeweler’s 2025 Top 50 Specialty Jewelers list, which ranks retailers by store count.
David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, described Juell as a “consummate professional.”
“She was sharp and witty and very approachable, and she always shared her opinions,” Bonaparte said.
“Juell was one of the first people I met when I entered the jewelry business, and I will always appreciate her guidance, professionalism, and enormous personality. She was truly one of a kind.”
She also was resilient.
After surviving breast cancer, Juell founded the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation at the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital, which has raised more than $1 million to date to support oncology research.
In her later years, she faced a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease but continued to inspire those around her with her perseverance and determination to live.
Outside of jewelry, Juell loved to cook and design clothing, and was a gifted vocalist.
In addition to singing the famous Rogers & Hollands “jewelry created for now and forever” jingle for TV and radio, she recorded two albums, “My Kind of Town,” and “Juell of the Mile.”
One album benefited The Neediest Children’s Fund, and the other supported her cancer foundation.
Her grandson Brent Stern, the current president of Rogers Enterprises, called his grandmother “a force in every sense.”
“She broke barriers with boldness and grace, lifted others with endless generosity, and led with both heart and conviction,” he said.
“Her influence helped shape our family, our company, and this industry. Her legacy will inspire us for generations.”
Services for Juell were private.
A celebration of life is scheduled to take place in February.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Promise of Hope – UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rita Hayworth Gala.
She was 96.
Born Juell Friedman on Feb. 18, 1929, Juell was the daughter of Bernard Friedman, who, alongside Herbert Goldstone, opened Rogers Jewelers (later Rogers & Hollands and then Rogers Enterprises Inc.) in Harvey, Illinois, in 1945.
She followed her father into the jewelry business.
Juell became a “lifelong pillar” of the family-owned jewelry store and alongside her husband, the late Alan Kadet, helped grow the business across the Chicago area and beyond.
She was the second woman inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame, Class of 1994. (The late Helene Fortunoff was the first in 1990.)
The company said Juell and Alan shaped the jeweler into “a trusted household name built on tradition, craftsmanship, personal service, and the belief that jewelry celebrates life’s most meaningful moments.”
Today, it operates as Rogers Enterprises Inc. and has about 70 stores in 15 states under the banners Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers.
The company stands at No. 16 on National Jeweler’s 2025 Top 50 Specialty Jewelers list, which ranks retailers by store count.
David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, described Juell as a “consummate professional.”
“She was sharp and witty and very approachable, and she always shared her opinions,” Bonaparte said.
“Juell was one of the first people I met when I entered the jewelry business, and I will always appreciate her guidance, professionalism, and enormous personality. She was truly one of a kind.”
She also was resilient.
After surviving breast cancer, Juell founded the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation at the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital, which has raised more than $1 million to date to support oncology research.
In her later years, she faced a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease but continued to inspire those around her with her perseverance and determination to live.
Outside of jewelry, Juell loved to cook and design clothing, and was a gifted vocalist.
In addition to singing the famous Rogers & Hollands “jewelry created for now and forever” jingle for TV and radio, she recorded two albums, “My Kind of Town,” and “Juell of the Mile.”
One album benefited The Neediest Children’s Fund, and the other supported her cancer foundation.
Her grandson Brent Stern, the current president of Rogers Enterprises, called his grandmother “a force in every sense.”
“She broke barriers with boldness and grace, lifted others with endless generosity, and led with both heart and conviction,” he said.
“Her influence helped shape our family, our company, and this industry. Her legacy will inspire us for generations.”
Services for Juell were private.
A celebration of life is scheduled to take place in February.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Promise of Hope – UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rita Hayworth Gala.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
