CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
IndependentsMar 03, 2021
Longtime Georgia Jeweler Johnny Johnson Dies at 74
In addition to running Edward-Johns Jewelers for 42 years, Johnson was an active member of the community in Cobb County, Georgia.
Georgia jeweler Johnny Johnson opened Edward-Johns Jewelers in Marietta, Georgia in 1979. He died last week of complications related to COVID-19.
Marietta, Ga.—John Michael “Johnny” Johnson, the longtime owner of Edward-Johns Jewelers in Marietta, Georgia, died Feb. 24 of complications related to COVID-19.
He was 74.
He was 74.
Johnson was born Dec. 26, 1946 in Villa Rica, Georgia. He moved to Atlanta when he was 5 years old and graduated from Georgia State University there.
Johnson started in the jewelry business in 1969, at the only store in the Atlanta area that custom-made jewelry.
In 1975, he and his wife, Anna, moved north to the suburbs—east Cobb in neighboring Cobb County— and four years later, he opened his own jewelry store, Edward-Johns Jewelers.
For more than half of its 42 years in business, Johnson ran the shop alongside his daughter, Jana Johnson-Barry.
In a profile on Marietta.com, the longtime jeweler said what he loved most about the business was being involved in the happiest moments in people’s lives—engagement, birthdays and anniversaries.
“Because we create custom jewelry, we get to see the satisfied look on someone’s face when they see a piece of jewelry created expressly for them,” he told the website.
“I particularly like to create pieces using a customer’s stones and giving them new life as a different piece of jewelry and, hopefully, a new family heirloom.”
In addition to running the store, Johnson served as president of the Georgia Jewelers Association and was named Georgia Jeweler of the Year.
Known for his white hair and long, white beard, Johnson would dress up as Santa at Christmastime and participate in various parties and festivals around Cobb County.
“Santa,” seen in the Instagram post below, would also pay a visit to Edward-Johns Jewelers, where he would take free pictures with children.
Outside of the jewelry industry, Johnson was active in his community.
According to a front-page feature in the Marietta Daily Journal, he represented part of east Cobb on the Cobb County School Board from 1996 until retiring in 2008.
According to a front-page feature in the Marietta Daily Journal, he represented part of east Cobb on the Cobb County School Board from 1996 until retiring in 2008.
He also was a member of the East Cobb Kiwanis Club and Kiwanis International, chaired the east Cobb division of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and served as president of the Cobb County YMCA.
Johnson was once named East Cobb Citizen of the Year, and he received a Lifetime Membership Award from the Georgia PTA.
He loved the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Knights (a minor league hockey team), and the football and basketball teams at the local high school, Pope.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Anna Johnson; his son, Jerad Johnson; his daughter, Jana Johnson-Barry; and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at 2 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 6457, Dept. #286, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
