The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
WJA Twin Cities Founding Member Janel Russell Dies at 62
Russell also was the creator of the popular Mother and Child pendant.
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.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.