Russell Jones was very young when he first displayed a talent for capturing the world around him in skillfully detailed drawings and paintings. He earned his BFA in illustration from RISD, where he also took jewelry fabrication classes, and his MFA in graphic design from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.

Russell established his career as a professional illustrator and graphic designer prior to launching his fine jewelry business, Russell Jones Fine Jewelry.  He’s equally at home working as a goldsmith or capturing our pet friends in paint with a tender touch.

Russell has been creating miniature portrait paintings for more than a decade, working with the smallest of paintbrushes to meticulously layer delicate watercolor scenes onto vellum (the same material used to create illuminated manuscripts).

Judi Powers is a lifelong animal lover and trained goldsmith who is obsessed with both miniature paintings and gemstones. She earned her BA in art history from NYU and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an AAS in jewelry design from F.I.T./SUNY, where she studied fine jewelry design with the Head Designer of Harry Winston.

Judi found her way to jewelry design after a long career in book publishing. Her fine jewelry brand, Judi Powers Jewelry, is known for its nature-inspired designs, distinctive gemstones, and signature matte gold Cashmere Finish®.  She loves learning new techniques and is perpetually furthering her jewelry education by taking classes (and occasionally teaching them).

Judi and Russell first met during a chance encounter at one of their jewelry suppliers. As the two first became friends and then slowly began falling in love, they would often talk about how much they wanted to collaborate on jewelry together someday when they found the right project.  

In 2023, Russell surprised Judi with a tiny, perfect miniature portrait of her beloved dog, Lulu, and an idea was born.

Later that year their first true collaboration—a pair of pet portrait cufflinks—came to fruition. Russell and Judi loved working together and wanted to grow their new idea into a business that would allow them to create bespoke pet portrait jewels for pet lovers like them, who appreciated exquisite artwork as much as they loved animals.  

Russell and Judi slowly began building the foundation for their collaborative endeavor and officially launched Little Pet Portraits in the Spring of 2026.

The couple resides in New York’s Hudson Valley with their sweet rescue dogs.