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.

1. Select the Piece of Jewelry You’d Like Us to Create

Little Pet Portraits offers the option of a pendant, pin, or cufflinks in 14K or 18K gold. 14K is available in green, rose, yellow, or white gold and 18K is available in green or yellow gold.

Cufflinks are personalized with your choice of the accent gemstones shown below. Choose from colorless diamond or colored sapphire, which we offer in pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue.

Pendants are personalized with choice of bail. A bail is the part of a necklace that attaches a pendant to a chain and can come in several styles:

• The Soft Round Bezel bail features a 3.8 mm (approximate size) gemstone, available in colorless diamond or sapphire in your choice of color.

• The Lacryma (a stylized teardrop) bail features a 1.3 mm gemstone, also available in colorless diamond or sapphire in your choice of color.

• The Star bail exclusively features a 1 mm colorless diamond.

Pendants are offered with a 1.6mm round cable chain of your preferred chain length: We offer 18 inches with a 2 inch extension to 20 inches,  or 22 inches with a 2 inch extension to 24 inches. We are also able to make a custom length of your choosing.

Pendants may also be ordered as standalone pieces without a chain.

2. Find Images of Your Pet and Share Them with Us

The best poses for your pet’s portrait are a three-quarter view (the natural angle between a direct head-on and a full profile) and the head-on view. If possible, choose a photograph taken at eye level with your pet rather than from above or below to capture their truest expression.

For the finest results, we recommend submitting up to three high-quality digital color photographs of your pet. Ideal images are at least 6 x 4 inches at a resolution of 150–300 dpi.

For additional information, see Image Submission Guidelines.

3. Approve the Pencil Sketch

Once we receive your photos, we will schedule a 15-20 minute call with you to discuss which image you feel best represents your pet. During the call, we’ll ask you some clarifying questions about eye and fur color and unique personality traits. From there, Russell will create a pencil sketch that will serve as the foundation for the hand-painted miniature. In five to seven business days we will email the pencil sketch for feedback and approval and schedule another brief phone call if needed.

4. Approve the Painted Miniature

From the approved pencil sketch, Russell will paint your pet’s portrait. We will email that to you in five to ten business days for feedback and final approval. Once you’ve approved your painting, we will set it in the design you’ve selected. We will then photograph the finished piece, beautifully package it, and send it to you.
 

5. Enjoy Wearing Your Little Pet Portrait

Our favorite part of creating these special pieces is you! We hope you love this bespoke jewel and that it brings you joy for many years to come.

Little Pet Portraits specializes in one-of-a-kind pet portrait jewelry created with traditional techniques that date back to 1520 CE. Handcrafted by award-winning artists Russell Jones and Judi Powers, these bespoke jewels combine portraiture with goldsmithing to create covetable custom heirlooms. 

 Every Little Pet Portrait begins with a miniature artwork, meticulously hand-painted by Russell. When the painting is complete—capturing your dog’s devoted attention, your cat’s regal gaze, or the unique charm of any creature you hold dear—Judi will carefully hand-fabricate a gold setting to transform the portrait into wearable art in the

form of a pendant, pin, or cufflinks. 

The first Little Pet Portrait featured Judi’s own beloved dog, Lulu, and Russell and Judi will approach the honor of capturing your animal companion with just as much tenderness and respect. They also donate a portion of every sale to no-kill shelters to help pets who have not yet found their forever homes. 

 Whether your cherished companion is snuggled by your side or forever in your heart, Russell and Judi will work closely with you to design and handcraft a Little Pet Portrait that reflects their distinctive personality in an artisanal jewel you can treasure forever. 

Georgetown Dish, September 22, 2026

National Jeweler, September 29, 2026