Kimberly Adams Russell

Living in the Light

By wielding jewelry’s rare power to speak volumes, Kimberly Adams Russell guides the next generation into the future. 

In 1922, along with the glamorous rise of the “Roaring Twenties” came Frank Adams Jewelers, a small watch repair shop that today, has evolved into a premier luxury jewelry and timepiece retailer. It is CEO Kimberly Adams Russell’s family legacy. 

Kimberly grew up in the business. In 1990, she officially joined her father, David Adams, at their 58 N. Pearl Street store in downtown Albany, NY, after graduating from Ithaca College with a BA degree in communications. While in college, Kimberly met her husband, Jeff, and the couple married in 1991. In the decade to follow, Kimberly became a mother of three, with compounding responsibilities and failing health. 

In 1995, they moved to their Stuyvesant Plaza store. Seven years later, while the store was undergoing renovations), Kimberly felt physically and mentally exhausted. One morning in 2002, she couldn’t walk, and she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

It was devastating news, but the diagnosis afforded her the opportunity to pro-actively manage her symptoms, which provided some relief, she said. When Kimberly reached out for help, a wonderfully optimistic, supportive group of people encouraged her to get up and get going again. In addition to healing her own life, Kimberly joined the MS advocacy community, lifting up others through her experiences. “There is a light after a diagnosis, and I can help share that,” she said. 

Today, Kimberly enjoys peace, quiet, and being with her Bernadoodle, Bailey. She also practices yoga a couple times a week, to find peace of mind and improve her body’s flexibility at the same time, she said. 

Growing with Grace

As a Malta resident for more than 30 years, Kimberly was excited to open a Frank Adams Jewelers satellite store in Saratoga. 

From 2008-2014, Frank Adams Jewelers, at 18 Division Street in Saratoga Springs, was a successful addition to the family business. “I felt very connected to the community. I met and formed relationships with clients that I still have today,” said Kimberly, “but I like being on the sales floor, waiting on clients, and having a personal relationship with others. I want to be the person out front and that’s difficult to do in two different locations,” she said. 

Whether she was at home or at work, people were saying to her, “I feel like I never see you anymore.” Kimberly felt like she was missing out on what she cherished most – meaningful connections – so something had to give, she said. 

Continuing a Century of Benevolence

Putting all her energy into Frank Adams Jewelers’ legacy culminated with their momentous centennial anniversary in 2022, To celebrate the community that has supported them, Frank Adams Jewelers highlighted 100 Acts of Giving. 

During the event, each team member contributed to something they felt connected to in a collaborative approach that amplified their actions. Today, Frank Adams Jewelers is home to a number of legacy team members that have been with the company for 20-30 years, something that Kimberly said she’s grateful for, but that can sometimes be intimidating for new employees. 

“There’s a lot of banter back and forth, and advice being shared – whether it’s wanted or unwanted. We are each other’s family and support each other through everything. I tell people when they are first joining us that it can take a few years to connect, but it really is a family here, so once you do, you are part of that family and there’s no turning back,” she said. 

Laying a Precious Foundation

In 2024, Frank Adams Jewelers made a monumental move, opening a new, glamourous 7500sq.ft. store at 144 Wolf Road in Colonie. Twice the size of their previous location, this sparkling space features a beautiful coffee bar and a fireplace lounge. 

“Here, we have the freedom to show people a really exceptional experience. This is a destination and a place where they can comfortably stay longer,” said Kimberly, who has passed along the family’s knack for providing superior service to her children. 

When Kimberly’s son, Jeffrey was little, and she brought him to work, it was stressful to watch him kick a ball around the store, Kimberly remembers. She never expected he would embrace the business in the way he has since returning to the store after graduating with an MBA in Business from Quinnipiac University, she said. But, since 2024, Jeffrey has been Frank Adams Jewelers’ COO, and Kimberly’s right-hand man. Her twin girls are now working at the family business, as well, completing sales and assisting with its social media. 

This family’s synergy is evident, even in the everyday jewelry they wear. Kimberly is partial to bold, feminine pieces in yellow gold that carry symbolic significance. She often wears a goddess medallion, and for Mother’s Day last year, Jeffrey gave her a pendent engraved with the word “Maa!!” (something that he often shouts across the showroom when he wants to get her attention). Kimberly and her daughters also all have matching bracelets bearing the phrase, “I Love You, More.” This is jewelry that (despite their own advice to others) they never take off. 

“Here, we have the freedom to show people a really exceptional experience. This is a destination and a place where they can comfortably stay longer,”