Banter by Piercing Pagoda Names Tierra Whack as Creative Director
The Grammy-nominated rapper also created a capsule collection alongside designer Malyia McNaughton.

Whack received her first Grammy nomination for her video “Mumbo Jumbo” in 2019 and was named an XXL Freshman as part of a list of the year’s hottest artists compiled by hip hop magazine XXL.
She has been featured on Apple’s “Up Next” program and in Teen Vogue.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Tierra to the Banter family and are energized to share her creative energy and fierce individuality with our customers,” said Kecia Caffie, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda.
“Bringing Tierra onboard will help amplify our ongoing mission of inclusivity. Like our customers, Tierra is a creative visionary who rejects labels and celebrates her own unique identity.”
Whack, known for her creativity and bold lyricism, is a natural fit as the banner looks to appeal to Gen Z and millennial customers.
It rebranded itself as Banter by Piercing Pagoda in August 2021, having been known as Piercing Pagoda for more than 50 years, shifting its focus to helping customers express their individuality through jewelry and piercings.
“As part of the Signet Jewelers portfolio, the brand caters to the Gen Z and millennial customer who expresses themselves boldly through their personal style. Similar to Whack’s mission, the brand’s goal is inclusivity for all people,” said the company.
Whack’s approach to the newly created role, which she will hold for one year, will be documented through a content series, shared via the banner’s social media.
Banter released the series’ first of five episodes Thursday on its YouTube channel.
Her fans have been a source of inspiration, she said, noting how she and her fan base celebrate creativity.
“I’m thrilled to now turn my attention toward creating jewelry that brings all our shared passions to life.”
Whack also teamed up with jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia, a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, to create a capsule collection.
The Tierra Whack collection includes one necklace, two bracelets, seven earrings, five charms, and a ring available in every letter of the alphabet.
Whack chose symbols meaningful to her, including wings and music notes.
The pieces, available in 10-karat and plated gold, range in price from $55 to $1,750.
The collection will be available July 12 at Banter locations and on its website.
The Latest

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.


The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.























