Banter by Piercing Pagoda Celebrates Pride with ‘SayGay’ Necklace
All proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.

The Signet Jewelers-owned company is partnering with the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth, on a “SayGAY” nameplate necklace.
The phrase became a rallying cry against “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which refers to bills that have been proposed in several states, and passed in Florida, that prevent schools from including the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity in their curriculum.
“Both Banter by Piercing Pagoda and the It Gets Better Project believe everyone deserves to live authentically, and this necklace is a statement made together to support people on whichever path they choose,” said the company.
Available online for the month of June, the 24-karat gold plated over silver necklace retails for $145 with the entire purchase price, up to $25,000, benefitting the It Gets Better Project.
The two also teamed up last year, with Banter donating $25,000 to the charity.
“Partnering with Banter by Piercing Pagoda for Pride Month for the second year in a row feels right, as this time we were able to team up on a piece of jewelry that encompasses how we feel about the current political climate,” said Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley Jr., associate director of development at IGBP.
“LGBTQ+ youth need supporters and allies who are not afraid to speak, and wear, their feelings freely, and the creation of this ‘SayGAY’ nameplate helps us all celebrate our unique selves this month, and for forever.”
The organization is able to reach millions of young people, it said, via media programming, educational resources, and international affiliates.
It’s found support from big names, including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson and Gabrielle Union.
“At Banter by Piercing Pagoda we’re passionate about inclusivity and self-expression. Offering the SayGAY nameplate necklace further empowers our customers to live and love freely,” said Banter by Piercing Pagoda President Kecia Caffie.
“We’re thrilled to partner with IGBP again and create a product that allows consumers to make a statement and wear their beliefs.”
The company rebranded itself as Banter by Piercing Pagoda in August 2021 after more than 50 years of being known as simply Piercing Pagoda. It is shifting its focus to drawing in more Gen Z and millennial customers.
These customers favor bold expression of their personal styles, said the company, and this necklace is “the brand’s affirmative declaration to merge both style and passion during Pride Month, and year-round.”
The Latest

The jewelry trade show awarded brands and individuals across 14 categories.

Many times, customers walk away without buying because of this one thing salespeople neglect to do, Peter Smith writes.

The donation to a school in Namibia included computer equipment, infrastructure repair and sanitary wear.

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

More than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.


This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

Sponsored by Noam Carver

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.