MajorsJun 03, 2022
Banter by Piercing Pagoda Names Tierra Whack as Creative DirectorMajorsJun 24, 2022
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.
Banter by Piercing Pagoda collaborated with the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth, on a “SayGAY” nameplate necklace ($145).
Dallas—In time for Pride Month, Banter by Piercing Pagoda announced a new collaboration.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
