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 one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
“My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.
The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.
Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
The online diamond and jewelry marketplace has expanded, introducing a new platform dedicated to colored gemstone trading.
The second annual learning forum for retailers is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City.
Roy Safit took over the role on Jan. 1.
Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.