CollectionsJul 17, 2023
Think Pink With Kendra Scott’s Second Barbie CollectionMajorsAug 23, 2023
Kendra Scott Is Taking a RushTok Favorite on Tour
The brand’s “Elisa” pendant is the star of a college pop-up tour after gaining popularity among potential new sorority members sharing their rush journeys on TikTok.
Kendra Scott kicked off its multi-campus pop-up tour by sharing an augmented reality video showing three oversized “Elisa” pendant necklaces hanging from a dormitory at the University of Texas at Austin.
Austin—With college sorority recruitment season in full swing, hopeful recruits are documenting their journeys on TikTok, a social media phenomenon that’s become known as “RushTok.”
For those unfamiliar with Greek life, the process of seeking to be part of a sorority or fraternity is known as “rushing.” At some colleges, it’s evolved into an ultra-competitive process in which thousands of young women bid for a spot in the sorority of their choice.
Potential new members have been sharing what the process is like via TikTok while also showcasing their OOTDs (outfit of the day) on the popular platform.
Jewelry brand Kendra Scott is an oft-mentioned name in these videos, with its “Elisa” pendant making frequent appearances.
Now, the Austin, Texas-based brand is capitalizing on its popularity among sororities and their Gen Z pledges, announcing the “Hey, Elisa! An Icon Goes on Tour” campaign.
To kick off the multi-campus tour, Kendra Scott shared an augmented reality video via Instagram and TikTok, showing three oversized Elisa pendant necklaces hanging from the Scottish Rite Dormitory at the University of Texas at Austin.
For those unfamiliar with Greek life, the process of seeking to be part of a sorority or fraternity is known as “rushing.” At some colleges, it’s evolved into an ultra-competitive process in which thousands of young women bid for a spot in the sorority of their choice.
Potential new members have been sharing what the process is like via TikTok while also showcasing their OOTDs (outfit of the day) on the popular platform.
Jewelry brand Kendra Scott is an oft-mentioned name in these videos, with its “Elisa” pendant making frequent appearances.
Now, the Austin, Texas-based brand is capitalizing on its popularity among sororities and their Gen Z pledges, announcing the “Hey, Elisa! An Icon Goes on Tour” campaign.
To kick off the multi-campus tour, Kendra Scott shared an augmented reality video via Instagram and TikTok, showing three oversized Elisa pendant necklaces hanging from the Scottish Rite Dormitory at the University of Texas at Austin.
The first stop on the tour will be at: the University of Texas in Austin today, followed by Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Aug. 24; the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Aug. 29; and the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia on Aug. 31; with two additional dates and locations to follow.
“Students and Kendra Scott fans alike should expect an immersive experience that brings the iconic silhouette to life,” said the company.
At the pop-up, guests will have ample interactive selfie opportunities, with props that include a custom-designed concave mirror in the shape of the Elisa silhouette and Elisa characters.
The brand also created a quiz for shoppers to find out which Elisa pendant best fits their personality.
The first 250 pop-up guests to complete the quiz will receive the pendant.
The now-iconic Elisa pendant first was launched as part of Kendra Scott’s 2014 spring collection.
Designed to be a scaled-down version of the brand’s “Danielle” and “Elle” styles, the petite pendant was a hit with customers, becoming the brand’s bestseller in 2015.
The brand estimated that one Elisa pendant is sold every minute. The popular pendant has been seen on celebrities like Taylor Swift, Simone Biles, and Lucy Hale.
There are more than 300 color options, said Kendra Scott, making the piece easily customizable, a draw for younger shoppers.
“The Gen Z consumer is Kendra Scott’s organic growth engine. This generation loves to wear our jewelry for self-expression and the ‘Elisa’ silhouette is one of their favorite ways to express themselves,” said Michelle Peterson, chief marketing officer at Kendra Scott.
“We are thrilled to deliver this iconic favorite in a fresh new way by popping up exactly where they are – on campus!”
As for other giveaways, the company consulted its “Gems,” its Gen Z collegiate ambassadors, about what should be included for guests in their swag bags, settling on reusable tote bags and straws, koozies and stickers.
The pop-ups will also offer free iced beverages from local coffee shops.
In addition, Kendra Scott will donate 250 pieces of jewelry to each campus’ professional closet to help outfit students preparing for interviews and jobs.
While rushing for a college sorority is not new, the phenomenon that has become “#RushTok” got its start in Alabama in the summer of 2021 as colleges began to reopen after lifting COVID-19 restrictions.
The University of Alabama was at the center of the social media sensation, with “#BamaRush” garnering more than 3.3 billion views on TikTok, according to the Los Angeles Times.
#RushTok generated around 1.5 billion.
The phenomenon also got the documentary treatment from HBO’s streaming service Max, which debuted “Bama Rush” earlier this year.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
