Editors

Here’s the Best Nerdy Jewelry from New York Comic Con

EditorsNov 06, 2023

Here’s the Best Nerdy Jewelry from New York Comic Con

From Disney-themed ear stacks to lightsaber earrings, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow shares her favorite jewelry finds from the annual event.

Swarovski Star Wars figurines
In her annual Comic Con story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow rounds up her favorite nerdy jewelry. Swarovski set up shop at Comic Con this year, showing off its Disney and Marvel jewels, as well as these Star Wars figures.
Fall is my favorite season, personally and professionally. From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Scorpio season, there’s a lot of fun to be had this time of year.

For National Jeweler, I write two of my favorite annual stories in the fall: my Halloween jewelry story and this one, my Comic Con nerdy jewelry round-up.

Last month, I made my way back to Comic Con, slowly and through massive crowds, to scope out the best fandom jewelry.

From Disney-inspired ear stacks to Star Wars figures from Swarovski, these are my top picks from this year’s event.

Swarovski

I stopped by Comic Con on Friday the 13th, so I dressed up as a ghost hunter, and by “dressed up,” I mean I put on a “Ghost Files” t-shirt and a pair of ghost earrings I rented from Rocksbox.

The professional and amateur cosplayers alike put me to shame, but it was fun to get into the spirit (pun intended) nonetheless.

As I was maneuvering through the event, I spotted Swarovski at a small table along the outskirts.

At previous Comic Cons, I’ve met a lot of fun, indie jewelry brands, but this was one of the first times I’ve seen a big player here. (I stopped by Citizen’s massive booth in 2019 to see its Marvel watches.)

Swarovski had a few trays of Marvel-themed jewelry on display, including Spider-Man and Black Panther pendants. 

Disney characters, like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, were also accounted for there, alongside some of its non-themed jewels, like crystal studs and pendants.

The booth had something I thought was particularly cool, a sheet of crystal-studded reusable stickers of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, and the Marvel logo. A set of four will cost you $85.

Swarovski crystal Marvel stickers
These reusable Marvel stickers ($85) are covered in Swarovski crystals.

Swarovski also had its classic crystal holiday ornaments on display.

Its figurines, seen at the top of the story, were the real showstoppers, including a number of Star Wars characters like Chewbacca, Yoda, Wicket the Ewok, and the Millennium Falcon.                                                 

These pricey figures will run you up to $650 each, but they’re certainly conversation pieces.

RockLove Jewelry

RockLove Jewelry is a must-see booth for me each year. 

The New York-based company, founded and led by women, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Founder Allison Cimino studied precious metal jewelry craftsmanship, starting her career in the Diamond District before creating her own brand.

If there’s a media property you love, chances are RockLove has jewelry for you. It has licensing deals with Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Magic the Gathering, Studio Ghibli, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.

A standout was the new Disney+ Ahsoka collection, seen below, based on the streaming service’s new series about Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano, played by actress Rosario Dawson.

The crystal lightsaber jewels were also really fun, available as rings, necklaces, and drop earrings in a variety of colors.

There’s nothing wrong with wearing your nerdiness loud and proud, but these are perfect for someone looking to give a subtle nod to their fandom.

 Related stories will be right here … 

What’s Your Passion Jewelry

Another must-stop for me is What’s Your Passion Jewelry.

The company was founded by a brother-sister duo whose family has been in the jewelry industry for more than 40 years.

Avital Kathein, a Florida-based jewelry designer, serves as CEO, while her brother, Ari Kathein, who is a GIA graduate gemologist, is the president.

It’s one of the few booths on the show floor where you’ll find licensed jewelry in sterling silver and plated 14-karat gold.

If you’re like me and spent a solid chunk of your childhood playing Neopets, you’re going to love this brand.

For those unfamiliar with Neopets, it began in late 1999 as an online virtual pet game and expanded into a Neopets universe, which still has an avid group of fans.

As I approached its booth, a woman had just shuffled her way through the crowd to get there, excitedly asking to see what’s new for Neopets this year.

This necklace of Uni, a unicorn-like pet, is 14-karat gold-plated sterling silver set with lab-grown diamonds. It retails for $195 and comes with a free in-game code.

The booth also stocked collectible pins, including ones exclusive to Comic Con.

In addition to Neopets, the company also has licensing deals with Care Bears, The Dragon Prince, Winx Club, and anime streaming platform Crunchyroll.

Girl’s Crew

The Girl’s Crew is one I’d like to be a part of, actually, and I’m not the only one, given how crowded its booth was that afternoon.

Fun is the best descriptor for the Los Angeles-based fashion jewelry company, which has inked some notable collabs, including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Care Bears (I sense a trend!), and Squishmallows.

Squishmallows are the stars of the stuffed animal world, the Beanie Babies of today. They’re just as cute and collectible, too.

If you’re a fan of nerdy things and ear stacks (check and check), then you’ll be right at home here.

The themed ear stack displays, like the Aladdin-themed one below, were well done, showing off the breadth of their offerings as well as fun styling suggestions.

It’s important to have fun.

I’ve gone to Comic Con to see jewelry for a few years now, and it always reminds me of the same idea: jewelry is supposed to be fun.

From retail predictions to sales data, I cover the business side of jewelry. I have a better understanding than the average consumer of everything that goes into making the industry run, and how that is truly serious business.

At the same time, it’s a fun business. That’s part of what has kept many of us in the gem and jewelry industries for decades.

While I know these fun costume pieces likely won’t find a place in a fine jewelry store, they’re worthy of being showcased because they remind us that joy is at the core of jewelry.

Jewelry, from its creation to its presentation, is all about sharing happiness with one another and expressing that love to the world.

In trying times, when every week feels like a month, I hope you find joy, whether in jewelry, in your favorite movies, in fandoms, or whatever floats your boat.

Until next year, live long and prosper!

The Latest

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Gwen Beloti, Lisa Bridge, Eddie Plein, Anna Samsonova
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.

For Future Reference Vintage turquoise necklace
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month

Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

People outside holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF

A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.

Stock photo of diamonds
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.

Grandview Klein Diamond Group Staff
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 Years

The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.

30.101-carat very light pink diamond
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at Bonhams

The Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.

John Willard Craiger mugshot
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida Jeweler

John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a Company

In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.

Glenn Lehrer
SourcingDec 03, 2024
Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71

An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.

Jérôme Lambert and Laurent Perves
WatchesDec 03, 2024
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin Appoint New CEOs

Jérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.

A Neiman’s Fantasy Book and Messika Necklace
MajorsDec 03, 2024
Neiman Marcus’ ‘Fantasy Gifts’ Sparkle In Pavé This Holiday Season

The extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.

Windsor Jewelry storefront Indianapolis
IndependentsDec 02, 2024
Windsor Jewelry Closing After 105 Years

Owners Greg and Lynn Bires are heading into retirement.

Craig Lynch
GradingDec 02, 2024
Jewelry Appraiser Craig Lynch Dies at 70

The industry veteran is remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, his wealth of knowledge and his generosity in sharing it.

Holiday presents
SurveysDec 02, 2024
10-Year Rewind: Comparing 2024 Holiday Shoppers With the Consumers of 2015

PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.

Monique Lhuillier and Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers necklace
Lab-GrownDec 02, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Set Sells for $55K at Charity Auction

Monique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.

De Beers rough diamonds in someone’s hand
Policies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough Diamonds

Botswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.

Gemfields high-quality emeralds
SourcingNov 27, 2024
Gemfields Reports 'Disappointing' High-Quality Emerald Auction Results

The miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy