EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA
Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Bezel-set diamond bands from Tacori’s “Couples” collection. National Jeweler Senior Editor Lenore Fedow recently toured Tacori’s design studio in California.
One of my favorite aspects of my job here at National Jeweler is that I’m always learning something new.
I’ve been an National Jeweler editor for more than six years now (unbelievable!) and I’m not sure I’ve even scratched the surface of all the knowledge the jewelry industry holds.
I’ve learned a lot about retail, marketing, diamonds, and colored gemstones, and met with many designers and brands.
I’ve earned my applied jewelry professional (AJP) certificate from GIA and completed a pearls course offered by the Cultured Pearl Association of America.
Something I didn’t know much about until recently is perhaps the most crucial link in the jewelry supply chain—how the jewelry is made.
I did spend one day as a bench jeweler at the Miami Jewelry School on a press trip with Platinum Guild International in 2024. (My takeaway from that experience was, I am not ready to be a bench jeweler!)
I’ve been an National Jeweler editor for more than six years now (unbelievable!) and I’m not sure I’ve even scratched the surface of all the knowledge the jewelry industry holds.
I’ve learned a lot about retail, marketing, diamonds, and colored gemstones, and met with many designers and brands.
I’ve earned my applied jewelry professional (AJP) certificate from GIA and completed a pearls course offered by the Cultured Pearl Association of America.
Something I didn’t know much about until recently is perhaps the most crucial link in the jewelry supply chain—how the jewelry is made.
I did spend one day as a bench jeweler at the Miami Jewelry School on a press trip with Platinum Guild International in 2024. (My takeaway from that experience was, I am not ready to be a bench jeweler!)
So, when Tacori reached out and asked if I’d like to fly out to Los Angeles for a behind-the-scenes tour of its design studio, I said yes.
My previous “Out & About” story was about my trip to Maryland to see Tacori’s new shop-in-shop experience, so I thought I knew the brand pretty well.
Yet, as I’m constantly discovering, there is always more to learn.
In late April, I arrived at the studio with a handful of fellow journalists. The outside is understandably nondescript but the inside is very Tacori, with its branding and signature blue hue seen throughout the space.
The biggest surprise for me was how many bench jewelers were there, especially given the shortage I’ve so often heard about.
I’m also always curious what people’s offices look like, from the wall art to the personal touches.
Well, another surprise was that CEO Paul Tacorian and Head of Design Nadine Tacorian Azerounian don’t have offices.
While their father, Tacori founder Haig Tacorian, has an office, Paul and Nadine’s desks are out in the open on the work floor. It makes for better communications, they said.
There was a friendly vibe throughout the design studio, which makes sense considering how all these moving parts need to work together throughout this long process.
For the visual learners, I take you through Tacori’s jewelry-making process via an Instagram Reel on the National Jeweler account, which you can watch below.
I’m sure many of our readers already know how this works, but I’d bet there are many of you out there who, like me, will be fascinated by the process.
Nadine led our tour and, as the brand’s head of design, had a lot of insight into the design process, including classics, like the Tacori Crescent, and the new designs that debuted at Couture in June.
The designs travel from the team’s imagination to a CAD sketch, which look incredibly realistic, by the way. Then, using a 3D printer, they create a wax mold.
This is a “tree” of wax molds. Using the lost-wax casting process, the molds are filled with liquid metal. The wax then melts away to reveal the design.
The molds are then filled with liquid metal. The wax melts away and you’re left with your design.
Then comes the polishing, the stone setting, and the finishing touches.
I walked away from my visit with Tacori with two key takeaways.
First, I had no idea how much of this work was done by hand.
When I think of manufacturing, I envision assembly lines and machines spitting out finished products.
Despite all the fancy equipment and expensive machines I saw at Tacori, a lot of work was still done by a bench jeweler.
I can only imagine the training it takes to create these intricate, delicate designs out of metal.
Tacori let us try on a few rings to see the finished product for ourselves. I’m a marquise girl, through and through.
Bringing manufacturing back to America is a hot topic, and so it was interesting to see what that entails and just how many skilled workers we’d need to make that happen.
My second takeaway was how enthusiastic everyone was about their own department.
Paul and Nadine seemed genuinely excited to show us around.
The casting department was ready to explain every step of the process.
The diamond sorters wanted to show us how their machines worked.
The people who set the stones couldn’t wait to explain to us what French pavé is.
I imagine they were eager to share their contributions to the process with us because their work goes unseen and unnoticed by the general public.
People may be familiar with brands and designers, but they don’t think about who’s polishing the metal or setting the stone.
It reminded me of jewelry designer Marla Aaron’s acceptance speech at Gem Awards in 2024, when she thanked the bench jewelers on 47th Street who bring her designs to life.
It’s all nebulous creativity until a craftsperson turns an idea into a tangible piece of jewelry.
The employees at Tacori take a lot of pride in their work and it shows in the final product.
The industry has been having conversations about how to solve the bench jeweler shortage and inspire the next generation to take up the trade, and I hope my bringing awareness to the importance of the work is a small contribution to the cause.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
