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
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
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.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
